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NOC 2016 Version 1.3

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8422 – Silviculture and forestry workers

Silviculture and forestry workers perform a variety of duties related to reforestation and to the management, improvement and conservation of forest lands. They are employed by logging companies, contractors and government services.

Profile

Example titles

  • Clearing saw operator - forestry
  • Forest firefighter
  • Forestry crew worker
  • Pieceworker - silviculture
  • Scarification equipment operator - forestry
  • Silviculture worker
  • Thinning saw operator

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
  • Assess site, select seedlings and plant trees using manual planting tools in reforestation areas
  • Operate power thinning saw to thin and space trees in reforestation areas
  • Operate chain saw to thin young forest stands
  • Control weeds and undergrowth in regenerating forest stands using manual tools and chemicals
  • Complete firefighting reports and maintain firefighting equipment
  • Dig trenches, cut trees, pump water on burning areas to fight forest fires under direction of fire suppression officer or forestry technician
  • Operate and maintain a skidder, bulldozer or other prime mover to pull a variety of scarification or site preparation equipment over areas to be regenerated
  • Perform other silviculture duties such as collecting seed cones, pruning trees, assisting in planting surveys and marking trees for subsequent operations.

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school may be required.
  • Completion of a college or other specialized program for silviculture workers or forestry crew workers may be required.
  • Formal training in power saw operation and maintenance and several months of on-the-job training are usually provided.
  • Experience as a logging and forestry labourer may be required.
  • A chemicals application licence is required.
  • Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certificates may be required.
  • A silvicultural worker's licence may be required.

Additional information

  • Progression to forestry technician or technologist is possible with additional education and training.
  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
  • There is some mobility among jobs in this unit group.

Exclusions

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
8 – Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations
Skill level
C – Occupations usually require secondary school and/or occupation-specific training.
Major group
84 – Workers in natural resources, agriculture and related production
Minor group
842 – Logging and forestry workers
Associated Career Handbook profiles
8422.0 – Silviculture and forestry workers
Version
NOC 2016 Version 1.3
Date modified: