National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2011

• 8 - Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations
• 84 - Workers in natural resources, agriculture and related production
• 842 - Logging and forestry workers

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.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • clearing saw operator - forestry
  • forest firefighter
  • forestry crew worker
  • pieceworker - silviculture
  • scarification equipment operator - forestry
  • silviculture worker
  • thinning saw operator

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Arborists (See 2225 Landscape and horticulture technicians and specialists)
  • Chain saw and skidder operators (8421)
  • Forest nursery workers (See 8432 Nursery and greenhouse workers)
  • Forestry professionals (2122)
  • Forestry technologists and technicians (2223)
  • Logging and forestry labourers (8616)
  • Supervisors, logging and forestry (8211)

• Main duties

  Silviculture and forestry workers perform 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

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