How to become a silviculture and forestry worker
Official title: Silviculture and forestry workers
Also called: Forestry worker, Lookout - forestry, Silviculture worker, Forestry crew worker, Forestry crewman/woman, Tree pruner - forestry, Tree spacer - forestry, Brush cutter - forestry, Forestry worker - logging, Pieceworker - silviculture, Forestry conservation worker, Fire crewman/woman - forestry
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Ways in
- Licence or registration: A chemicals application licence is required. A silvicultural worker's licence may be required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $48,750 a year The middle half earn $42,900 to $56,550.
- About 3,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 3,500 are projected by 2033. (+16.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of surplus.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a silviculture and forestry worker?
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.
How much does a silviculture and forestry worker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $48,750 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $42,900 to $56,550.
Is a silviculture and forestry worker a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2033, from about 3,000 to about 3,500 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a silviculture and forestry worker?
Usually not. Only 12% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03