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Forestry Contractor (Harvesting)

Harvesting forestry contractors employ and supervise one or more harvesting crews.

Tasks & duties

Harvesting forestry contractors may do some or all of the following:

run the day-to-day operations of one or more harvesting crews
hire and employ harvesting forestry workers
tell the harvesting crew(s) where they will be working
ensure that the harvesting crew(s) works safely
ensure work is of a high standard
despatch logs to mills
manage and train staff
write safety reports
fill out reports and deal with any paperwork involved in the business

Skills & knowledge

Harvesting forestry contractors need to have:

knowledge of forestry harvesting processes
forestry harvesting skills such as chainsaw skills and machine operation skills
understanding of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) rules
basic first aid skills
knowledge of contracts and basic accounting practices
good people management and communication skills
good organisational ability

Entry requirements

To become a harvesting forestry contractor you need experience as a harvesting forestry worker. Some employers may require you to have qualifications in forestry harvesting, such as the National Certificate Level 5 in Forestry.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements, but NCEA Level 1 (or equivalent) Maths and English are seen as an advantage by most employers.

Tertiary education

Training in areas such as business studies and staff management is useful. Courses in forestry are available through some universities, polytechnics and the forestry industry training organisation, FITEC.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Courses are available in forestry practices, management, occupational health and safety and other business related subjects. For further information contact FITEC.

Useful experience

Useful experience for harvesting forestry contractors includes forestry work such as logging or silviculture. Most harvesting forestry contractors start out as harvesting forestry workers in a harvesting crew.