Forestry Contractor (Silviculture)

Tasks & duties

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

• show employees where they are working for the day and explain what they will be doing
• deliver seedlings, spray chemicals and equipment to forestry workers
• make sure seedlings are planted correctly and in the right place
• plan the thinning, pruning and spraying of trees according to the forest owner's plan
• train workers
• analyse forestry blocks to work out the costs of doing a job and how much to charge
• analyse the costs of running vehicles and equipment
• write proposals to forestry owners/managers outlining things such as the costs of pruning
• ensure vehicles and equipment run safely
• ensure workers are using equipment correctly and working to the appropriate health and safety standards
• carry out small business administration tasks

Skills & knowledge

Silviculture forestry contractors need to have:

• an understanding of the forest owner's prescriptions (the specifications required)
• planting, thinning and pruning skills
• knowledge of spraying techniques and how to handle spraying chemicals to control vegetation around trees
• knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) regulations
• knowledge of contracts and basic accounting practices
• up-to-date knowledge of the forestry market and the economy
• knowledge of how to prevent and fight forest fires
• people management and communication skills
• planning and organisational ability

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a silviculture forestry contractor, but experience as a silviculture forestry worker is usually required. You also need to have a driver's licence.

Courses in forestry and forest management are useful, especially for the business management aspects of the job, and national certificates in forestry establishment and silviculture from FITEC (the forestry industry training organisation) are also helpful.

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.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job, and forestry business management courses can be taken through FITEC.

Useful experience

Most silviculture forestry contractors have experience as silviculture forestry workers. Mechanical work or work as a volunteer fire-fighter may also be useful.

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