How to Get a Summer Job in Tree Planting

With the constant need in the world for wood pulp and timber, a tree-planting job is a perfect way to increase our renewable resources and maintain the environment. Your chance to replenish the forests and groves of the earth may not easily be found in your local vicinity. However, with a little effort, you can find many job prospects across Canada and select regions of the United States.

Things You'll Need

• Tools and gear

Instructions

1. Contact the local parks commission or a landscaping company in your area to inquire about summer employment opportunities. Community parks and preservation areas have a need for personnel to perform grounds maintenance and land rejuvenation during the spring and summer.

2. Inquire about available horticulture positions with the personnel department of a reforestation organization in your area or abroad. A number of private reforestation companies based in Canada hire tree planters from spring to fall. In addition to hiring first-year planters, they also have opportunities for cooks and management-level staff members, too.

3. Get a contract job with a reputable tree company. Focus on obtaining a planting assignment in an area that suits your preferences. Working as a tree planter is not for the weak. If you like the outdoors and can withstand sometimes harsh elements, then enter this field. Explore jobs in the southern interior region of British Columbia to work in a bug-free area during the spring.

4. Evaluate a professional position as a tree planter based on the work schedule, pay scale and number of planters on a crew. A company might offer you a selection of shifts and guaranteed time off to get rest and enjoy some recreation.

5. Join an online community for tree planters to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of the job and to connect with the steadfast people who perform this type of work. At Tree-Planter.com you can align yourself with companies hiring workers, investigate the clothing and gear you'll need, and get first-hand information you won't find at ordinary job sites (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• When you work for a tree-planting company for an entire season, expect a camp charge to be deducted from your paycheck. It covers expenses for your shelter, food and transportation to and from the planting site. Find a company that will hold the camp charges until the end of the summer.

• While tree planting for a local park is a relatively straightforward job, working as a forest restoration planter can be quite grueling. During the first two weeks you will learn the proper planting techniques and how to adjust to camp life. Experts say that becoming adept at tree planting takes time and practice, but is worth it for a good, seasonal income performing purpose-driven work.

• You will often be expected to provide your own tools and gear.

Resources

• Tree-Planter.com for jobs, gear and advice