Planting trees is not as simple as it sounds. It starts with the collection of seeds, which are planted and looked after in a nursery.
When a tree grows to the right size it is planted in a forest. It is then tended and managed, before being harvested when ready.
This is what the Forest Growing and Management sector is all about.
What activities are there?
At each step of the way there are interesting jobs to be done. Most are hands-on and outdoors, and require Certificate II or III qualification (combining on- and off-the-job training). These include:
Collecting and propagating seeds
Pruning and fertilising trees
Controlling weeds and pests
Measuring tree growth
Planning planting cycles
Planning fire reduction programs
Assisting with timber harvesting planning
Managing forest development
The industry is very supportive of people who want to better their skills and keep learning. There are many types of jobs, so you can really make a career of it.
Who are the employers?
The main employers are:
State-owned organisations
Companies linked to sawmilling or pulp and paper operations
Plantation management companies.
Did you know?
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the tallest tree ever found was in Australia.
In 1885, a eucalyptus at Watts River, Victoria, was estimated at over 150 metres.
The tallest tree today is in California, but it's only 112 metres tall.
To read about careers & jobs in the other sectors of this industry click on the articles below:
From baking bread to planting trees … “You wouldn’t believe it, but I actually trained as a baker before I switched to the forest industry”, says Kevin Short. “But I decided I wanted to do something more outdoors - and with better hours!”
Kevin is now a Forest Officer with... more »
