Forest & Conservation Workers

Job description

Under direction and supervision, workers perform controlled burns cutover areas where the timber was harvested to clean up the area/ground for optimal tree planting conditions. Work is performed along electric utility rights of way under transmission and distribution lines in remote forested areas for various electric utility companies and cooperatives in states listed on the wage request. Right of way maintenance jobs involve maintaining private land alongside infrastructure, ensuring visibility and clearing obstructions.

Manual itinerant work mechanically planting tree seedlings, pre-commercial thinning, applying herbicides, pruning, and maintaining boundary lines to reforest and maintain timberlands. Use equipment in planting and thinning trees, spreading or spraying chemicals, preparing sites for planting, or performing other forestry services. Operate a rubber-tired or crawler-type tractor. Lubricate equipment, fuel equipment, adjust equipment, and make emergency repairs to equipment. Select and cut trees according to markings or sizes, types, and grades. Identify diseased or undesirable trees, and remove them, using power saws or hand saws. Spray vegetation with herbicides to reduce competing vegetation. Thin and space trees, using power thinning saws. Mark boundary lines. As a minor activity gather pine straw, pull seedlings from nursery beds, perform prescribed burning tasks under the direction of fire suppression officers or forestry technicians and right of way maintenance to gain access to tracts to plant. Workers who hold or obtain a MSPA certificate with driving authorization may transport workers, count and check, and be offered additional work hours. Drug free workplace. Drug testing may be conducted throughout the employment period at employer's expense. These jobs involve propagating, protecting, and managing forest tracts. The standard work schedule is from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM on Friday. Employer may pay piece rates of $7.00 per acre planted correctly, or the prevailing wage in the area of intended employment, whichever is higher.

Special Requirements

No education or experience required. Must be 18 years or older. Requires physical stamina. Extensive walking over rough terrain. Work is in adverse weather. Must lift and carry 50 lbs. Production standard of 7,500 seedlings mechanically planted per 7.5 hr day after one week of on the job training. Work schedule and locations dependent on weather conditions. Must pass drug screenings. Saturday and Sunday work required, when necessary. Employer may offer more than the stated work hours depending on weather, business needs, and other conditions. Extreme heat, cold, rain, or drought may affect exact working hours.