Chainsaw Operator (Timber Felling)

Hard, outdoor work on an eucalyptus plantation near East London, with training on chainsaws and fire safety. It suits someone who likes knowing exactly what a good day's work looks like.

This post is in East London (Eastern Cape). Please only apply if you can travel there daily. There's a probation period of three months before the contract is confirmed.

• Prune lower branches with pruning saws and ladders
• Wear chainsaw chaps, helmets and ear protection at all times
• Clear and maintain firebreaks during the dry season
• Fight veld fires with beaters and water packs under a crew leader
• Plant seedlings in prepared pits at the right spacing
• Apply herbicide around young trees as instructed
• Sharpen and service chainsaws daily

• Passes the medical check for fire crews
• Able to work in a crew and follow the crew leader
• Follows safety rules strictly around machines and fires
• Valid ID

• Previous plantation or sawmill experience
• First-aid training
• Fire fighting training

• Crew transport to plantations
• Full safety gear provided
• Chainsaw and fire training at no cost
• Fire-season standby allowance

• Mention fire fighting experience, even as a volunteer. Fire protection crews look for it before winter.
• If you have a chainsaw ticket, put it at the top. Certified operators earn more and are hired first.