Chainsaw Operator (Timber Felling) – Entry Level

You'll plant, prune and fell trees for a forestry contractor in the hills near Ermelo. If you like clear targets and knowing where you stand, this is for you.

Home base is a forestry contractor on the Ermelo side of Mpumalanga.

• Fell, debranch and cross-cut trees with a chainsaw
• Sharpen and service chainsaws daily
• Feed logs into sawmill machines and stack planks
• Wear chainsaw chaps, helmets and ear protection at all times
• Plant seedlings in prepared pits at the right spacing
• Fight veld fires with beaters and water packs under a crew leader
• Prune lower branches with pruning saws and ladders

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

• Previous plantation or sawmill experience
• Chainsaw operator certificate
• First-aid training

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

• Say you are fit and do not mind remote sites. Many applicants drop out after the first week, so recruiters test commitment.
• If you have a chainsaw ticket, put it at the top. Certified operators earn more and are hired first.