Forestry Worker (Plantation Planting)

Timber keeps rural towns working, and a forestry contractor near Ermelo is hiring crews. If you like clear targets and knowing where you stand, this is for you.

The site is in Ermelo; early starts mean public transport timing matters, so check your route before applying. Most weeks are 45 hours, in line with the BCEA.

• Fight veld fires with beaters and water packs under a crew leader
• Feed logs into sawmill machines and stack planks
• Plant seedlings in prepared pits at the right spacing
• Sharpen and service chainsaws daily
• Prune lower branches with pruning saws and ladders
• Clear and maintain firebreaks during the dry season

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

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

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

• Mention fire fighting experience, even as a volunteer. Fire protection crews look for it before winter.
• Say you are fit and do not mind remote sites. Many applicants drop out after the first week, so recruiters test commitment.