Timber Loader and Stacker – Permanent

Winter fire season is near, and a pine plantation near Ermelo needs crews ready. If you learn fast and don't mind being shown things twice, you'll settle in within a few weeks.

You'll be based at a pine plantation in Ermelo. Living nearby, or on a taxi route to it, really helps. There's a probation period of three months before the contract is confirmed.

• Prune lower branches with pruning saws and ladders
• Plant seedlings in prepared pits at the right spacing
• Fell, debranch and cross-cut trees with a chainsaw
• Feed logs into sawmill machines and stack planks
• Clear and maintain firebreaks during the dry season
• Stack logs by length for loading onto trucks
• Apply herbicide around young trees as instructed

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

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

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