Reforestation Job Work Conditions

Reforestation is one of the hardest jobs people love, as well as one of the most important conservation works being done today. Reforestation renews our nation’s forests and enhances the health of the planet. The reforestation process is a vital part of maintaining the health of the forests, and for replacing the trees that we routinely cut down for use in construction and manufacturing.

Every year, the U.S. tries to replace a portion of the trees it cuts down for timber. We’ve learned that we can’t simply clear land and leave it bare. Trees provide homes, shade and nutrients for the animals, birds and other plants that live in the forests.

When the trees are not replaced, the entire forest suffers. That’s why foresters now carefully identify areas and trees for cutting, as well as areas that must be replanted.

Nearly all parks in the nation have some sort of reforestation program. Many of them use some volunteers to carry out parts of the program, but even those programs need paid staff to help head up and carry out the replanting. If the future of the planet is important to you, and you have the physical stamina to do the work, a position in a reforestation program may be a very rewarding job for you.

Did You Know? The average American will use over 7 trees in one year, each and every year of his life. We use trees for paper, wood and other products.

Reforestation Working Conditions

Reforestation work is not easy for everyone to do, but it’s a very rewarding job. Although not all reforestation jobs will be the same because of the different terrains, environments and weather conditions, you can expect to start early, work long days, and get to dig your shovel and hand in the dirt. Because most reforestation work is done during summer months, you’ll often be racing Mother Nature to get everything done before the seasons change again.

Reforestation occurs outside in forested or deforested areas. The work includes the obvious tasks, such as digging holes and planting trees, but there’s more to the job than that. Reforestation also includes pile burners, who collect fallen wood and debris to be burned in controlled fires, and people who collect seeds and plant samples to bring into the nursery for sorting and planting. Some positions involve working in the nursery to start the seeds and samplings that will eventually be planted by the tree planters. In addition, reforestation workers also survey the land for animals and their habitats, trap varmints, net trees and occasionally work on tree repair. The job conditions include working in all sorts of weather.

Did You Know? More than half the world’s timber and more than 70 percent of paper is consumed by just 22% of the world’s populations. Industrialized countries like the United States, Japan and Europe consume 12 times more paper and wood products per person then individuals in non-industrialized countries.

More on Reforestation Jobs

Reforestation jobs are actually pretty easy to land. Usually it’s as easy as applying and then being able and willing to work long, hard hours filled with manual labor. Housing is usually provided for seasonal workers, though it’s often very basic. It will provide more than what you need to survive, though no one will mistake it for luxury accommodations.

Reforestation jobs are paid according to many different scales. While some programs pay an hourly wage, others pay per tree planted or by the amount of seeds collected. While many novice workers make little as they learn, experienced workers can easily earn up to $10,000 in just three months time. Be sure to ask about the pay scale before signing a contract or accepting work.

Quick Summary:

• Reforestation work is labor intensive and hard, but rewarding.
• Getting a job doing reforestation is easy and you can be working this summer if you want.
• You’ll work long hours, and in all sorts of weather, and will often be paid according to the amount of work you complete.