Six Ways to Work in the Forest Next Summer

If you plan to find a job this summer and you love to be outside (particularly in the forest), you have come to the right place. Alberta offers forestry positions for high school students, college and university students, and graduates. Some of these positions are already open for application, so now is the time to start your summer job hunt. Below I will outline six summer forest job opportunities.

1. Forestry Student Positions

Description: Positions involve forest management in the fields of planning, operations, and silviculture. Seasonal forestry positions provide forestry students and recent graduates a chance to experience various areas in their field, helping them to plan for their careers.

Qualifications: Enrolled in or recently graduated from a forest management or forest technology program.

When to apply: Many companies begin hiring summer forestry staff as early as October.

More info and how to apply: Check our Job Postings page regularly, particularly in the fall.

2. Alberta Junior Forest Rangers Crew Members

Description:

Junior Forest Rangers (JFR) offers Albertan youth the opportunity to get started in a career related to natural resource management and forestry.

JFR crews are camp or community-based crews. Camp locations are located throughout the province and vary from year to year. Camp crew members stay with their crew 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for seven weeks (except for long weekend in August). The summer experience is challenging, unique, and exciting.

Community crews are made in partnership with Aboriginal communities across Alberta and work Monday – Friday. All crews consist of eight crew members and two crew leaders.

Although each crew has a different experience, you will typically:

• Thin trees in order to reduce the threat of wildfire
• Construct trails
• Plant trees
• Assist with research projects in the area
• Engage in wildfire management scenarios

Qualifications:

• 16 to 18 years of age of as July 1
• A full-time student enrolled in grade 10, 11, or 12 at time of application
• Interested in forestry, wildfire operations, wildlife biology, environmental science, or stewardship
• Involved in community, school athletics, student council, or volunteer services
• In good physical condition
• Available for a seven-day overnight training program, starting in the first weeks of July
• Prepared to live and work in the outdoors for seven weeks

When to apply: Each year applications are open between February 1 and April 1.

For more info and to apply, visit: albertajfr.ca

3. Alberta Junior Forest Rangers, Crew Leaders and Sub Leaders

Description:

Crew Leader

• Supervision and direction of a sub leader and a crew of eight
• Developing and implementing safety standards and procedures
• Designing and supervising a safe, rewarding work and educational program schedule
• Organizing training, evaluations, and addressing any situations with staff
• Promoting team building and the outdoor experience

Crew Sub Leader

• Coordinating camp activities
• Projecting and conducting maintenance and inventory inspections of all equipment
• Assisting with the direction and supervision of all work projects, recreational outings, and general camp situations
• Implementing safety standards and procedures
• Promoting team building and the outdoor experience

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education or relevant career experience
• Full class 5 driver’s licence or provincial equivalent
• Defensive driving certificate
• Standard First Aid and Level C CPR
• Experience with leading and participating in outdoor education

Application deadline: January 30

More info and how to apply: albertajfr.ca

4. Tree Planters

Description: Tree planting is a tough job for only the toughest of people. Tree planters deal with unpleasant weather, incessant insects, blisters, physically exhausting work, and long hours. If you’re not scared away yet, this might be the summer job for you. The perks: tree planters are paid for every tree they plant, making it a great job for people motivated by productivity.

Qualifications: 

• 18 years of age or older
• Physically fit
• Experience doing demanding physical labour

When to apply: January – February

More info and how to apply: tree-planter.com

5. Wildland Fighters

Description: Fighting forest fires is a demanding but rewarding experience, requiring people committed to teamwork, safety, and fitness. Wildland firefighting offers the chance to see different and remote areas of the province and to assist in preserving Alberta’s natural resources.

Qualifications: 

• Good health and physical fitness
• Standard first aid certificate with CPR
• Driver’s license
• Defensive driving certificate
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of intense training program

Deadline to apply: November 30

More info and how to apply: wildfire.alberta.ca

6. Wildfire Management Seasonal Employment

Description: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry offers a variety of seasonal job opportunities to support the management of forest and wildfire resources. Positions range from working on the fireline to supporting wildfire prevention efforts such as lookout observers, wildfire dispatchers, and investigators.

Qualifications: 

• Most positions require candidates to be 18 years of age or older
• Other qualifications vary depending on position

When to apply: Deadlines vary among positions. See link below for details on specific positions.

More info and how to apply: wildfire.alberta.ca

Now it’s time to get applying so you can secure your position in the forest next summer.