EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

Tree Planting involves planting 500 to 3000 seedlings a day, working 10 hours a day in all weather conditions. The season begins in late February on the South Coast of BC and continues through to mid-August in the Interior. At this time, there is a short break, followed by two to three weeks of work on the Coast, usually continuing until late September.

Celtic hires most of the 300 workers we need for the entire season in January and February, and rarely hires "outside workers" once the season has begun. If you are hoping to work through the summer, your best bet is to sign on for the entire season, and start in the spring.

As most of our crews are comprised of mature, multi-season planters, preference will be given to experienced planters who can consistently live up to Celtic’s high quality requirements. However, each year there are some spaces available for rookie planters, and training is provided.

Pay is generally based on how many trees you plant, so a planter who is physically fit and mentally tough can earn an excellent income. All wages are paid in full on a weekly basis. Every planter is expected to supply his/her own equipment .

Possible remuneration: $125.00 to $300.00 per day

SILVICULTURE SURVEYS

Silviculture surveying involves systematically sampling a plantation to get information on the quantity and quality of the crop trees (trees growing for the purpose of harvesting) on the site. This work usually begins in mid to late August, after the planting season in the Interior of BC is finished. It is a great way for planters to extend their season for 2 or 3 months, and possibly through the winter.

Prospective employees should have some field experience as well as silviculture knowledge. Certification in a specific survey type may be required, so Celtic Reforestation provides training opportunities.

Possible remuneration: $125.00 to $200.00 per day

Stand tending is maintaining and treating plantations to improve the growing conditions of crop trees. It involves three main areas:

• spacing: cutting down some trees in order to leave the proper number of trees per hectare, allowing those left to grow more productively
• brushing: removing brush species from around crop trees to improve growth
• pruning: removing the lower limbs of crop trees to promote growth and reduce the chance of disease

This work usually begins in the last half of June (after the spring planting season) and continues for approximately 5 months, or until snow arrives in the fall. Most of the stand tending programs carried out by Celtic are located in the BC Interior, although projects in other areas do happen on occasion.

Employees are required to provide their own equipment as well as supply and maintain their own brush saws (approximate cost $1500.00). Celtic Reforestation will pay for the gas and oil needed to operate the saws. Wages are high enough to compensate for this expense. Training opportunities are available.

Possible remuneration: $200.00 to $300.00 per day

COOKING

Celtic provides high quality camp facilities. Cooks must expect to work long hours under somewhat trying conditions, and be able to produce excellent food for large numbers of people.

Possible remuneration: $200.00 to $300.00 per day (depending on size of crew)

SLASH BURNING

Slash burning involves controlled burning of waste left behind by forest related operations. While slightly less strenuous physically than tree planting, conditions can be less than ideal due to smoke, heat and diesel fumes.

Possible remuneration: $125.00 to $150.00 per day