Forestry Worker

A forestry worker performs manual and semi-skilled tasks in timber harvesting, plantation management, and forest maintenance operations across Australian state and private forests. They operate chainsaws and felling equipment, fell and process trees, maintain forest infrastructure, and assist with reforestation and fire prevention activities under the direction of senior forestry staff or contractors.

Fell trees using chainsaws and hand tools in accordance with Safe Work Australia forestry guidelines and site-specific work plans. Operate felling equipment and rigging gear to direct fallen logs and manage load placement on forestry trucks. Trim branches, remove bark, and cross-cut felled logs to specified lengths using chainsaws and powered saws. Stack and arrange logs by grade and species for transport or storage, ensuring compliance with load-bearing safety standards. Maintain trails, firebreaks, and access roads through clearing vegetation and removing obstacles using hand tools and light machinery. Plant seedlings and perform site preparation tasks in reforestation programmes, including soil conditioning and weed management. Monitor and report hazards such as unstable trees, damaged equipment, and fire risks in accordance with site health and safety protocols. Assist with silvicultural operations including thinning, pruning, and selective harvesting to maintain forest health and productivity.

The standard entry pathway requires a Certificate II or III (ABS skill level 4). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

The injury risk is genuinely high. Chainsaws, heavy machinery, uneven terrain, and felled trees mean serious cuts, crushing injuries, and back damage are real hazards. You'll need a Forestry Safety Certificate and be doing physically demanding work in all weather. Pay is modest and often seasonal or contract-based, so income can be unpredictable.

Jobs are regional, not metro-based. Work is site-based and on-location: remote work does not apply. Employment depends on timber company contracts and government forest management programs.

• Adaptability and Flexibilitycore
• Attention to Detailcore
• Incident Reportingcore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Team Collaborationcore
• Time Management and Prioritisationcore
• Verbal Communicationcore
• Workload Self-Managementcore
• Active Listening
• Adapt to changes in forestry
• Basic Arithmetic and Numerical Accuracy
• Care for the wildlife
• Carry out routine maintenance of wood cutting machinery
• Climb trees
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Goal Setting and Planning
• Inventory Tracking
• Record Management

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026