Update

Haven't updated the blog in while. Well, not too much time to post about planting when you are preparing for the upcoming season, but are not planting yet.

According to my stats, there's still a bunch of people looking for a planting job. Reality check: It's too late.

I'm off to Edmonton for pre-season work in a few days. More on that later.

And just before I go, here's another planting video from a fast planter's perspective. The planter is Milo McMahon, a Manitoba planter that was featured in the Ed's Up episode about tree-planting.

The soundtrack has been deactivated...possessive music giants do that.

Planting in Nova Scotia

According to the website's stats, I've noticed there's a few blog visitors looking for info on planting trees in the Maritimes.

There isn't much info easily available on the subject, and even tree planting website have very few things to offer.

I don't have much either, but since I stumbled on a few forestry companies' websites that hires tree planters in Nova Scotia, I thought I'd share the links:

Scott and Stewart Forestry Consultants hires for the Antigonish region.

There's also Coastal Trilling Reforestation, featured in the sidebar links, operating out of Halifax.

That's all I found for now, I'll try to dig further within the next days.

Coastal Planting

Given the number of people than lands here searching for Coastal work or info, and the fact that I don't know shit about it, except that it's a fairly exclusive club, I'd like to redirect you to this replant.ca thread on the subject.

Good luck!

Will Update Soon

Haven't had time to write stuff on the planting blog. It's the post-planting season and it is the time of the year when I don't miss nor want to talk about treeplanting much.

I will post stories and pictures about my 2008 season, but I guess I should send some info to my treeplanting company so they could pay me my non-production day hours before I actually undergo less productive endeavours.

Not working, at all, feels great though.

Potential planters, start getting as much info on the job as possible, you'll need to start applying in December. Jobs will only get rarer if the industry remains the way it is, which is a rather optimistic assessment.

To the fellow planters, enjoy the post-season, travels and school. Will post soon and start missing planting around mid-December if the previous years are any indication.

Cheers.

Slowly Awakening...

While some places on the Pacific Coast, in British-Columbia, are starting their season, for most tree-planters, this period means the first crew emails about contracts and camp information, what to expect for the rookies and a few online forms to fill.

For others, like me, it means updating all my management training, sending driving records and various licences and certification. Getting in touch with regional managers and camp supervisors, getting details on how contract negotiations are going, what to expect as far as camp management will be concerned.

All are slowly waking up to face the upcoming shitstorm. Getting a few hints of what's to come, and getting ready to make it worth the personal investment. Time to get slowly back in shape, time to get more information on what we signed up for. Slowly at first, then more and more time will be spent on the matter.

For others, finally, they are starting to look for a job. There's still openings, but most are hiring veterans only. If you'd still like to try your luck, the best place is probably Scooter's job market at replant.ca's forums.

As for me, been busy, but I do start to smell the dust, bug repellent, diesel, mud, forest, cook shack and sweat that will be part of my next season in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Looking for a Tree-Planting Job?

*** UPDATED FOR THE 2009 SEASON ***

You are looking for a treeplanting job this season? Are you experienced?

Sadly, if you're not, it's not the best time to get in, as the future of the industry is looking grim.

If you're looking for a Coastal job, be sure to check this post.

It's still possible to get a job, but due to the forestry industry's problems, many reforestation companies are diminishing their operations due to less contracts, bidding lower on the contracts they won or they'll simply plainly fold for the upcoming season. Therefore, there's more experienced planters to be hired for less interesting jobs and potential first time planters have to look more and accept less interesting offers in order to secure a job.

If they'll hire rookies at all, most companies will accept references from their current planters, so contacts are the key. This is especially valid on the Coast in British-Columbia, but it spreads elsewhere. Ontario might be your best chance.

It's doesn't mean you have to abandon if you're really motivated to get in, just that you'll have to knock at a lot of doors, and very often at the same ones!

If you apply on a website or by email, your application form might be queued while they are sorting and filling their last positions, so it will be important to remind them often that you're interested..

I'd suggest hitting replant.ca's job-market message board, as there is many foremen/crewbosses looking to fill some spots in their crews, as well as some companies hiring (by posting their job offerings there, they have better chances to hire veterans). Most are looking for experienced planters, but I've seen many messages open to rookies or not specifying. You could also try the featured companies section on tree-planter.com, but the chances of securing a job are less likely as most company info refers to their websites and/or their normal hiring process.

There is chances that any currently available positions will go to returning vets who didn't yet decide whether to go back to the bush or not. Your only chance would be as a replacement for any last-minute withdrawal, and in order to secure such a job, you will need to get on the waiting lists and show your determination by constantly reminding any potential employers and hirers that:

1) You exist.
2) You would be the best choice for the job.
3) You need money and it is your sole motivation, but you can deal with the lifestyle and the hard work.

Also, accept that nothing you have ever done will prepare for a treeplanting job, even what seems to be a similar experience (sports, landscaping, outdoors activities and jobs, the military), but don't let it stop you from stating such experiences.

As for the companies' reputation, I'd suggest doing a little investigation. Canadiantreeplanting.com used to be the best site for this kind of info, but it's been down for quite a while and it seems doubtful it will ever be back in full force. You might try the company forum on replant.ca and ask around (cross your fingers).

For additional info about getting hired, you might need to look at this tip page and/or this McGill University handout. Websites such as Hardcore Treeplanters and Treeplanting Online are also very good resources for general information about the job.

As said before, take your chance if you're a rookie, but expect to be on a waiting list and don't stop there, knock on every door!

Hurry up, get your shit together and good luck!

The worst reasons for wanting to be a tree planter

Here's a few classical interview answers given by people who were NOT HIRED to plant trees, as seen on tree-planter.com. Enjoy and/or take notes!

Crazy Interview Question Answers

These are actual interview responses to that all important question, "Why do you want to go treeplanting?" Some of these are truly unbelievable! Needless to say, they likely did not get hired.

"I want to have the tree planting experience."
"I think it would be fun."
"I want to meet new people."
"I want to try it out and see if I like it."
"I like camping."
"I'm majoring in Forestry."
"I'm not going to make money, I'm going to fulfill some personal goals."
"I've never been to Northern Alberta/B.C."
"My girlfriend/boyfriend is going."
"I want to get out of Leduc."
"I want to save the environment."
"I want to break even and lose 10 pounds."

Sure, there are lots of great aspects to tree planting and the lifestyle that goes along with it, but if you are not prepared to thrive through the intense challenges of the job, you are going to hate treeplanting. Make sure you are going for the right reasons!

What are the Right Reasons?

"I need to make money for ____________". Now that one just might drive you to put an extra box or two in the ground each day. Or it could help you pick your butt up off the log at the cache when the weather gets crappy. Planters with a strong need or visualized dream are more likely to be consistent and hard working planters.

"I am very competitive and I have a strong desire to be one of the best in a tough industry where physical input and mental stamina will prevail." A good reason. I'd still like to see the need for cash.

There's a lot more of those gems at both the tree-planter.com website and the replant.ca message board (Links available in the sidebar)