Tree planting and brushing crew

Forest companies and licence holders, larger contractors who sub-contract work, woodlot owners and some First Nations or community forests.

Paid per tree planted or per hectare treated under a contract, so earnings depend on crew speed, terrain and how well you price your bids.

• Physical fitness and stamina
• Crew leadership and organizing
• Bidding and costing work
• Safe work in remote areas

• Workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) coverage is usually needed once you hire, check your province's rules
• Many contracts are tendered, so check prequalification, safety program and insurance requirements
• Strong seasonality: income is concentrated in spring, summer and fall, so plan cash flow for winter
• Remote camps and travel add costs and safety risks, so check first aid and communication requirements
• Rules differ by province and between Crown and private land, so check with your provincial forestry ministry

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your equipment, insurance and how you set up your crew. Remote camps and travel can add costs, so factor those in.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your contracts and crew size. Income is concentrated in spring, summer and fall, so plan your cash flow for winter.

Check your province's workers' compensation (WCB/WSIB) rules once you hire, and the prequalification, safety program and insurance requirements for tendered contracts. Rules differ by province and between Crown and private land, so check with your provincial forestry ministry. Also check first aid and communication requirements for remote work.