Forestry Practitioners

Why Choose Brinkman?

Because we know that our employees are entirely responsible for our success, and we act accordingly. As a result, Brinkman has one of the highest return rates among treeplanting companies. At B&A you will find a unique experience that balances a professional work environment with a lot of fun.

More specifically, Brinkman offers:

Experienced & Non-Commissioned Management – We have a breadth of industry experience that is second to none. Our non-commissioned forepersons help create a fair and equitable working environment in terms of allocating land, quality control and ensure time for training.

A Safe and Healthy Work Environment – We stand by our leading Health & Safety Program which guides us in providing a safe, injury-free workplace for everyone. Not an easy task in this business! We prioritize reasonable and smart work hours, safe equipment and drivers, thorough training and a healthy camp environment.

Good Contracts & Great Clients – Our size and our reputation allows us to choose which contracts we want – and which we don’t. Most of our projects are with long term clients who appreciate the level of quality we provide. For our workers this means excellent prices and known projects. We are not in the business of underbidding just to accumulate work.

Lots of Work Available – The size of our company and its range of cross-Canada services means there is lots of work available – planting and otherwise! We can accommodate workers’ schedules, whether they want a 130 day season, or just one short contract.

Direct Deposit - Our full time payroll team makes sure you are paid every two weeks by direct deposit and are always available to answer questions.

top ^

What kinds of jobs do we hire for?

Below is an outline of the positions we hire for regularly. All of these positions involve temporary relocation, typically living in bush camps in remote areas. Locations may vary – check the regional sections for ongoing updates. All positions are only available to workers who are capable of enduring long days of difficult physical labour. For all positions, except cooking, workers are outside all day regardless of the weather.

Tree Planting

This is a piece-work job that involves carrying trees on your hips and planting anywhere from 500 (steep, BC coastal ground) to 3500 (easy, flat Ontario ground) tree seedlings, everyday. Workers are set-up with area and given ongoing guidance from their crewboss (foreperson) as to where to work, what species to plant and to what quality specs. Due to season length and difficulty of planting, our western crews are primarily made up of veteran planters, while our eastern crews tend to have more openings for rookies. On some projects, fertilizer and/or tree protectors may need to be applied at the time of planting.
Requirements: Valid Canadian SIN, good physical health

Cooks

Everyone one of our temporary camps (bush, boat or other) supplies meals to the workers. Crew sizes vary from 15-100, but what doesn’t change is the high quality, exceptional food we provide – and lots of it. Cooking in a Silviculture camp is not easy – the days are long and conditions can be challenging. This is a very rewarding job though and is critical to a camp’s success.
Requirements: FoodSafe certification required. Professional Cooking Experience is essential. Previous experience planting, or cooking in bush camp, is an asset.

Quality Checkers

Most planting crews have at least one person on staff that is dedicated to setting up and recording plots of the work as it is completed. Feedback is given to the crew for any adjustments required, and information is submitted to the client.
Requirements: Good Computer Skills, Silviculture experience, Survey certification is required in some regions.

Field Management

Many opportunities exist for seasoned tree planters who wish to move into a different role. Every year we hire crewbosses (forepersons), tree delivery staff and supervisors to run crews. Contact one of our Regional Managers for more information.
Requirements: Minimum 4 years Tree Planting Experience.

Stand Tending

Years after trees have been planted the plantation requires maintenance to ensure optimal growth. This term encompasses a few different jobs, namely:
Brushing – involves using either manual or power saws to cut back competing vegetation around the planted trees.
Spacing – involves removing selected trees so that there is more room and less competition for the remaining ones.
Girdling – is a technique for competition control that involves using a manual or power tool to cut a ring around a tree’s bark.
Pruning – involves cutting select branches off trees to encourage height growth and minimize disease.
Herbicide Application – involves spraying or using another type of application of products designed to kill off competing species. Certification required.
Tree protector Maintenance/Removal – At the time of planting, various methods of protection might be applied to the tree to keep the deer and other rodents from eating the trees. Years later, these supplies need to be repaired or removed. This job involves snipping and removing the protectors and carrying them to the roadside for further collection.
Requirements: Experience in Stand Tending and/or Silviculture.

Surveys

This type of work performs various types of plots, primarily on existing plantations and provides information accordingly. Typically, there are small crews of 2-8 people.
Requirements: Survey Certification is required in some locations.

First Aid & Safety Representatives

Every crew requires designated First Aid staff and at least one person to complete the administration of the Safety Program. This is typically done in addition to regular field work, planting or otherwise.
Requirements: First Aid certification is required, but varies depending on the jurisdiction.

Hiring Process

How does our Hiring Process Work?

First, gather as much information as you can – use this website and others to know what you are applying for, and where you want to work. Please note that we cannot hire you unless you have a valid Canadian Social Insurance Number.

Next fill in the appropriate version of online application forms provided on this website according to your experience level. Please use our application and do not send in a resume. If you have a particular crew or location where you wish to work, note it on the application.

Application Forms:

Note: We have finished our hiring for inexperienced planters and are accepting applications for a waiting list only. We will only reply to successful applicants. We are still accepting applications from experienced planters and returning planters.

• no previous employment in reforestation (waiting list)
• previous experience with a different company
• returning to work with Brinkman

What happens after I complete the application?

1. You will receive confirmation that your application has been received
2. Applications are forwarded to the appropriate manager depending on your experience level and location request.
3. From November to May you can expect an update from someone within ONE WEEK of applying. Please reapply if you do not hear back within one week – your application may have not been processed. Rare but it happens.
4. Successful applicants can expect a telephone or in-person interview
5. If you have questions, please email them to personnel@brinkman.ca.

top ^

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which province should you apply for if you are an inexperienced planter?

The quality specifications and the terrain are often more difficult the further west you travel in Canada - especially for the first year planter. Basically it is easier to learn how to plant a tree and to get up to speed in Ontario and so we traditionally hire more inexperienced planters to work there. Because of this, we have created a program which efficiently and effectively trains our first year planters and gets them up to speed quickly.
Another note: because we hire more inexperienced planters in Ontario, it is often easier for you to get a job there. But remember, we do work across Canada, and so you can move west if your first year is successful. That said, most Ontario planters choose to stay there year after year. You can make good money wherever you plant.

2. When is the planting season? How long are you expected to work for?

The main planting season across Canada is called the spring season and usually runs from May to the end of June, with regional variations. If you are inexperienced, you minimally must be able to work during both of these months. If you are only available for May and June, you can only apply to work in Ontario. Often there are additional summer contracts in various locations in July and into August.
For people looking for more work throughout the year, the coastal season typically starts in February on the BC coast and runs until April (this work can be extremely difficult and is often restricted to experienced planters). Planters then join the spring planting in the interior of BC, Alberta or Ontario as mentioned above. Work on the coast starts up again later in the summer and runs from mid-august until October.

3. What equipment do you need?

For first year planters, there is a serious investment involved in gathering together everything you will need for the bush and in making your way to the contract. It is not unusual for an inexperienced planter to spend $500-$1000 buying all the necessary equipment. Your best bet is to check out second hand stores and army surplus stores. But don’t be too cheap because you do want the big-ticket items (tent, sleeping bag, boots, shovel and bags) to last more than one season. Remember this is an investment that should last several planting seasons.
You are required to buy planting bags, a planting shovel, and steel toed boots. Depending on the requirements of a contract you may be required to purchase other equipment. In bush camp contracts you will need a tent and sleeping bag.
Note: Do not expect to buy anything once you arrive at the contract. Please bring everything you need with you. More information about this is available including store locations, equipment details etc., but since different projects have different requirements, you should confirm what you need after you are hired!

4. What do I have to sign before I start planting?

Brinkman requires that all planters sign a Planter’s Agreement when they arrive in camp. This outlines our administration practices and employment conditions. It DOES NOT commit you to pay any fines – whether for quality or leaving early or arriving late. We do not hold back any of your pay for any reason.
We also ask you to fill out an employee information form, a medical information form, a provincial tax form, a Canada Tax form and you may fill out an RWA form.

5. Do we fine workers?

Brinkman does not impose quality fines, but we do require that you rework any areas that do not meet our clearly stated quality standards. You are paid for trees planted that meet the quality requirements so it is important to plant the trees correctly the first time.

6. Who pays for relocation?

It is your responsibility to get to, and cover the costs to, the mustering point (the town nearest your contract). From this point, we will pick you up and drive you out to camp. We will often – but not necessarily – transport you between contracts during the season. Please check with your supervisor.

7. What shifts do we work?

On most of our contracts, Brinkman works on a 4 days on and 1 day off schedule. For a number of reasons we find this to be the most efficient for you and for us. Depending on the contract, we will work extra days or longer hours to finish an area of land or a contract. Sometimes a different schedule is required due to logistics or client requirements. You should confirm your schedule with your supervisor ahead of time so you are clear what the expectation is.

8. Can I bring my dog?

We try our best to be welcoming of your dog and many planters do get to bring them along. We recognize that there are many great benefits to having them around – especially in camp. It is not a guarantee though, especially if your contract is based out of a motel or a logging camp. You must confirm with your supervisor that you can bring your dog. The supervisor has many peoples’ interests to look after and therefore makes the decisions on this one. Just because you can bring your dog to one contract doesn’t necessarily mean you can bring it to another one.
If you do bring a dog, please remember, you are responsible for its welfare and for keeping the camp clean. Sociable, self-reliant and quiet dogs work best. A dog that presents a danger to others with aggressive behavior will not be allowed to stay. In addition, if your dog does any damage to Brinkman equipment or vehicles, you will be required to pay for its repair.

9. What health concerns should be considered?

Tree planting is an extremely strenuous job that requires you to be not only in good health but in good physical shape as well. It is also often situated in remote locations far from hospitals, and requires that you work outside in all conditions. In addition to obvious physical requirements like weight bearing, bending and climbing (to name a few!), keep in mind that bee stings and peanuts are some common allergens that might affect your ability to work. Environmental irritants, like extreme dust or smoke, are also possible and might be a problem for people with lung conditions. These are things to consider when deciding on a work location. If you have concerns discuss them with us so we can help.

top ^