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Forestry and related workers

Forestry workers plant, manage and harvest trees and look after woodlands and forests. It is physical outdoor work that suits hardy, practical people who love being outside, don't mind hard graft and care about the natural environment.

Forestry and related workers

15

Environment & Land

AI IMPACT
AI USED FOR15%moving to60%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAYnot published
MOAT NOT YET CLASSIFIEDA real score, but the moat is not yet classified. No claim either way.

THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years

AI is used for very little of this work today
Hands-on work, caring for people and dealing with the real world are among the hardest things to automate, and this job leans on them. We have not yet formally classified its moat, so we make no claim either way, but the exposure score speaks for itself.

The role

The work includes planting young trees, clearing and thinning woodland, felling and processing timber, controlling pests and weeds, and maintaining paths and fences. Physical fitness, an awareness of safety around heavy and dangerous equipment, and a willingness to work in all weathers matter, since this can be tough and hazardous work.

Hours are often long and seasonal, the work is remote and weather-dependent, and pay commonly starts around the minimum or skilled-trade rate depending on the task. It is demanding on the body, but rewarding for people who want to work outdoors and look after the land.

Many workers start with no formal qualifications and learn on the job, while forestry apprenticeships and college courses help. Chainsaw and other tickets and certificates are legally needed for certain machinery, and a CSCS card and driving licence are often required.

Daily responsibilities

  • Plant and protect young trees
  • Thin, prune and clear woodland
  • Fell and process timber safely
  • Operate chainsaws and machinery with the right tickets
  • Control pests, weeds and disease
  • Maintain paths, fences and access
  • Follow strict safety procedures