Forestry jobs in NZ: Your ultimate career guide

Forestry isn't just about swinging a chainsaw anymore. It’s a high-tech, safety-conscious industry that offers a mix of physical work and technical skill. You’ll spend your days in some of the most beautiful parts of Aotearoa, working in a team environment where looking out for your mates is the top priority. 

Plus, with the industry's focus on sustainability and carbon sequestration, you’re helping the planet while you earn. 

There are plenty of ways to get your boots on the ground into forestry. Click the links below to see the latest openings on Trade Me Jobs:

• Silviculture workers: You’ll be involved in planting, pruning, and thinning trees to ensure the forest grows healthy and strong.

• Harvesting crew: These are the people who operate the big machinery (like felling machines and loaders) to harvest the timber safely.

• Log truck drivers: Essential for moving the "green gold" from the forest skids to the ports and sawmills.

• Foresters and Forest Managers: These roles focus on the science and business side; planning harvests, managing budgets, and ensuring environmental regulations are met.

Forestry pays well because the work is skilled and essential. While pay varies by region and experience, here’s what the market is looking like:

• Entry-level / Trainees: Usually start between $60,000 and $75,000 per year. Hourly rates for planting and silviculture often sit between $28 and $35 per hour.

• Experienced Operators: Skilled machine operators or felling specialists can earn between $35 and $45 per hour (roughly $85,000 to $110,000 annually).

• Foresters and Managers: Professional roles typically range from $95,000 to $130,000+, with senior foresters averaging around $103,000.

While you’ll find forests across most of New Zealand, some regions are absolute powerhouses for forestry work. Check out the current listings in these top areas:

• Bay of Plenty: Home to the massive Kaingaroa Forest and a huge processing hub in Rotorua.

• Gisborne: Known for some of the best growing conditions in the world and a very active harvesting sector.

• Hawke’s Bay: A well-established region with plenty of harvesting and transport opportunities.

• Northland: A key region for plantation growth and export out of Northport.

• Nelson / Tasman: A significant forestry hub for the South Island with a high demand for skilled diesel mechanics and operators.

You don’t always need a degree to start, many people get their start through on-the-job training. However, getting a qualification can fast-track your pay and responsibilities. Check out these top providers:

• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology – Offers certificates in Forest Harvesting and Diplomas in Management.

• Te Wānanga o Aotearoa – Provides great foundation skills for those new to the industry.

• University of Canterbury – The go-to for those wanting to pursue a Bachelor of Forestry Science.

• Competenz (Te Pūkenga) – Helps manage apprenticeships and on-the-job unit standards.

• Whitireia & WelTec – Offers various trades and environment-related training that can lead into forestry roles.

Keep an eye out for vacancies from these major players on Trade Me:

• Rayonier Matariki: One of the largest forest owners in the country.

• Pan Pac Forest Products: A major employer in the Hawke’s Bay for both harvesting and processing.

• OneFortyOne: A key player in the Nelson and Tasman regions.

• Forest360: A large independent forest management company with roles across the North Island.

• Treescape: Great for those interested in arboriculture and green asset management.