Some jobs, such as forestry and specialised equipment operations, require a specific qualification, however there are many professional, trade and skilled roles that require the same qualifications as other industries.
For example; accountancy, HR, OH&S, electricians, fitters and turners, forklift operators, truck drivers etc. You can find more information on training and education within the GrowingCareers case studies and at forestworks.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions and answers about careers in the Australian forest and wood products industry. If you don’t find the information you’re looking for here, please check the Related Websites page which lists websites with more industry information or email us your question.
General Questions
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Do forest and wood products jobs require any special training or qualifications?
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I live in a major city, so can I still work in this industry?
Yes. There are many industry jobs in wholesaling, retailing, sales, marketing, manufacturing, management, research and more based in Australian cities and large regional centres.
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I’d like to work in forest and wood products industry, so where can I get the training or skills I need?
That depends on the job you want to do. Have a look at the roles listed on this GrowingCareers site and you’ll see that some of them require specialist training (e.g. a degree or a trade) while others need more general skills.
Many employers in the forest and wood products industry are happy to help you increase your skills on the job – often with a mix of onsite and offsite training. -
I’m female and this seems like a very blokey industry – do they welcome women?
Traditionally, employment in the forest and wood products industry, like many industries, was very male dominated. Today, women are finding more and more roles at every level. There are some typical examples in the job descriptions on this GrowingCareers site.
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I’ve found a job description or some jobs I am interested in on this site – what do I do next?
Depending on the job you could do one or more of the following steps:
- Investigate study or training required for the role,
- Contact potential employers directly (check out the employer profile section of this GrowingCareers website) or
- Search employment sites such as seek.com.au, mycareer.com.au and careerone.com.au to see if there are any vacancies.
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I’ve heard that forestry is harming our environment, is it true?
In Australia, forestry management is subject to strict controls and conditions to ensure that it is a source of sustainably produced wood. The Australian Government and timber importers are also committed to ensuring that wood and wood products from overseas are sustainably or legally sourced. For more information, visit the Environment section of this website.
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People say that working in forestry is dangerous, is it?
Many years ago before most industries placed a high emphasis on occupational health and safety (OH&S) and the use of modern machinery, some jobs in forestry – like many other industries – had an unacceptably high accident rate.
Today, the industry has a focus of safe work practices and an excellent safety record. -
Some of these jobs are in the country – do employers provide accommodation?
Generally speaking employers do not provide accommodation. However, depending on the job and the employer, you may be able to negotiate a relocation allowance if you have to move to start the job.
It’s worth remembering that country rents and property prices are usually lower than those in the cities too. -
Surely cutting down trees is bad – why don’t we use other building materials?
Wood is one of the few sustainable building materials. By that, we mean that we can harvest a tree, use the wood and plant another one, which will provide more wood and so on. Most other building materials rely on using up finite resources that are not renewable. For more information, check the Environment section of this website.
Internships and Uni Jobs
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How do I apply for a summer job listed on this site?
You need to apply to the organisation offering each summer job. You’ll find contact details with each job listing. They will handle the application and recruitment process.
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I’m a student – are there summer jobs or internships available?
Yes there are - but only leading up to the summer break. Sign up for the GrowingCareers newsletter and we’ll keep you up to date with opportunities as they arise.
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What is expected of me in the summer job?
Every job is different. The job descriptions usually have broad information about what the job entails. If you need to know more, you should contact the employer directly.
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When will I find out if I’ve got the job?
The organisation that you have applied to manages the application and recruitment process and will be in touch regarding your success. The employer is your point of contact, so you should communicate with them if you have any questions about your application.
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Will I be paid?
All summer jobs are paid, however wages vary. Internships may have a difference arrangement. Check the job descriptions for details.
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Will I need to pay for transport to get to my summer job?
Yes, in most cases you will be required to organise your own transport to and from the job.
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Will I need to work through Christmas and New Year?
Although some organisations may shut down during the period between Christmas and New Year, there are also jobs such as fire fighting that may require staff to be on hand. You’ll need to ask the employer directly to find out what their organisation does.
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Will accommodation be provided?
Some positions provide accommodation or the employer may be able to help you find some. Check the job description or contact the employer directly if it’s unclear, or if you’d like more information.
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