FINDING A JOB IN FORESTRY
WHERE TO LOOK

The pathway into a forest industry career will vary depending on where you are starting from and where you want to go.

SCHOOL LEAVERS OR PEOPLE WITH FOUNDATION SKILLS

Suggestions for finding a job in the forest industry include:

• Ask around – use your family and friends to find people already working in the industry, and talk to them about possible employment opportunities.
• Your school careers adviser and/or Gateway coordinator should be able to give you some contacts and may be able to organise work experience.
• Approach employers directly - especially if you already have some experience and can show you are willing to learn. Many NZ employers in all sectors of the forest industry are short of staff at the moment. 
• Take a training course - this has two advantages: (i) you will increase your attractiveness to employers, and (ii) training providers often have excellent contacts with local forestry employers, and may well be able to help you find a suitable job. Many training courses are also 'fees-free'. See our Training pages for ideas. 
• Check out job-search websites such as Trade Me, Seek and Indeed.
• Regional wood councils are another good link between you and the forest industry. There are eight regional Wood Councils in New Zealand – contact them here.
• Volunteer:  if are you interested in work with an environmental/conservation element, you can gain valuable experience by volunteering for a local conservation or pest control project. 

ALREADY IN TERTIARY EDUCATION, TRAINING OR IN THE INDUSTRY

More ideas to help with job-hunting include:

• Sign up to Friday Offcuts the best source of adverts for professional forestry jobs in the industry
• Connect with Future Foresters, a group of young NZ forestry professionals
• Join the NZ Institute of Forestry and get to know people who could potentially help you find a job.