Tree planting refers to the manual planting of tree seedlings in previously logged areas. The provincial governments, various pulp & paper and lumber companies oversee the planting of over 500 million trees in Canada every year. In most cases, the replanting of clear cuts is contracted out to tree planting companies like Outland.

What kind of planting does Outland offer?

Outland runs large scale planting operations in very remote locations in northern regions of the country. Planters typically live in bush camps and commute daily to the planting site. Tree planting is a pieces work job and planters are paid per tree planted. The tree price will vary based on the terrain and so will the number of trees individuals’ plant. The average experienced Tree Planter will plant over 2000 trees and make over $200 per day. Outland has multiple spring operations in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta all varying in size, tree price, and duration. A typical spring project will have over 3 Million trees and run for approximately 8 weeks.

Who plants for Outland?

Our tree planters are the most interesting group of people you are likely to meet (students, world travellers, artists, athletes). They come back to fund school, their travels across the globe and to see old friends. Planting offers you the chance to earn more money, meet interesting people and experience more challenges than you will ever meet working a desk job. If you succeed at tree planting you can succeed at anything.

Is Tree Planting with Outland for me?

Tree planting is a very repetitive and physically demanding job. Having the physical ability and mental discipline to stay focused on planting tree after tree all day is the most difficult part of the job. Tree planting is definitely not for everyone. The physical demands of the job, hard work and discomfort (rain, bugs, heat etc) make for a tough summer job. Fortunately, the people you meet, the challenges you overcome and the days off are the parts you will always remember. If you are looking for an extremely challenging job that can be very rewarding - consider planting.

How long is the planting season?

Due to the short growing season in Northern Canada the planting season is confined predominantly to May and June. We also have additional summer projects that planters can apply to once they are on a spring project.

Section 2 - Applying to Outland

When do I apply and how does the application process work?

Our hiring begins in January and runs until the beginning of the planting season in May. Many of our crews begin to fill up in March so be sure to apply early. Once you have submitted your online application and we wish to proceed in the hiring process, one of our crew bosses will be in touch with you to set up an interview. Unfortunately due to the high volume of interest in Outland only those that we wish to conduct an interview with will be contacted.

What happens after the interview?

After the interview our office will be in touch with you to let you know if we will be offering you a position for the upcoming season. Please allow 1-2 weeks for the information to be processed from our crew bosses and hiring staff.

Can I apply for July and August only?

Yes, but only if you are an experienced planter. Due to the short planting season, most trees are planted in May and June which makes summer work limited and therefore reserved for experienced planters.

What if I can't stay until the end of the season?

You must be available for the entire length of the spring season. In Ontario this is roughly May 1st to July 7th, Manitoba May 1st to July 15th, Alberta May 7th to August 7th. Our summer work in July and August is open to experienced planters only.

Do I have a say on where I plant?

We will take your preference into consideration but have several factors to weight when placing planters. It is highly recommended for new planters to remain in their resident province to reduce travel costs.

Can my friend and I work together?

If we know early enough in the hiring process and both of you are offered positions on a crew then it is usually not a problem. We generally try to keep friends together so long as there is space. Changes after mid-March can be difficult.

How do I apply to work in Quebec?

To apply to work in Quebec applicants must apply with our sister company La Foret de Demain. Please visit their website and fill out an online application at www.foretdedemain.ca/accueil

Can I apply if I am not a Canadian resident?

Unfortunately, Outland does not assist in obtaining temporary work Visas and preference will be given to Canadian applicants.

Section 3 - Pre Season Preparation

I have been hired, now what?

The first thing you will need to do is make sure you have returned your Planter Induction Package to the office with all necessary paperwork filled out including your contract, tax forms, direct deposit and personal info. Then complete all required pre season training. Be sure to go through the Outland Planter Manual in the crew area of the website for helpful info on pre season preparation and equipment lists. Your login information can be found in your Planter Induction Package.

C rew Area

What equipment do I need and where can I get it?

Double check with your Crew Boss for the specific safety equipment needs of your contract. All planters will need to get their own planting specific gear such as bags and a shovel which can be bought online. Here are some links for your planting equipment needs.

www.workwizer.ca
www.bushpro.ca
www.gearup.ca
www.mec.ca

Most of our work is in remote bush camps and planters are required to bring their own tent and other necessary equipment and clothing for living outdoors in the northern Canadian climate. Please check the Planter Manual for additional equipment lists.

What are the equipment costs?

The initial expenses will vary depending on what you need to get as you may already have some of the camping equipment (tent, water jug, sleeping bag, etc.) and clothing (rain gear, steel toes boots) required. You will also have to get your own planting bags and a shovel (see links above). Other expenses will include your transportation from home at the beginning and end of the season as well as any money you choose to spend on your days off. In total you may be spending upwards of $700-$1000.

What kind of physical pre season training should I be doing?

Tree planting is a highly repetitive and physically demanding job, all planters are required to complete a pre season physical training program to prepare themselves for planting. A pre season training program found in the Crew Area will guide you through the recommended pre season exercises:

C rew Area

What kind of training do I get?

Your must complete all required pre season training modules sent to you from the office in your Planter Induction Package. Hands on training will take place in camp with your Supervisor and Crew Bosses when you arrive at camp. Planters are trained how to plant on the first day on the site. Crew Bosses, planting Mentors and veteran planters help new planters to learn technique and quality expectations.

Is transportation provided to the job?

Most planters are required to find their own transportation to the meeting town on the date and time specified on their Project Information Letter. This information will be sent out in March. Until then please check with your crew boss to verify your tentative meeting place and time. Planters are also responsible for finding their own transportation home after the end of the project. All other transportation throughout the season is taken care of by Outland vehicles.

Section 4 - What to Expect at Planting

Where do planters live?

You will be living in remote bush camps close varying distances from the planting sites. Planters sleep in their own tents with heated communal areas, dry tents and washing facilities provided by the Outland. Outland camps are known to be the best equipped, tightly managed camps in the business.

How am I paid?

Planters are paid per tree, with the tree price varying according to the difficulty of the terrain. Check with your Crew Boss for the tree prices for your job. Daily tree tallies are taken from planters and recorded and paid out to planters on a bi-weekly basis or at the end of the contract. Cash advances are given during the season to planters that are paid out at the end of their contract.

How long are the hours and shifts?

Tree planting can be known for its long work days. You can expect to work 9-10 hours per day not including travel time. Typical shifts are 4-6 days long followed by 1-2 days off depending on the production schedule of the contract. There are no extended breaks within the time frame of the contracts. Days off are spent in a nearby town with access to laundry, internet and other essentials. On days off, planters typically stay in motels. Cost of the motel is not covered by Outland.

Are there any hazards that I should be aware of while at tree planting?

There are some inherent dangers in tree planting but smart workers are able to avoid problems or injuries. We require planters to complete the physical pre season training program in the Crew Area which involves work outs and practicing proper ergonomic movements. New planters are also required to complete our Safe Plant training modules that are prepared through Workplace Safety North. Your login information for to access both training modules will be sent to you in your Planter Induction Package.

More Questions?

Once you have been hired, your Crew Boss is a great source of information on equipment, pre season prep, project details, and will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

If you still have questions you can get in touch with us by:

Email: outland@outalnd.ca

Phone: (416) 483-5152 ext.0

OUTLAND

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Section 1 - An Introduction to Tree Planting

Section 2 - Applying to Outland

Section 3 - Pre Season Preparation

Section 4 - What to Expect at Planting