Frequently Asked Questions
Section 1 – Intro
What is Tree Planting?
What kind of planting does Outland offer?
Who plants for Outland?
Is Tree Planting with Outland for me?
How long is the planting season?
Section 2 - Applying to Outland
When do I apply and how does the application process work?
What happens after the interview?
Can I apply for July and August only?
What if I can't stay until the end of the season?
Do I have a say on where I plant?
Can my friend and I work together?
How do I apply to work in Quebec?
Can I apply if I am not a Canadian?
Section 3 - Pre Season Preparation
I have been hired, now what?
What equipment do I need and where can I get it?
What are the equipment costs?
What kind of pre-season training should I be doing?
Is transportation provided to the job?
Section 4 - What to Expect at Planting
Where do planters live?
What kind training do I get?
How am I paid?
How long are the hours and shifts?
Are their any hazards that I should be aware of while at tree planting?
More Questions?
Section 1 – Intro
What is Tree Planting?
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 plants in very remote locations in northern parts of the country. Planters live in bush camps or lodge facilities and commute daily to the planting site.
Who plants for Outland?
Our tree planters are the most interesting group of people you are likely to meet (students, world travelers, 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 more 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 repetitive, physically strenuous, outdoor labour. Having the 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. Working in the bush is 80% hard work and discomfort (rain, bugs, heat etc) and 20% the best experience of your life. Fortunately, the people you meet, the challenges you overcome and the epic days off are the parts you always remember. If you are looking for something more challenging and rewarding than just an ordinary summer job - consider planting.
How long is the planting season?
Due to the short growing season in Northern Canada Ontario planting is confined to May and June. The Alberta and Quebec planting season runs from May to July and to a lesser extent August.
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 mid February so 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.
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. Summer work is 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 May 1st to July 7th. In Alberta you must be able to commit 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 can usually place our employees in the province of their choice and with the planters and/or crew boss that they want to work with. It is recommended for new planters to remain in their resident province to reduce travel costs.
Can my friend and I work together?
If both are hired and we know early enough in the hiring process then it is usually not a problem. We generally try to keep friends together so long as there is space. Everyone is placed into a camp and confirmed by mid-March and changes after that can be difficult.
How do I apply to work in Quebec?
To apply to work in Quebec for the spring applicants must apply with our sister company La Foret de Demain. Please visit their website and fill out an online application. www.foretdedemain.ca/accueil
We will sign up experienced planters from Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta for Quebec work in July and August.
Can I apply if I am not a Canadian?
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 Hiring Package to the office with all necessary paperwork filled out including your contract, tax forms, direct deposit info and Safe Plant training. Next look through the Outland Planter Manual in the crew area of the website for helpful info on pre season preparation and equipment lists: http://www.outland.ca/crewArea.aspx
What equipment do I need and where can I get it?
You will need to 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 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 have to get 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 pre-season training should I be doing?
Tree planting is a highly repetitive and labour intensive job, any training you can do in the pre-season will help you in your success at planting. The pre season training program will guide you through some pre season exercises. http://www.outland.ca/gettingReady.aspx
Is transportation provided to the job?
No, all planters are required to find their own transportation to the meeting town on the date and time specified on their confirmation email. This email will be sent to planters in April to confirm this information. Until then please check with your crew boss to verify your meeting place and tentative meeting time. Planters are also responsible for finding their own transportation home. 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 to the planting sites. Planters live 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.
What kind of training do I get?
All necessary training takes place in camp with your Supervisor when you arrive at planting. 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.
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. 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 most times spent in a nearby town with access to laundry, internet and other essentials.
Are their 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 any problems or injuries. We recommend following the pre season training program on this website, practicing proper ergonomic movements and completing our Safe Plant training modules you will be ready for the season.
http://www.outland.ca/gettingReady.aspx
More Questions?
If you still have questions you can get in touch with us through one of the options below:
Outland – General inquires can be sent to the Outland office
Hiring Manager – Questions regarding applying and the application process may be directed to the Hiring Manager
Once you have been hired…
Your Crew Boss is a great source of information on equipment, pre season prep and project details and will be more than happy to answer any of your questions. If you do not have the contact information for your crew boss please contact the Outland office.
Regional Manager - Questions regarding your contract and division may be directed to your Regional Manager