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Field Crew
Employment Activities and Options
The fuels‑reduction crew performs brushing, piling, and pre‑commercial thinning throughout the spring, summer, and fall field seasons. Work typically begins in the early morning and continues until temperatures become too hot. Standard shifts run approximately 10 hours per day.
Core duties include the safe operation of chainsaws and brush saws to remove brush, shrubs, and pole‑sized trees. This work requires safe tool handling, and steady production. Employees physically move cut material and consolidate it into organized piles as part of the fuels‑reduction process. Treatments focus on reducing ladder fuels and lowering excessive stand density to support healthier forest conditions.
Reforestation
Fuels Reduction
The reforestation crew performs high‑quality planting of native conifer and shrub species during the spring and fall planting seasons. Work typically occurs in early mornings and continues until temperatures become too hot. Standard shifts running approximately 10 hours per day for several weeks depending on weather, site conditions, and project location.
Core duties include precision planting with a proper balance of quality and quantity production - this requires attention to microsite quality, spacing and depth. Employees also install auxiliary treatments associated with reforestation - including shade cards for moisture retention, animal‑damage protection devices, and brush blankets to reduce vegetation competition.
Pinecone Collection
Pinecone collection occurs at the very end of summer—typically 1–3 weeks in late August through early September. This work involves both tree climbers and ground support. Climbers are responsible for ascending trees, collecting cones, and managing their own climbing systems while maintaining professional safety standards. Groundies support the climber by managing ropes and gear, assisting with cone handling, and helping maintain an efficient workflow on the ground. Some projects may require the crew to spike out and live in the field for the duration of the harvest. Basic spike‑camp accommodations—tents, camp cooking capability, and water—are provided.
Individuals may work as independent subcontractors rather than hourly crew. Subcontractors earn equal‑share pay and must carry personal liability insurance and provide proof of either formal climbing certification or documented climbing experience. Subcontractor pay averages $200 per tree climbed, plus additional compensation per bushel harvested.
Apprentices/ groundies earn the standard crew rate.
Seventh Sister LLC employs minors ages 16 and up for seasonal field work. Youth employees may perform tree planting, native shrub planting, brush piling, and general labor tasks, but they are not permitted to operate chainsaws, brush saws, or any cutting equipment, nor participate in tree‑climbing or saw‑related activities until they reach age 18.
Higher pay rates are tied to a balanced combination of quantity and quality work requirements. Basic crew member rates are $16 - $23 per hour depending on how a crew member meets these requirements. Crew lead positions offer $25 per hour but require the leader to uphold the highest of standards and to have had time served as a crew member.
Applicants must be able to work safely in remote forest environments, lift and carry up to 40 lbs. and perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods. Foundational experience in forestry, agriculture, or outdoor labor is helpful but not required; training is provided. Crew members don’t need to show up as marathon athletes—coming in reasonably fit is enough, and most people naturally build the strength and endurance needed during the season as they work.
Basic PPE—including hard hats, ear eye and hand protection, and chaps for cutting tasks—is provided, but crew members are responsible for bringing any advanced personal protective gear they prefer, along with appropriate forestry clothing, sturdy footwear, and enough water and food to safely sustain a full workday.
Crew members are to arrive at van pickup location with punctuality, and the ability to follow detailed instructions. The crew must maintain professionalism and work safely precautions at all times.