Description
Under supervision, plant and establish trees on reforestation, restoration, and urban sites. Prepare microsites, handle and transport seedlings, and plant to specified stocking, spacing, and depth. Protect seedlings with shelters or mulch, control competing vegetation as directed, and keep accurate tallies and maps. Work safely in varied terrain and weather while maintaining equipment and seedling quality from storage to outplanting.
- • Inspect and prepare planting tools, PPE, and supplies to ensure proper operation.
- • Review planting specifications, safety plans, and daily targets with crew leaders and coworkers.
- • Prepare microsites by clearing sod or debris and scarifying soil as directed.
- • Select, sort, and cull seedlings; keep roots protected, cool, and hydrated.
- • Transport and stage bareroot or container seedlings from caches to planting lines.
- • Plant seedlings at required spacing, depth, and orientation using bars, shovels, or augers.
- • Firm soil around roots and install shelters, stakes, or mulch mats to protect seedlings.
- • Apply mulch or spot-spray herbicides to control competing vegetation as directed.
- • Mark planted rows, plots, and boundaries with flags or stakes for visibility and quality checks.
- • Record tallies, species, lot numbers, and GPS locations using tally sheets or mobile apps.
- • Conduct quality checks and correct planting deficiencies; perform fill-planting as needed.
- • Load, unload, and maintain planting bags, tools, and cache areas; dispose of cull stock properly.
- • Operate ATVs or UTVs and hike to access sites, following safe operating practices.
- • Follow environmental, cultural resource, and wildlife protection requirements; report hazards.
- • Communicate site issues, supply needs, or safety concerns to supervisors promptly.
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Agriculture
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
