Tree Seedling Nursery Worker
Tree Seedling Nursery Workers help raise the future of BC’s forests — literally. You’ll work in controlled outdoor or greenhouse environments to cultivate healthy, hardy seedlings for reforestation. This role blends physical work with care, consistency, and attention to detail. It’s a great fit for people who take pride in helping something grow from the ground up.
Entry-level
Experience Level
Fall, Summer, Spring
Seasonality
Moderate
Physical Demands
Nursery work is steady, team-oriented, and rewarding in a different way than bush work — you still get dirt under your nails, but you're part of the foundation of reforestation. People in this role often love the camaraderie, the mix of physical and mindful work, and seeing millions of tiny trees pass through their hands knowing they'll take root across the province. It’s also a solid seasonal job for people who want consistent hours and a strong work culture without the often hard physical demands of fieldwork.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
You might start your day inspecting greenhouses or seedbeds for pests, moisture levels, and general plant health. Tasks can range from precision work like transplanting seedlings or counting trays, to physical jobs like moving racks or loading crates of trees for transport. There's a strong rhythm to the work — once you're in it, you move with the team. End-of-day clean-up and prep for the next cycle are routine.
WORKING CONDITIONS
You’ll be on your feet most of the day, working either outside or in warm greenhouse environments. Expect repetitive motions, moderate lifting, and a fast pace — especially during peak seasons. The environment can get hot and humid, and some tasks may involve exposure to soil treatments or fertilizers (with PPE provided).
CYCLICAL NATURE OF ROLE
Nurseries follow the natural cycle of growing and shipping trees, so work is busiest in the spring and summer. There may be slower periods in fall or winter depending on the facility. Great as a seasonal role or a reliable option for people in between planting seasons.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & TRAINING
No formal education or certifications required. Most nurseries provide on-the-job training, especially for seasonal crews. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are more important than technical credentials. Some work is undeway nationally to develop standardize training for technical growing positions for seedling nurseries.
REQUIRED SOFT SKILLS
You’ll need patience, strong teamwork, and a steady hand. The ability to stay focused during repetitive tasks, follow instructions closely, and contribute to a fast-moving production environment are key to succeeding here.
REQUIRED HARD SKILLS
Basic plant-handling techniques (which can be learned on the job), knowledge of safe lifting practices, and the ability to work quickly and accurately with small tools or trays. Experience in farming, gardening, or production line work is helpful but not required.
ON THE JOB LEARNING
Seedling and plant handling
Teamwork in fast-paced environments
Awareness of growing conditions and plant health
Workplace stamina and pace regulation
Time management and task repetition under pressure
FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
This role is a solid gateway into forestry for younger workers or those looking to get involved without starting in the field. From here, workers can advance to year round technical nursery growing and management roles, or transition into ecological restoration, reforestation and other silviculture operations with a strong plant biology foundation.