BarneyH

Resume sent

Very interesting thread.. I've been lucky, fairly new to the industry (just under two years) and have consistently worked for very good, honest and straight up guys - most of the time. When I have done work for people who have turned out to be cowboys (only once or twice) I've simply said that I'm not available any more as soon as it became apparent. I try to be as pro as possible re: showing tickets at the start and delivering full invoices promptly, but you learn on the job what is right and what is not. I like the idea of asking to see your employers certs and insurance when you show yours, I've not thought to do so in the past but will in future. Also, I think agreeing payment terms before the job starts is essential, I would be worried if that wasn't discussed, and if I wasn't asked for proof of my tickets etc. Like I say, good thread...

So, I'm planning a move from Glasgow up north to get a place with my girlfriend, who has recently got a job in Kincraig. I'll be heading up in late March/early April. I have CS30 and 31 and have been consistently self employed since the start of 2011. I don't drive yet but will be by the time I move. So I'm putting out feelers for work up the road. Please let me know if you're operating nearby, what the prospects are for work in the area and if you think you might need a hand. Just trying to build up a picture of the situation. Thanks

£200 does seem a lot for a helmet but for sure it seems like it would be very very comfortable... I like the idea of not getting caught up in twigs and stuff as much, more streamlined... good if you were working a lot in really extreme conditions but hey, as the man said, vertex works just fine at less than half the price. And for my part, I like the garish colours! Hi-vis out yer nut!

Were these two tickets merged recently? What about windblow tickets? Heard a rumour that medium/large and windblow can only be got as a set now, but havent heard anything concrete? Anybody know? Maybe done these tickets recently? If so, how were they? Good fun?

Cheers guys, was wondering because there's interest in running a demo day in Kintyre as part of a project to get farmers and landowners utilising their woodland. BHL don't seenm to have anybody registered in the area... Born2trot, you don't remember the Inverary operator's name by any chance? What about you? You say you still do a bit? And yeah, Buffalo606, that would be great if you could send me details of this borders based group.. no idea if anything will come of it as yet, just putting out the feelers...

Any horse loggers operating in Scotland then? Specifically in Argyll? I'd be interested to hear from you...

Well done Ian, that's the way to do it! Waiting until the end of the month then I can do the same. Driving in the new year! Just need to think about buying a car, tax, insurance, MOT, fuel...

You should get on to Tom D's work that he's advertising on this board... You'd have to travel but sounds like it would be worth it... http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/employment/50537-rescue-climber-ground-worker.html

I don't climb or drive yet but I know one who fits your bill and may be up for it. I'll give him a shout. And yeah David, why no one wanting in on this? Two months work in a lovely bit of the world.... hmmm....

Ian, I know how you feel, though I'm lucky enough to be working at the moment it definitely comes and goes... Well done for getting a start with "Tree Wise Men"! What a cracking name . I don't have a license to drive yet either, can't help but feel that it is a major stumbling block. Wanting to do CS 38 and 39 same as you but what use is it to me if I can't put a saw and climbing gear in the back of a van? I'd recommend getting the driving in asap, being able to say "yes" when asked if you can get yourself to the middle of nowhere by 8.00 am... I can't wait! Your initial post is so cheery, you made me smile ... Also, Silky Fox, I love your picture! Hi-Vis out yer nut! Thats the way to do it...

"fully qualified" exactly what qualifications do you require for groundies?

Swampster, I couldn't agree more. The attitude that you've described is the one I've worked hard to maintain over my first year subbying, and it's worked out well. Maybe the lesson for us rookies is that if you concentrate on keeping the right attitude the money will follow of its own accord. You're not based in west central Scotland by any chance...?

Geoff, what happened then? Have you had your days? How did they go?

So, in conclusion he should be looking to earn between £60 and £80 as a respectable starting wage, while not being pushy and losing work, neither should he work for much less because that devalues the industry? An interesting debate, and one which needs to be had IMO.

Will be relocating to Tayinloan on the Kintyre peninsula at the end of the week. Who's out that way? Any work for a hard working, good humoured and reliable groundie with CS30 and 31, own PPE and a years experience? Barney

In Glasgow I started on £70 a day. Wouldn't go much below that bringing qualifications and my own gear to the site, but I guess it depends what you're prepared to take. I think that we shouldn't forget though that we'll work be working as hard as we can whether we're experienced or not, if we're prepared to take £50 a day then we may as well take minimum wage jobs where we can earn the same and have much less demanding days. Please note though - I have been lucky to have a very good, fair employer. I didn't set that day rate, I took it when it was offered, and any increase I've got with experience has been offered, not asked for. So my advice would be: ask what they are prepared to pay you. If you feel that they are chancing the arm, ask for more. If they aren't prepared to offer you more than you'd get in a less skilled job chances are they aren't the kind of folk you want to be working for. Maybe that's unfair, but that's how it seems to me. Ultimately even what seems great to rookies like us will still be a major saving for the employer against getting someone with lots of experience in.

Anybody covering west argyll / kintyre? How's work?

At work the other day south east of Glasgow I was approached and asked if I wanted to buy a chipper... the guy seemed to have no clue what he was talking about, asking how much our chipper was worth and stuff. Should probably contact the local police...

Lol...

Interesting debate... As someone just starting out in the industry I am surprised at this wage... After tax and expenses it's not significantly more than I would expect to earn in a year and I couldn't dream of applying for this post, not enough experience or qualifications. I suppose it would just be a really interesting job and a great wee team. Probably a dream for the right person, but def not for everyone...

Read the job/person spec as the answers to the interview questions will be in there, always repeat what you've said on the application form in any interviews as it won't counted unless you say it. Know your shizzle and relax. Very good advice. Thanks a bunch, see you Tuesday

Anybody else had interviews for / work for/ experience with the Forestry Commission? Any tips/ stories/ advice/ banter/ forward slashes to share? x

lol if only money was no object... thanks guys, yous have given me perspective...