Foresters

Career summary

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Foresters typically work for:

• Private timber companies
• State and federal governments

Foresters who work in private companies acquire timber from private landowners. They contact local forest owners to ask permission to inventory their timber. They check the type, amount, and location of all standing timber on the property. This process is called timber cruising. Foresters appraise the value of the timber, negotiate a price, and draw up a contract. After the purchase, they subcontract with loggers to harvest the trees. They also help layout the road loggers will use. During the logging, foresters stay in close contact with both the workers and the landowner. They must be sure that the work meets the landowner's requirements and all government regulations.

Foresters who work for state and federal governments manage public forests and parks. Managing public forests involves a number of possible duties. For example, foresters may plan and carry out conservation programs. They may plan ways to control floods or fires. They may also develop plans for harvesting timber. Often, they monitor cleared lands to make sure they are reclaimed to forests or another suitable use. Foresters may also fight forest fires or direct other workers to fight them. They may conduct education programs for the public on forest care and conservation. Foresters may also design roads, buildings, fire towers, campgrounds, or recreation sites.

Regardless if they work for private companies or the government, foresters consider the impact proposed projects and programs might have on the environment. They decide how best to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability. They also decide how best to comply with regulations.

Foresters also supervise the planting and growing of new trees. This process is called regeneration. They choose and prepare the site. They use various methods, such as controlled burning, to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris. They advise workers on the type, number, and placement of trees to be planted. Foresters monitor the seedlings. They watch for healthy growth and decide the best time to harvest.

All foresters use a variety of tools to perform their jobs. They use meters and gauges to measure timber. They use special types of photos taken from airplanes or satellites to map large forest areas. They use computers in the office and in the field to store and analyze the data required to manage forests and natural resources. From this data, foresters prepare reports.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agricultural Inspectors
• Agricultural Scientists
• Agricultural Worker Supervisors
• Conservation Scientists
• Environmental Engineering Technicians
• Environmental Engineers
• Environmental Scientists
• Forestry Technicians
• Natural Sciences Managers
• Park Naturalists
• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Science Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to foresters.

• Prepare and manage short- and long-term plans to manage public forests, parks, and forest resources.
• Choose sites for planting new trees. Supervise the planting and growing of new trees. Advise workers and monitor seedlings.
• Purchase timber from private landowners. Appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up a contract.
• Take inventory of the type, amount, and location of standing timber on the property.
• Consider the economics of the purchase and the environmental impact on natural resources and wildlife habitats.
• Maintain close contact with the loggers and the landowner. Ensure that work meets landowner's requirements and government environmental regulations.
• Consult to various parties, including private landowners, firefighters, or government agencies.
• Determine the best way to remove timber that has the least impact on the environment.
• Work with private landowners to protect and manage forestland outside the public domain.
• Monitor cleared lands to make sure they are used for the best end use.
• Plan and implement conservation projects.
• Inspect forests and nurseries.
• Direct the suppression of forest fires.
• Write environmental reports and recommendations.
• Plan and direct the building of roads, bridges, campgrounds, and recreation sites. Make sure they comply with forestry laws.
• Conduct public education programs on forest care and conservation.
• Use a variety of complex measuring, imaging, and computer tools to perform their jobs.
• Study different types of trees, including their history, what they need to grow, and if they are disease-resistant.
• Research new ways to use wood or wood by-products.

Common work activities

Foresters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Document and record information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Use computers
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Evaluate information against standards
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Analyze data or information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Monitor and control resources
• Develop goals and strategies
• Perform for or work with the public
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Develop and build teams
• Think creatively
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Coach others
• Teach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, foresters:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are substantially responsible for the health and safety of others. Part of managing timber and forestland is the prevention of forest fires.
• Have a high level of social contact. They regularly communicate with landowners, loggers, government officials, and the public.
• Are responsible for project outcomes. They must make sure that timber is both properly harvested for current needs and maintained for the future.
• Communicate heavily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They communicate less often by letters and memos, usually on a weekly basis.
• Often work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often work outdoors in the field, but also work much of the time indoors in offices.
• Regularly travel to different sites in a car or truck.
• Are sometimes exposed to distracting sounds and uncomfortable noise levels when visiting a logging site.
• Sometimes wear safety attire, such as gloves or hard hats.
• May be exposed to hazardous equipment when working with loggers.
• Work near others. They often have separate offices, but share the same floor or office building.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is exact. Errors could seriously endanger natural resources.
• Make decisions that strongly impact others. Their decisions affect the reputation of their employer as well as environmental conditions.
• Make decisions that affect other workers on a daily basis. They on rare occasions consult a supervisor, but usually make most decisions individually.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before setting tasks and goals for the day.
• Abide by strict weekly deadlines. Because of this, foresters may experience some competitive pressure.
• Sometimes have to repeat the same activities over and over.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week. However, they may work long hours when fighting fires.
• Generally work a set schedule.
• May travel to visit different forests.

Physical demands

Foresters frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for foresters to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for foresters to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.

Skills and abilities

Foresters need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Forestry
• Natural Resources Conservation
• Natural Resources Policy and Management

Other programs of study to consider

• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Wood Science and Paper Technology

Training

To work as a forester, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree in forestry or wildlife management.

Education after high school

Almost all foresters have a bachelor's degree. Most land-grant colleges and universities offer programs in forestry. These programs cover science, math, communication skills, and computer science. You also study forest economics and business management. Increasingly, you take courses on policy issues and the environmental rules that affect forest management.

On-the-job training

Some employers offer varying levels of on-the-job training. This may be hands-on or classroom-based. In general, training lasts up to a year.

Many colleges require forestry students to complete an internship. You usually work in a research facility. It may be operated by the college, a government agency, or a private business.

Work experience

Some employers accept a combination of experience and appropriate coursework as a substitute for a bachelor's degree. However, competition for jobs makes this type of position difficult to find. Summer work experience in the forest is helpful for getting a job in this field.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Forestry
• Horticulture
• Natural Resources Management
• Plant and Soil Science

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers usually require that applicants have at least a bachelor's degree in forestry. They may prefer applicants who have gained work experience through summer jobs, internships, or cooperative education programs. In states that require a license, employers prefer applicants who already have their license.

Employers look for people who enjoy working outdoors and are physically strong and healthy. A willingness to move to where jobs are located is also important. Employers also prefer applicants with good communication skills who work well with people.

College course work in math, computer science, statistical analysis, and business management is beneficial. Timber cruisers may be hired who have a two-year degree in natural resource management. Employers look for applicants who can also withstand the repetitive nature of entry-level fieldwork. An advanced degree in forestry is required for teaching or research.

Tips

Summer work experience as a forestry aide, technician, firefighter, or work with a logging company should improve employability. A broad educational background, such as a major in business and a minor in forestry, or an advanced forestry degree with specialization, may increase employment opportunities. Some training in business, real estate practices, and taxation can be helpful.

Costs to workers

Some foresters join professional associations, which may have annual dues. Foresters who desire certification, such as the Certified Forester designation, may have to pay for additional education, competency testing, and continuing education for certificate maintenance.

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Licensing/certification

Foresters are not required to be licensed in Washington.

#statement in national hiring practices about licensing

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Foresters 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary based on the forester's education level. Wages also vary by employer. Starting salaries in private industry are similar to those in the federal government. However, starting salaries in state and local government are usually lower.

Benefits also vary. Full-time foresters usually receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Government employees usually receive a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Foresters work in every state. However, employment is concentrated in the western and southeastern states. Many national and private forests and parks, and most of the lumber-producing forests, are located in these states.

Major employers:

• Federal government agencies (US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service)
• State and local government agencies
• Sawmills and planing mills
• Logging companies

National outlook

Demand for US timber and wood pellets will help increase the demand for foresters. Most growth is expected to be in federally owned forest lands, particularly in the southwestern US. Jobs in private forests will grow alongside demand for timber and pellets, but ongoing financial problems will likely lessen the number of jobs in state and local governments.

Most job openings will occur as people retire. Those with experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other remote sensing technology will have the best prospects.

Other resources

AgCareers.com 
Western USA Office
866.519.7445

AgForLife 

American Forest and Paper Association 
1101 K Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
202.463.2700

American Forests 
1220 L Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20005
202.737.1944

American Wood Council 

Environmental Career Center 
P.O. Box 3387
Hampton, Virginia 23663

Environmental Protection Agency 
Park Place Building
1200 - 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Forest Guild 

Forest Resources Association 
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 303
Washington, DC 20006
202.296.3937

National Future Farmers of America Organization 
PO Box 68960
6060 FFA Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960
317.802.6060

Society for Ecological Restoration 
1133 15th St. NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20005

Society of American Foresters 
10100 Laureate Way
Bethesda, MD 20814
866.897.8720
301.897.8720

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Tree Care Industry Association 
136 Harvey Road, Suite 101
Londonderry, NH 03053

United States Environmental Protection Agency 

USDA Forest Service Research & Development 

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services 

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Foresters (19-1032.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Forest Ecologist (040.061-030) 
• Forester (040.167-010) 
• Silviculturist (040.061-050) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Forester

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Outdoor
• Science Professional