Foresters

Also Called: Area Forester, Forest Practices Field Coordinator, Forester, Silviculturist

What Foresters do

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.

  • Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
  • Plan and supervise forestry projects, such as determining the type, number and placement of trees to be planted, managing tree nurseries, thinning forest and monitoring growth of new seedlings.
  • Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Training Program Areas:

Forestry Conservation & Firefighting • OCT-Only Renewable Resources & Energy • Petroleum Technician

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Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Telephone
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work

Tools

  • Sprayers
  • All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled
  • Clinometers
  • Measuring tapes
  • Direction finding compasses

Technology

Map creation software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
Microsoft Access

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
biology
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Safety and Government
law and government

Education

  • 79% Bachelor's degree
  • 7% Associate's degree
  • 6% Post-secondary certificate

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Enterprising (Persuader)
  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Independence

Values

  • Independence
  • Working Conditions
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Foresters across the country typically make.

$22.45 / hour
$46,700 /year

Entry Level

$32.37 / hour
$67,330 /year

Median Level

$47.40 / hour
$98,590 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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