My job connects people with trees. Every day looks different. In one week, I may be teaching school groups why and how to plant trees, explaining the value and benefits to potential funders, supporting my team with trainings and meetings, working at our tree nursery with volunteers, and running the business side of operations.
CAREER
Foresters
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$67,330
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+7% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
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.
Other Job Titles Foresters May Have
Area Forester, District Forester, Fire Prevention Forester, Forest Practices Field Coordinator, Forester, Procurement Forester, Service Forester, Silviculturist, Timber Marker, Timber Sales Administrator (Timber Sales Admin)
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
- Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.
- Plan and implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.
- Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
- Plan cutting programs and manage timber sales from harvested areas, assisting companies to achieve production goals.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Foresters
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (84%)
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Post-secondary certificate
Majors Related to Career
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
There are so many pathways to enter into the field of urban forestry. 20 years ago, forestry was the logical place to start. Now we know the skill set for professionals in the field can be found in diverse programs like environmental science, planning, community development, horticulture, etc. No one way is best.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
