What Do Forester Do?
Example of Forester Job 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.
A Day in the Life of a Forester
- Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.
- Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
- Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
- Provide advice and recommendations, as a consultant on forestry issues, to private woodlot owners, firefighters, government agencies or to companies.
- Plan cutting programs and manage timber sales from harvested areas, assisting companies to achieve production goals.
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Qualities of a Forester
When polled, Foresters say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Types of Forester
- Staff Forester
- Forest Supervisor
- Silviculture Forester
- Urban Forester
- Forest Examiner
Job Opportunities for Foresters
There were about 12,300 jobs for Forester in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Forester by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,100 positions for Forester per year.
The states with the most job growth for Forester are Nevada, North Dakota, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Vermont, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Foresters Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Foresters is somewhere between $41,350 and $86,870.
Foresters who work in New Jersey, District of Columbia, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Foresters make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $65,230 |
| Alaska | $71,800 |
| Arkansas | $56,710 |
| California | $80,030 |
| Colorado | $61,890 |
| Connecticut | $72,010 |
| District of Columbia | $86,790 |
| Florida | $64,190 |
| Georgia | $54,590 |
| Idaho | $57,180 |
| Illinois | $68,570 |
| Indiana | $47,070 |
| Iowa | $64,840 |
| Kentucky | $47,680 |
| Louisiana | $69,890 |
| Maine | $52,850 |
| Maryland | $64,370 |
| Massachusetts | $76,810 |
| Michigan | $66,630 |
| Minnesota | $64,330 |
| Mississippi | $59,900 |
| Missouri | $50,180 |
| Montana | $57,960 |
| Nebraska | $61,530 |
| Nevada | $64,160 |
| New Hampshire | $64,920 |
| New Jersey | $76,760 |
| New Mexico | $52,740 |
| New York | $65,620 |
| North Carolina | $63,610 |
| North Dakota | $55,760 |
| Ohio | $61,990 |
| Oklahoma | $49,390 |
| Oregon | $70,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,170 |
| South Carolina | $61,430 |
| South Dakota | $54,850 |
| Tennessee | $55,610 |
| Texas | $64,740 |
| Vermont | $65,170 |
| Virginia | $59,940 |
| Washington | $69,720 |
| West Virginia | $57,640 |
| Wisconsin | $55,810 |
| Wyoming | $60,980 |
What Tools do Foresters Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Foresters:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- IBM Notes
- Geographic information system GIS software
- ESRI ArcView
- Work scheduling software
- Mapping software
- ESRI ArcGIS software
Becoming a Forester
Learn what Forester education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Foresters Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Lynn Betts via Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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