CAREER

Foresters

Overview

Salary Median (2020)

$64,110

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)

+7% (as fast as the average)

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, Forest Practices Field Coordinator, Forester, Silviculturist

How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work

Executive Director ,

Forest ReLeaf of Missouri

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.


Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

  • 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.
  • Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.
  • Supervise activities of other forestry workers.

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.