Forester Career Description
Foresters plan and manage the growing, protection and harvesting of trees.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Trained foresters can enter one of the following activities in forestry:
Management forester
The majority of foresters are employed in forestry regions or on plantations as planners or forest managers. They are responsible for managing the plantation and they plan and organise the cultivation of young trees, the preparation of land and the planting and tending of trees. Management activities also include organising the timber-harvesting activities and the burning of firebreaks. They must ensure that insect pests and plant diseases are controlled.
Conservation forester
Conservation foresters are responsible for the planning and management of unplanted forest land, indigenous forests as well as drift-sand areas. Conservation foresters are also responsible for the development and management of outdoor recreation facilities such as hiking trails and picnic and camping sites.
Researcher or research technician
Research foresters can specialise in a specific field of forestry such as growth modelling, forest genetics, forest pathology as well as conservation or ecology.
Extension forester
Extension foresters advise farmers and communities and facilitate community forestry projects, such as nurseries, woodlots and windbreaks.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Foresters must be interested in nature, wildlife, people and ecological systems. An aptitude for natural sciences is essential. They must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships. Physical fitness and good health are also important qualities.
Where can I work?
Employment opportunities are available with state forest estates, forestry companies, forestry co-operatives, local authorities, and research institutions.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
An increasing number of foresters are self-employed and act as consultants or contractors in forestry and related fields or are involved in timber growing on their own land.
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