Foresters may spend one day in the laboratory and the next in the field. Some days they speak with executives in board rooms and other days they talk with tree farmers. Therefore, foresters must be highly trained technically, but they must also be good communicators. They must see themselves as stewards of forest resources and must be able to convince others that forests are vital to the welfare of humanity.
Our forests are owned and managed by a wide range of individuals, private organizations, and public agencies. Foresters may manage timberlands for private industry or may scout out and buy wood from other landowners for their companies. Some foresters are private consultants who advise landowners on the multiple-use management of their timberlands. Many work in management, administration, or research for public agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service.
Foresters have long-range views on environmental issues. They should be able to visualize a forest's development over many years. They must understand natural history and forest ecology. Basic college courses you should take to become a forester include: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, economics, communications, and computer science. You will also take professional courses in forest biology, forest resource measurement, forest management, and forest policy and administration. There are over forty accredited forestry programs in the United States.
In high school, take four years each of mathematics and English. Also take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.
https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/usda/careers/forester.html
WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES WILL I HAVE?:
- Conduct technical forestry work including: timber marking, volume estimation and sale of forest products
- Collect forest data
- Establish and measure permanent forest sample plots
- Prepare stands for contract tree planting
- Prepare contracts for harvesting forest products and other contract services
- Mark and investigate trees that are ready to be harvested
- Interpret aerial photographs of plots
- Coordinate and conduct felled-tree volume studies
- Evaluate areas to be burned prior to and after burning
- Maintain burning records and evaluations
- Use forest measurement instruments and electronics
- Perform pre-inspection prior to tree-trimming work
- Inspect trees for hazardous potential
- Assist in wildfire prevention
- Respond to wildfire emergencies
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, biology, horticulture, mathematics, natural resources and computer skills.
EDUCATION/TRAINING REQUIRED:
The majority of forester roles require a bachelor’s degree in forest management, natural resources, fisheries, wildlife and conservation, or a related field.
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https://www.agexplorer.com/career/forester