Quick Facts
Median Salary$64,832
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+2.71%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Forester manages large tracts of tree covered land, or manages trees in an urban setting. Directs tree harvests and plantings, develops plans for regenerating or protecting forest land, educates teachers and students about forest conservation. May inventory and appraise timber for sale by forest owners.
Core Tasks:
- 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.
- Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.
- Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.
- Map forest area soils and vegetation to estimate the amount of standing timber and future value and growth.
- Monitor forest-cleared lands to ensure that they are reclaimed to their most suitable end use.
- Supervise activities of other forestry workers.
- Develop techniques for measuring and identifying trees.
- Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
- Provide advice and recommendations, as a consultant on forestry issues, to private woodlot owners, firefighters, government agencies or to companies.
- 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.
- Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldozers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.
What to expect as a Forester
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
60% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Forester related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
315 openings for Foresters
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Forester. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.



