Forester

Your Fit

Income

$83K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

2.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Forester?

A Forester is a professional specializing in the management, cultivation, conservation, and repair of forests. They are experts in applying scientific knowledge to forestry management practices to ensure the health and sustainability of forest ecosystems.

Sample job titles:

Area Forester, Forester, Silviculturist, Timber Sales Administrator (Timber Sales Admin)

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Forester.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Forester earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Forester.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$62K per year	$73K per year	$83K per year	$111K per year	$129K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $18K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Forester do?

Work environment

Foresters typically work for state and federal governments, private landowners, and timber production companies. Their work environment can vary from offices to outdoor forests, involving tasks like field research, environmental monitoring, and administrative planning. They may work in various weather conditions and terrain types.

Quick task list

Develops and implements forest management plans.
Monitors forest health and growth, and implements conservation practices.
Supervises forest harvesting operations.
Conducts research on forest ecology and sustainable management.
Collaborates with governments, environmental groups, and the public on forestry issues.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Urban Forestry: Managing and maintaining trees and forested landscapes in urban environments.
Conservation Forestry: Focusing on protecting forests and ensuring biodiversity.
Forest Health: Specializing in the identification and control of diseases and pests in forests.
Silviculture: The science of growing and tending forest plantations for specific objectives.
Wildland Fire Management: Managing and preventing forest fires.

Description

Forestry is a multifaceted field that combines aspects of science, conservation, and resource management. Foresters play a crucial role in the stewardship of forest resources, ensuring they are preserved and sustainably used for future generations. Their work involves a mix of fieldwork, such as conducting forest inventories and ecological monitoring, and administrative tasks, such as planning and policy development.

Foresters must have a strong foundation in environmental science and a deep understanding of forest ecology. They need to be skilled in problem-solving, decision-making, and communication, as their work often involves negotiating and collaborating with various stakeholders. A career in forestry offers the opportunity to make tangible contributions to environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.

The field of forestry is evolving, with increasing emphasis on addressing climate change, conserving biodiversity, and managing forests for multiple uses, including recreation, wildlife habitat, and timber production. It is a career that appeals to those who are passionate about the outdoors and committed to environmental stewardship.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the conservation and sustainable management of vital natural resources.
Working outdoors and connecting with nature.
The opportunity to apply scientific knowledge to practical and impactful management strategies.

You might make a good Forester if you are...

Passionate about the environment and forest conservation.
Interested in ecology, biology, and natural resource management.
Comfortable working outdoors and in various weather conditions.
Skilled in analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Capable of effective communication and collaboration with diverse groups.

Pros:

Meaningful work in conserving and managing natural ecosystems.
Opportunities for outdoor and hands-on work.
Diverse career paths within the field of forestry.

Cons:

Potentially long and irregular hours, especially during fieldwork.
Exposure to hazards such as wildfires and rugged terrain.
Balancing competing interests in forest management can be challenging.

How to become a Forester

Typical education

To become a Forester, a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field is usually required, taking about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some roles may require a master's degree or additional certifications in forestry or environmental management.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and environmental science to understand ecosystems.
Geography and earth sciences for knowledge of landscapes and natural resources.
Mathematics for data analysis and measurements.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining environmental or outdoor clubs.
Participating in camping, hiking, or nature exploration activities.
Volunteering with local conservation projects or environmental organizations.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or summer jobs in forestry or conservation.
Consider certification or advanced degrees for specialized roles or advancement in the field.

More resources

Society of American Foresters - Offers resources and certification for forestry professionals.
US Forest Service - Provides information on forest management and conservation.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) - A professional organization focusing on the care and preservation of trees.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - Offers certification and information on sustainable forest management practices.
National Association of State Foresters - Provides resources and information related to state and private forestry management.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.