Your Future in Forest Resources
 Forestry
is defined as "the science, art and practice of managing and using for human
benefit the natural resources which occur on and in association with forest
lands." This definition includes all natural resources on forested lands
such as forage for animals, wildlife, fish, soils, waters, recreational
opportunities and even esthetic values. A forester cannot be an expert in
all things, but must be an ecologist and manager who understands the
interrelations of forest biology, natural history, economic theory, computer
technology, and interpersonal communications. |
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It is difficult to summarize
the daily duties of foresters because the field is so diverse. Some graduates work in
cities as urban foresters charged with the care of trees in parks and along avenues.
Others work for states and counties as advisers to farmers and other woodland owners.
There are also globe-trotting foresters advising on firewood plantations in the Himalayas
or fighting the spread of deserts in North Africa. Most foresters at some point in their
careers are involved with forest inventories, supervising planting and reforestation
projects, planning and supervising timber harvests, protecting the forest from fires,
insects, and diseases, enforcing laws, assessing environmental impacts, establishing
wildlife habitat, working with legislators, and surveying roads or trails, to name a few
kinds of activities. The modern forester may also supervise recreational uses of forest
land, appraise land values, act as a consultant, buy timber for sawmills or pulp and paper
companies, or be in charge of public relations programs.
Because of the broad training
in many disciplines a graduate has a variety of career opportunities. Here is a list of
some of the job titles our graduates have filled.
Aerial Photo Interpreter |
Community
Forestry Specialist |
Conservation Educator |
Consulting Forester |
Environmental
Organization Executive |
Environmental Impact
Analyst |
Environmental
Researcher |
Extension Forester |
Forest Land Appraiser |
Forest Economist |
Forester/Forest
Manager |
Forest Fire Specialist |
Forestry Educator |
Forest Social
Scientist |
GIS Applications
Engineer |
Hydrologist |
Interpretive
Naturalist |
Land Acquisition and
Exchange Manager |
Land and Claims
Adjusters |
Land Reclamation
Specialist |
Land Use Supervisor |
Landscaper/Tree Care
Specialist |
Land Use Specialist |
Logging Safety
Specialist |
Lobbyist |
Log Sort Yard Foreman |
Nursery/Greenhouse
Manager |
Natural Resource
Coordinator |
Natural Resource
Scientist |
Peace Corps Worker |
Regeneration
Specialist |
Remote Sensing
Specialist |
Research Forester |
Sanctuary Manager |
Science Writer/Editor |
Seed Orchard Manager |
Silviculturist |
Soil Conservationist |
Soil Scientist |
Timber Buyer |
Timber Cruiser |
Timber Records
Specialist |
Timber Sale
Administration |
Tree Care Specialist
(Urban) |
Tree Farm Family
Forester |
Tree Improvement
Forester |
Urban Forester |
Water Resources
Manager |
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