Occupation Details
Foresters
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Quick Navigation
Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$58,620.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$73,670.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$87,140.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
300
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
340
+4 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
33
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- All-terrain vehicles ATV
- Backpack sprayers
- Brush chippers
- Bucket trucks
- Chainsaws
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Digital clinometers
- Forestry axes
- Four wheel drive 4WD vehicles
- Global positioning system GPS devices
- Hand pruners
- Hand saws
- Handheld dataloggers
- Hip chains
- Laptop computers
- Multipurpose front end loaders
- Multipurpose skid steer loaders
- Navigational compasses
- Personal computers
- Pole pruners
- Power loppers
- Power pruners
- Steel measuring tapes
- Stump grinders
- Tablet computers
- Tree scale sticks
Technology
- ESRI ArcView
- Forest Metrix
- Forest yield software
- Fountains Forestry TwoDog
- Geographic information system GIS software
- IBM Notes
- Mapping software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SMART service management and route tracking software
- Trimble CENGEA
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- draw maps or charts
- use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products
- operate forestry equipment
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- prepare environmental impact or related environmental reports
- conduct training for personnel
- negotiate business contracts
- negotiate term of sale or services with customer
- advise clients or customers
- recommend action to ensure compliance
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- provide advice on rural or urban land use
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- give directions to crew on fire line during forest fire
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate fire prevention and suppression activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- direct construction of recreation facilities or fire safety features
- direct loading of fire suppression equipment
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- manage contracts
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret aerial photographs
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze financial data
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- analyze ecosystem data
- perform statistical analysis
- perform general financial analysis
- analyze adaptability of tree species to new environmental conditions
- analyze forest conditions to determine reasons for species prevalence
- control and extinguish municipal or forest fires
- observe fire to note changing conditions
- develop tables depicting data
- classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
- use cost benefit analysis techniques
- use fire suppression techniques
- use forestry, range, or other public land management techniques
- use government regulations
- use knowledge of relevant laws
- use plant disease control techniques
- use pollution control techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use timber grading standards
- use public speaking techniques
- use knowledge of sales contracts
- use appraisal techniques in purchasing
- use biological research techniques
- use forest fire protection methods
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use long term forest or range land planning techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use negotiation techniques
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use timber scaling procedures
- use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- adhere to safety procedures
- ensure compliance with government regulations
- estimate standing timber or future growth
- estimate population or condition of plant life, fish, or wildlife
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- judge soil conditions
- make decisions
- determine best method for attacking fire
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- plan construction of structures or facilities
- plan forestation, reforestation, or range revegetation projects
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- recognize plant diseases
- recognize tree or forest plant species
- recognize wood species characteristics
- identify plant characteristics
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- read maps
- read measuring or metering devices used in forestry
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Procure timber from private landowners.
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
- 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.
- Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.
- 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.
- Supervise activities of other forestry workers.
- Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.
- Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
- Direct, and participate in, forest fire suppression.
- Contact local forest owners and gain permission to take inventory of the type, amount, and location of all standing timber on the property.
- Map forest area soils and vegetation to estimate the amount of standing timber and future value and growth.
- Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldozers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.
- Monitor forest-cleared lands to ensure that they are reclaimed to their most suitable end use.
- Plan and implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.
- Subcontract with loggers or pulpwood cutters for tree removal and to aid in road layout.
- Analyze effect of forest conditions on tree growth rates and tree species prevalence and the yield, duration, seed production, growth viability, and germination of different species.
- Provide advice and recommendations, as a consultant on forestry issues, to private woodlot owners, firefighters, government agencies or to companies.
- Monitor wildlife populations and assess the impacts of forest operations on population and habitats.
- Develop techniques for measuring and identifying trees.
- Study different tree species' classification, life history, light and soil requirements, adaptation to new environmental conditions and resistance to disease and insects.
- Plan and direct construction and maintenance of recreation facilities, fire towers, trails, roads and bridges, ensuring that they comply with guidelines and regulations set for forested public lands.
- Conduct public educational programs on forest care and conservation.
- Develop new techniques for wood or residue use.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Adirondack Curriculum Project Adirondack Challenges Lesson Plans
The Adirondack Curriculum Project Adirondack Challenges Lesson Plans are called challenges because it is hoped that you will create student-centered constructivist oriented learning experiences that will challenge your students and allow them to learn about the Adirondacks while preparing to meet the New York State Learning Standards. Many lesson plans are given in a variety of content areas.
Learn MoreAdirondack Curriculum Project Teacher Workshops
The Adirondack Curriculum Project conducts workshops for K12 teachers. The variety of workshops are hands-on, collaborative, and model the ?Adirondack Challenge.? Experienced presenters, resource people, and teacher/facilitators lead the workshops. ACP goal is for each participant to leave with a challenge to use in the classroom that will both meet NYS Learning Standards and help students learn about the Adirondacks.
Learn MoreConservation scientists and foresters
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreEEK! Environmental Education for Kids
Created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, EEK! Is an electronic magazine for kids in grades 4 to 8. It also contains extensive environmental information for teachers.
Learn MoreKidsgardening: Helping Young Minds Grow
National Gardening Association is a leading national provider of K12, plant-based educational materials. The Kidsgardening programs, projects, thematic explorations and guides help children gain knowledge in science, literacy, social studies, nutrition, the environment, and personal skill areas such as leadership, problem-solving, and team building. Also, there are listings of grants for which teachers can write to support their gardening programs.
Learn MoreWave Hill Plant Science Internship
Wave Hill and Lehman College collaborate to provide a summer job opportunity combined with academic studies in Plant Science and Urban Forest Ecology. Site visits to environmentally significant locations and small work crews prune or clear excess vegetation, plant native species, fortify hillsides, and repair woodland trails to prevent erosion along the Hudson River. Lehman College's Department of Natural & Social Sciences offers laboratory sessions and lectures by graduate students for four college credits, tuition-free.
Learn MoreWave Hill Street Trees Internship
Street Trees interns earn a license from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and Trees New York to care for New York City trees. Indoor and outdoor sessions promote stewardship of neighborhood trees and knowledge of tree biology, classification, pit gardening, pruning, and pests, including the Asian longhorned beetle; and how to have a tree planted on your block. Through outdoor adventures, such as hiking, bouldering, and sailing interns learn more about the city's natural environments.
Learn More