Forester

Also known as:

Forest Officer
Forest Manager

Introduction

Foresters plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the systematic development of woodland and forests. This may involve nurseries, planting new woodlands, overseeing timber felling, saw milling and tree surgery.

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Work Activities

Foresters plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the systematic development of woodland and forests. This may involve nurseries, planting new woodlands, overseeing timber felling, saw milling and tree surgery. They are responsible for the sale of felled timber and other forest products. Foresters may also value and purchase woodlands.

Day-to-day duties for foresters include recruiting, training and supervising forestry workers. They ensure that forest roads and tracks are in good condition. They are responsible for organising and implementing fire safety regulations, including the use of fire breaks. They are also responsible for all other health and safety regulations and for ensuring that these are observed by staff.

Foresters ensure that plants, natural habitats and wildlife are protected and encouraged. They also develop plans for the recreational use of forests, including visitor centres, nature trails, parking and campsites. They liaise with organisations wishing to use forestry areas for sports or recreation and with neighbouring landowners on a range of issues.

Experienced officers may work on specialist duties such as training, work-study, wildlife conservation and research.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should have a strong interest in science and the natural environment.

As a forester you will spend a lot of time dealing with people, so you must have good verbal communication skills. The ability to negotiate is particularly useful, especially if you have to balance your employers' requirements with those of the general public.

You should be able to work as part of a team, but also to work on your own and take responsibility for staff and their work. You should have a head for business and be capable of managing budgets and overseeing the maintenance of accounts.

You need to be fit as you have to inspect woodland on foot, walking over rough ground. Foresters should not suffer from hay fever.

In some instances, a basic knowledge of legal issues within forestry is useful. For example, in urban areas you may have to be aware of the legal implications of branches that overhang roads and pavements.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries vary depending on employer and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Foresters earn in the range of £18,000 - £23,000 a year, rising to around £25,000 - £33,500.

They usually work a basic 42-hour week, but early starts and some weekend work may be required.

Opportunities are expected to increase as timber production grows from 9 to 15 million cubic metres by 2020.

Employers are the Forestry Commission (eg, in the national Forest Enterprise agencies or Forest Research), local authorities, private forestry companies, consultants and contractors, and owners of private sector estates and forests.

There are also opportunities in forest research and in the technical management of commercial forests and timber firms.

Most forestry jobs are in regions of the UK with large commercial forests, such as Wales, Scotland and northern England.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained relevant skills and knowledge through experience as a forest worker, or by working in a related area such as arboriculture.

If you don't have the qualifications you need to enter a degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course.

You don't usually need any formal qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check individual course details.

Universities and colleges of higher education (HE) will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual universities and HE colleges.

• 10% of people in occupations such as forester work part-time.
• 4% have flexible hours.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as conservation or countryside management.