Forester

Job overview
Foresters plan and manage the growing, protection and harvesting of trees.

What do people do in this job
Foresters come under four main headings:-

Management foresters?
Most foresters are planners or managers in forestry regions or on plantations.

They are responsible for managing the plantations. They plan and organise the cultivation of young trees, the preparation of land and the planting and tending of trees.

Management work also includes organising timber harvesting and the burning of firebreaks.
?
They have to ensure that insect pests and plant diseases are controlled.

Conservation foresters?
Plan and manage unplanted forest land, indigenous forests and drift-sand areas.

They are also responsible for the development and management of outdoor recreation facilities such as hiking trails and picnic and camping sites.

Research foresters?
They can specialise in a particular field of forestry such as growth modelling, forest genetics and forest pathology, together with conservation or ecology.

Extension foresters?
Advise farmers and communities and facilitate community forestry projects, such as nurseries, woodlots and windbreaks.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Foresters should be interested in nature, wildlife and ecology.

An aptitude for natural sciences is essential.

They must be able to maintain good relationships with people.

Physical fitness and good health are also important qualities.

What qualifications are needed?
Tertiary qualifications in science subjects, particularly biology.

Some universities offer degree courses in forestry.