What You Can Do with a Forestry Degree Careers, Internships & Volunteer Positions

Forest and conservation technicians tend to work with and under the direction of foresters and conservation scientists to successfully carry out forest-related projects. Technicians may gather forest data, like the content and quality of soil, water and wildlife populations, survey and map forest areas and keep records of logging activities. These workers can help with forest propagation and conservation and may engage in seasonal activities, like planting seedlings and suppressing and preventing forest fires. They may also coordinate education and training programs.

• Median annual salary: $36,130
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: 2-4%
• Education & skills needed:

  A diploma or associate’s degree is usually the minimum requirement. However, those who wish to become conservation scientists in the future may consider earning a bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science or a related field. Forest and conservation technicians must have strong communication, critical thinking, math and analytical skills. They should also be able to work outside for long periods of time.

Log graders and scalers play an essential role in the logging and timber industries. They examine cut timber for its potential market value and rate logs based on their characteristics. They also assess logs and pulpwood based on certain criteria; look for defects; measure weight, volume and dimensions; and identify species.

• Median annual salary: $37,880
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: -2%
• Education & skills needed:

  A high school diploma or some college. Related experience or job-specific training may be required or preferred. They also must have sharp eyesight to help them make assessments and identifications, and should be able to record data accurately. Precise math skills are helpful in this line of work, which often requires detailed measuring and weighing.

Logging equipment operators are charged with driving and controlling the vehicles and machines used on logging sites. Understanding and maintaining safety standards while using bulldozer blades, shears, winches, hoists, cranes and other equipment is essential. These operators must use their equipment to fell trees, move and stack logs, clear brush and other debris and dislodge stumps. They also perform basic maintenance on machines to ensure they’re in good working order.

• Median annual salary: $38,390
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: -2%
• Education & skills needed:

  A high school diploma or equivalent. On the job training is common, as it’s important to have a strong understanding of the equipment used. Active listening skills, quick reactions and the ability to follow instructions precisely are necessary.

Forest fire inspection and prevention specialists combine former firefighting experience and skills with knowledge of laws, regulations and hazard prevention. They assess forested areas for hazards and take steps to prevent fires, report and investigate fires when they do occur and check nearby areas to make sure they’re not violating codes and regulations or posing wildfire risks.

• Median annual salary: $37,380
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: 15%
• Education & skills needed:

  A high school diploma plus experience as a firefighter, but some employers prefer a bachelor’s degrees. Fields of study may include fire science, engineering or chemistry. On the job and classroom training in investigation is usually provided. Having strong communication and critical thinking skills, attention to detail and physical strength are very useful.

Forest and wildland firefighters focus their attention on the prevention and suppression of fires in areas with little human presence. They’re usually specially trained to control forest fires with heavy hoses and calculated use of fire lines and controlled burns. Smoke jumpers are wildland firefighters trained to parachute from airplanes to reach and control fires in hard-to-access areas.

• Median annual salary: $49,080
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: 5-9%
• Education & skills needed:

  A high school diploma at minimum, but since firefighters need EMT training, many have college experience or degrees at the associate or bachelor’s level. Forest firefighters and wildland firefighters usually need specialized training and a few years of firefighting experience. Strength, stamina and the ability to think quickly and make decisions under duress are important.

Fallers use cutting tools, like chainsaws and axes, and specialized techniques to fell trees safely and with minimal fall damage. Fallers are in charge of assessing trees and making precise cut decisions to control the direction in which trees fall. This involves gauging tree lean and limb density and surveying the fall area. Fallers must also make sure that escape routes are clear and accessible. Fallers work closely and collaborate with buckers, climbers and logging equipment operators.

• Median annual salary: $40,690
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: -2%
• Education & skills needed:

  A high school diploma and on-the-job training, although students can pursue associate degrees and certificates in forest technology. Keen eyesight, physical strength, stamina and quick reactions are helpful, as is the ability to learn and use job-specific software, equipment and programs.

Forest rangers often work for national and state forests and ensure these areas are well-maintained and healthy. They may enforce laws, survey the land, engage in conservation and repopulation efforts, educate visitors and make sure they are safe, monitor wildlife, gather data on tree and other plant populations, clear walking paths, prevent and suppress wildfires and conduct search and rescue missions. They may also spend a good amount of time writing data and activity reports on site or in nearby facilities.

• Median annual salary: $56,410
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: 2-4%
• Education & skills needed:

  A bachelor’s degrees in areas like forestry, wildlife science and natural resources management. Must have knowledge of relevant laws, communication and reasoning skills, and the ability to work independently.

Environmental compliance inspectors use their knowledge of federal, state and local laws and on-site fieldwork to investigate pollution and contamination issues and pinpoint their sources. They work to ensure that those responsible for pollution engage in environmental remediation–active efforts to remove pollutants from an area and restore its health–and that they do so safely and legally.

• Median annual salary: $67,870
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: 5-9%
• Education & skills needed:

  Environmental and compliance inspectors usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field. They typically receive on the job training and must also have a solid knowledge of laws and regulations related to environmental compliance and remediation. Written and face-to-face communication skills are important in this field, as are observation, analytical, documentation, critical thinking and reasoning skills. Understanding of chemistry is also helpful.

Forestry and conservation science instructors and professors help students learn about different aspects of forestry and conservation science. They may create lesson plans, give lectures, craft and conduct classroom research projects and experiments, grade assignments and answer student questions. Some secondary-level teachers also spend a significant portion of their career conducting research to contribute to the field.

• Median annual salary: $87,420
• Estimated job growth 2016-26: 5-9%
• Education & skills needed:

  A doctorate in the field or a similar area of study, and possibly some post-doctoral training. Educators must have strong research, communication and organizational skills and should be able to adapt to different class and student needs.