Forestry Careers

• Forester: Manages forests and plans for their sustainable use, including harvesting, planting, and monitoring forests.
• Wildlife Biologist: Studies wildlife and their habitats, and works to protect and conserve species and their ecosystems.
• Silviculturist: Manages the growth and development of forests, and works to increase the quality and quantity of forest resources.
• Soil Scientist: Studies the properties and processes of soil, and works to manage soil resources for sustainable forestry practices.
• Arborist: Cares for trees, including planting, pruning, removing, and diagnosing diseases and pests.
• Conservation Biologist: Works to protect biodiversity and conserve natural resources, including forests and wildlife.
• Wildlife Manager: Manages and conserves wildlife populations, and implements programs for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities.
• Environmental Educator: Teaches others about the importance of forests and the environment, and works to promote conservation and sustainability.
• Fire Management Specialist: Manages and responds to forest fires, and works to prevent and mitigate their impact on forests and wildlife.
• Forest Engineer: Designs and implements systems and structures for managing forests, including roads, bridges, and logging equipment.
• Geospatial Analyst: Uses geospatial technology, including GIS and remote sensing, to manage and analyze forest resources.
• Ecologist: Studies the relationships between organisms and their environment, and works to protect and conserve ecosystems, including forests.
• Land Use Planner: Works to balance the needs of forests and other natural resources with the needs of human populations, including urban and rural development.
• Conservation Scientist: A conservation scientist works to protect and conserve natural resources, including forests, wildlife, and ecosystems. They study the impact of human activities on the environment and develop strategies for sustainable resource management.
• Agricultural and Food Scientist: An agricultural and food scientist works to develop and improve methods for producing and processing food, fiber, and other agricultural products. They may also study the environmental impact of agricultural practices and work to develop sustainable methods.
• Firefighter: A firefighter responds to fires and other emergencies, working to extinguish fires, rescue people and animals, and protect property. They may also participate in fire prevention efforts, such as conducting public education and inspections.
• Forest and Conservation Worker: A forest and conservation worker performs manual labor tasks related to the management and conservation of forests, including planting, pruning, and removing trees, as well as fighting fires.
• Naturalist, Interpreter: A naturalist, interpreter works to connect people with nature, including parks, forests, and wildlife. They may lead interpretive hikes, give talks, or conduct educational programs about the environment and natural resources.
• Natural Resources Policy Representative: A natural resources policy representative works to shape public policy related to natural resources, including forests and wildlife. They may work for a government agency, advocacy organization, or private company to represent the interests of their clients in the policy-making process.
• Park and recreation management: Park and recreation management professionals plan, develop, and maintain parks, recreational areas, and cultural facilities. They work to balance the needs of park users with the need to protect and conserve natural resources.
• Environmental studies: Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the relationships between humans and the environment, including the impacts of human activities on natural resources and the environment.
• Horticulture: Horticulture is the study and cultivation of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Horticulturists may work in a variety of settings, including greenhouses, nurseries, and gardens.
• Biological sciences: The biological sciences are a broad field that encompasses the study of living organisms, including their structure, function, evolution, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Fisheries and wildlife law enforcement: Fisheries and wildlife law enforcement professionals enforce laws and regulations related to the management and conservation of wildlife and fish populations. They may investigate wildlife crimes, such as illegal hunting or fishing, and enforce regulations to protect wildlife and their habitats.

Industries with the highest levels of employment in this occupation are as follows (source: BLS.gov: Occupational Employment And Wages: Foresters, data for May 2017).

When deciding on a degree and career path, it helps to know where to look for employment and what areas in your field are currently growing. The map below, provided by The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), illustrates employment levels of foresters by state (source: BLS.gov: Occupational Employment And Wages: Foresters, data for May 2017).

According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, similar to the average for all occupations. When combined with a rapidly aging existing workforce, this leads the Bureau of Labor and Statistics to predict continued demand for workers in forestry related fields through at least 2035.

The BLS also reports that most employment growth is expected to be in state and local government-owned forest lands, particularly in the western United States. In addition, continued demand for American timber and wood pellets is expected to drive employment growth for conservation scientists and foresters. And finally, BLS reports that due to an older workforce in the field, they expect higher than average rates of retirements within forestry and environmental management careers in the next few years.

The map to the left illustrates the employment of conservation scientists by state (source: BLS.gov: Occupational Employment And Wages: Conservation Scientists, data for 2017).