Typically, the job of forester entails recording tracking and managing the strands of timber in a location. You will map areas that can be used for timber cutting for the lumber industry and plan for effective use of the land where the timber has been cut. You may also have the job of procuring land for a company to use for its timber cutting activities, if you work for a private company. You would have to appraise the value of the timber on the land and negotiate contracts with loggers for the cutting process. If you wok for the government, part of your duties may involve conserving habitats and ecosystems, and working with the community to find ways of using the forest for recreational purposes to help generate funds. This includes setting up designated hunting and fishing areas, and developing trails for seasonal activities.
In order to obtain a job as a forester, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in a forest related area, such as Biology, Forest Management, Agriculture or Environmental Science. As part of the coursework for the degree, you must have courses in Geography and Ecology. If research is part of the job description, you will need to have a doctoral degree in this field. You also need to check the state regulations of the state where you want to woerk because there are thirteen states that require you to be a registered forester licensed to work in this job in that state. This means you not only have to meet the educational and experience requirements, but you have to pass a state exam to receive a license. Other states also have a certification program in place, but taking part in it is voluntary. You can still work in these states without a license.
Foresters use advanced technology to help them carry out their duties on the job. This includes using infrared photography, aerial photographs, images attained from satellites and remote sensory systems. Through this technology, a forester can map a remote area and record the growth of the forests in the area.
