Jobs You Can Get With A Forestry Degree

If you enjoy being outside or have a strong interest in nature and conservation, a career in forestry may be for you. This intriguing profession offers a variety of job opportunities, ranging from logging to firefighting. If you have a forestry degree and need to find a job in this industry, you should be aware of your alternatives in order to select the one that best fits you. In this post, we will look at a number of careers that require a degree in forestry or related subjects.

What are forestry degree jobs?

When pursuing a forestry degree, students learn about the practice and science of conserving and maintaining woodland and forest lands. This degree equips you to contribute to the conservation and management of the forest ecosystem in some capacity. Many forestry careers demand a degree, so it is critical to choose a vocation that suits you best. Here are three common paths you can follow:

• Conservation: This involves the protection of ecosystems, wildlife management and forest fire supersession, which are all vital to the land’s sustainability.
• Education: Whether you are a professor at a university or a park ranger teaching the general public, education plays a large role in forestry.
• Science: Scientists within this industry support the advancement of all positions by experimenting, providing data and developing new technologies.

To get a job in this industry, you can pursue a few different degrees besides forestry, including environmental sciences, agricultural science and natural resources. It may also help to have experience in conservation, firefighting or wildlife management to begin a career in forestry.

Jobs you can get with a forestry degree

1. Logger

• National average salary: $15.12 per hour

A logger is responsible for the felling, grading, and management of timber. Loggers may establish social and forest restrictions or inspect cut wood and pulpwood for quality and faults. They may also be in charge of determining the optimal balance between conservation and industry demand for products. Loggers use equipment like hoists, saws, and cranes.

2. Amenity horticulturist

• National average salary: $17.15 per hour

An amenity horticulturist is in charge of public parks, street trees, and other urban green spaces. They are in charge of producing attractive scenery for huge towns so that the residents can enjoy it. They care for a wide range of trees and plants in high-traffic areas like woodland retreats, parking lots, and office parks. In these locations, they plant trees, trim and shape trees and shrubs, and control pests to produce visually appealing landscapes.

3. Forest ranger

• National average salary: $35,775 per year

Forest rangers, also known as park rangers and fish and game wardens, are responsible for the health of federal and state forests and parks. Their work responsibilities include monitoring animal and ecological changes, measuring the property, and educating tourists. Rangers and wardens also carry out search and rescue missions, control fires, and enforce regulations. They may collect wildlife data and prepare on-site reports.

4. Wildland firefighter

• National average salary: $17.48 per hour

Wildland firefighters manage, prevent, and actively combat wildfires. They inspect vegetation, identify wildfire dangers, and prescribe controlled burns. Wildland firefighters use specialized strategies to keep the site safe and healthy, such as erecting fire lines or parachuting into locations that would be difficult to reach otherwise. These firemen also utilize fire to promote forest growth by emulating natural wildfires. They are in charge of protecting parks and conserved areas both near communities and deep within rural environments.

5. Forester

• National average salary: $52,639 per year

A forester looks after the health and growth of various trees and plants, which includes conservation and land management. They may be required to plant new trees, remove existing trees, and ensure sustainable timber use. This profession also includes firefighting, technician supervision, and wildlife protection. They ensure that projects are completed legally and do not have a harmful influence on the environment.

6. Conservation science professor

• National average salary: $4,429 per month

A conservation science professor gives students the skills necessary to become foresters, conservation scientists, and other professionals. They deliver lectures, develop lesson plans, and create labs. Professors may also conduct experiments or serve as peer reviewers for their colleagues’ work. This job path also includes field research, data analysis, and public education about conservation activities.

7. Environmental scientist

• National average salary: $71,489 per year

Environmental scientists protect natural resources and the broader ecosystem of the forest. They gather data on soil quality, wildlife and invasive pests. Environmental scientists may actively help to regrow forests by planting seeds in season or propagating flora and fauna. They help manage logging companies and ensure that the ecosystem is not negatively affected by timber use, usually by keeping strict logging records in the area. Additionally, these scientists work with farmers to increase the land’s potential while also protecting natural resources.

8. Forestry consultant

• National average salary: $72,199 per year

Forestry consultants assist in the acquisition, assessment, and ownership of land. They investigate accessible resources, including water, fauna, and minerals. These experts are frequently involved in marketing, leasing, pricing, and customer relationship management. Many people seek the opinion of a consultant when selling or purchasing farming or land for conservation purposes.

9. Wildlife biologist

• National average salary: $72,576 per year

Wildlife biologists concentrate on the health of wildlife populations. They observe industries like forestry companies and retreats to see if the removal or relocation of resources may harm animals. They collaborate closely with local and federal governments to ensure the survival of endangered species and the stability of healthy members of the ecological community, while also rehabilitating habitats and formulating conservation programs.

10. Silviculturist

• National average salary: $122,674 per year

Silviculturists collect data about forest trees. They document the type, species, and availability of standing timber. These professionals are in charge of supervising plans for new tree planting and land clearance, as well as determining how many trees should be added, removed, or moved. They must also obtain contracts with logging businesses and protect trees that are not suitable for timber production. To obtain correct data, silviculturists must understand trees’ histories, nutritional requirements, how they respond to environmental conditions, and general disease resistance.