Forestry and Timber
Within forestry and timber jobs you will primarily work almost entirely outdoors in physically demanding conditions in different types of weather, evaluating forest conditions and preparing timber to be cut and sold. Your tasks include data collection, inventory, tree planting, pruning, thinning, and cutting trees. You will also perform inspections of areas where trees were cut or planted and prepare written reports of the final inspection. This commonly includes specialties such as timber sale reparation, timber stand improvement, and timber sale administration. From planting seedlings to inspecting a contractor's work, a forestry career provides the technical and professional expertise for evaluating the health of our forests.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
Projected change in employment through 2034
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Peak field seasons in spring and summer
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Entry‑level roles assist with data collection, tree planting, inventory and basic forest management tasks under supervision.
Job Types & Titles
- Forestry technician
- Forest aide
- Tree planter
- Wildland firefighter
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
High school diploma plus field training or an associate degree in forestry; some positions require coursework in biology and natural resources.
Certifications
Forestry Technician Industry‑Recognized Credential (Granite State SAF) or equivalent entry‑level certificates
Experience
0-2 years; seasonal internships or AmeriCorps positions provide experience.
Position Responsibilities
Technicians perform forest inventories, GIS mapping, boundary surveys, seed collection, and support timber sales and fire management.
Job Types & Titles
- Forest engineering technician
- GIS technician
- Forest road technician
- Wildland fuels technician
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources or a related field.
Certifications
SAF’s Candidate Certified Forestry Technician (CCFT) or state‑specific forest practice credentials
Experience
2-5 years of field experience and proficiency in chainsaws, GPS and data recorders.
Position Responsibilities
Professional foresters manage forestlands for timber production, ecological restoration, watershed protection and recreation; they develop management plans, oversee logging operations, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Job Types & Titles
- Forester
- Silviculturist
- Urban forester
- Forest ecologist
- Forest operations manager
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree in forestry or forest management accredited by the Society of American Foresters; many positions require or prefer a master’s degree.
Certifications
Certified Forester (CF) credential from the Society of American Foresters; state Registered Professional Forester licensure where required
Experience
3-7 years of progressively responsible experience including timber cruising, prescription writing and stakeholder engagement.
Position Responsibilities
Managers lead forestry programs or business units, supervise staff, oversee budgets, negotiate timber sales, and provide policy guidance. They may direct research or represent agencies in stakeholder meetings.
Job Types & Titles
- Forest supervisor
- District ranger
- Forest operations director
- State forester
- Chief resource manager
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in forestry, natural resources or business administration; leadership training is advantageous.
Certifications
Certified Forester (CF) plus advanced certifications (e.g., Certified Arborist, Wildland Fire Management certifications)
Experience
7+ years including project management, personnel supervision and strategic planning.
Who Hires Forestry and Timber Professionals?
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