Careers: Foresters
Foresters
Foresters manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber’s worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how to best comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
$26.31
Median Hourly Wage
105
Average Annual Openings
20
Near-term Retirements
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Information For Job Seekers
In this job, your typical duties would include:
- Getting information
- Identifying objects, actions, and events
- Organizing, planning, and prioritizing work
- Communicating with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Documenting/recording information
Is this a good fit for you? Skills typically required:
- Active listening
- Complex problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Reading comprehension
- Speaking
Start Here
Short-Term Training:
- Certified Logging Professional Apprentice program
- Wildland Firefighting Certification
- CDL Class A and/or B
Professional Certifications
- State of Maine Licensed Forester
Experience in Related Occupations:
- Range Managers
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Conservation Scientists
- Energy Auditors
Opportunity Outlook (2022 -2032)
Current Jobs:
61
Projected Growth:
-2% in Maine
Hires:
21
Information For Career Advisors
Hire and Train
A Bachelor’s degree is typically required for this occupation, though Associates degree programs are also available. Summer internships or cooperative learning are often required for graduation. With 1-2 years of field experience plus a Bachelor’s degree, workers can become certified by the State of Maine as a Licensed forester. From there, career progression can take multiple forms depending on interests, prior experience, and skill attainment. To advance, workers need 5-7+ years within the role and to demonstrate leadership, experience, and capabilities.
Training
- Career & Tech Education in Forestry, Wood Harvesting, Natural Resource Management, or a Related Field
- With a Bachelor’s Degree and 1-2 years of field experience, workers can become a Licensed Forester, opening more career options
Requirements/Typical Entry Points
Short-Term Training:
- Certified Logging Professional Apprentice program
- Wildland Firefighting Certification
- CDL Class A and/or B
Professional Certifications
- State of Maine Licensed Forester
Experience in Related Occupations:
- Range Managers
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Conservation Scientists
- Energy Auditors
Workforce Snapshot
Current Jobs:
61
Projected Growth:
-2% in Maine
Hires:
21
Find Out More!
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