Foresters

Professional foresters who have graduated from university-level schools of forestry often begin their first job with work that is not at a fully professional level. They may, for example, do the elementary surveying involved in forest inventory or engineering projects, work in logging or construction crews, or act as supervisors of planting or insect control crews. In progressive organizations, this training period is kept short and is meant to provide a real understanding of operations from the bottom up.

After such a training period, foresters usually move to more responsible positions. This almost always means an increase in office work and a corresponding decrease in the time spent in physical work in the field.

As foresters move on to positions of greater responsibility in a public or private forestry organization, they may be placed in a line position. A line position is one in which the forester supervises technicians and other foresters. At the lower levels, the forester in a line position might directly supervise two to five other foresters; at higher levels the forester may still oversee only a small number of people, but with each of them, in turn, being in charge of a small group of foresters. Success in a line position requires not only professional competence and knowledge but also leadership qualities.

Other foresters may move into research. In research work, the forester may begin as a laboratory assistant, work gradually into detailed research activities, and eventually move into leadership or administrative positions in forestry research. Some foresters who move into research choose to return to school for further education. With an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctorate, comes more opportunity for advancement, as well as better pay.