Foresters

Foresters generally work a 40-hour week, although they must be prepared for overtime duty, particularly when emergency conditions arise. In the field, foresters encounter many different conditions, such as snow, rain, freezing cold, or extreme heat. They may sometimes encounter hazardous conditions, such as forest fires.

Work as a forester is often strenuous. There is a lot of walking involved through sometimes hilly and rugged terrain, and foresters must be able to lift equipment, use saws to cut trees, and perform other physically demanding duties.

Foresters whose work is more research centered may not find the physical requirements as demanding, since they may spend more time in the laboratory. Their workweek also tends to be more regular and their routines somewhat less varied.

Most who choose a career in this field love nature and the outdoors; for them, a great benefit is being able to work in a beautiful, natural setting, free from the confines of a desk job in an office.