Forester / Forest Manager Career Profile

What the role involves

Foresters and Forest Managers plan, monitor and manage forest areas for commercial, conservation, recreation, biodiversity, fire or restoration outcomes.

They may work in native forests, plantations, conservation areas, private forestry, carbon projects, fire management, restoration programs or policy and planning roles.

Typical employers

Forester / Forest Manager roles in Australia may be found with:

• forestry companies and plantation managers
• state forest and land management agencies
• parks and conservation agencies
• local councils and regional land managers
• consultancies and certification bodies
• carbon, restoration and natural capital projects
• research organisations and universities

Key tasks

• prepare or implement forest management plans
• monitor forest health, biodiversity, pests, disease and fire risk
• coordinate planting, thinning, harvesting, restoration or protection works
• manage contractors, field teams, budgets and reporting
• support certification, compliance or sustainable forestry standards
• use GIS, mapping, inventory and forest measurement data
• work with landholders, communities, Traditional Owners and regulators

Skills and qualities

Forester / Forest Manager work suits people with a mix of environmental knowledge, communication and practical judgement. Useful skills and qualities include:

• forest science and land management knowledge
• understanding of biodiversity, fire, timber, restoration and sustainability issues
• fieldwork, mapping and measurement skills
• project and contractor management
• communication with landholders, communities and operational teams
• data interpretation and technical reporting
• long-term planning and practical decision-making

Qualifications and pathways

Useful study options and pathways may include:

• Degree or diploma in forestry, forest science, environmental science, natural resource management or a related field
• Experience in field forestry, conservation, fire, plantation operations or land management may be useful
• training in GIS, forest inventory, fire management, chainsaw safety, 4WD or contractor management may be required
• professional forestry membership or certification knowledge may be useful for some roles

Foresters and Forest Managers may progress into Senior Forester, Forest Operations Manager, Plantation Manager, Conservation Land Manager, Fire Management Officer, Forestry Consultant or Regional Land Management roles.

Salary and job outlook

Forester and Forest Manager salaries can vary depending on seniority, sector, region, operational responsibility, fire or harvest management duties, certification requirements and whether the role is in plantations, native forest management, conservation, consulting or government. Management roles with staff, contractors, budgets or operational responsibility may attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Jobs are found in plantation regions, state forest areas, conservation landscapes, regional land management agencies, fire-prone regions, carbon and restoration projects, and forestry company offices across Australia.

Tips for getting started

• build practical forest, land management or conservation field experience
• learn GIS, forest inventory and measurement methods
• understand fire, biodiversity, timber production and certification issues
• develop contractor, safety and project management skills
• be open to regional work and field-based roles

Related environmental careers

• Forestry Technician
• Conservation Manager
• Natural Resource Manager
• Park Ranger
• Bushfire Resilience Officer / Natural Hazards Officer
• Biodiversity Officer
• Soil Scientist