Professional forester

Professional foresters give expert technical advice on planning, creation, management, harvesting and use of woodlands and forests.

Also known as: Head forester, forest manager, woodland manager, planning forester

• Starter salary£32,000 a year
• Experienced£55,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 42 a week
• Green jobYes

What you'll do

As a professional forester, you could:

• plan and deliver safe and sustainable forest operations across your area
• carry out and maintain planting schemes
• supervise a team of forestry workers
• manage the growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber
• negotiate and organise the work of contractors
• make sure forest works are carried out to professional health and safety standards
• keep accurate records of site visits and audits
• control budgets and prepare financial forecasts, such as costs
• promote the expansion of forest coverage and the restoration of ancient woodland
• work closely with professional bodies, landowners, local authorities and the public

Working environment

You could work in an office or in woodland.

Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of geography
• maths knowledge
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a professional forester

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a university degree or postgraduate course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this career.

Courses include:

• forestry
• forest management
• forestry and woodland management
• agroforestry
• conservation and woodland management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take around 3 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with study.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could work as a forest works supervisor or manager and become a professional forester through on-the-job training and promotion.

Volunteering

You may find it useful when looking for jobs to get some relevant practical experience. A free virtual work experience programme is available for students to explore the range of careers in forestry.

You can also find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:

• Trees for Cities
• The Tree Council
• Forestry England
• National Trust
• Woodland Trust

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• have a Certificate of Competence , if you carry out hazardous tasks using a chainsaw
• have a full driving licence

All work must be carried out in line with the UK Forestry Standard.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in areas like:

• harvest management
• contract management
• woodland planning and creation

You could also work towards Chartered Forester status . This demonstrates your skills, knowledge and expertise in the profession.

Career tips

In this job, you would split your time between office work and travelling to different forest sites to oversee activities. A company vehicle is normally provided.

You may find yourself working in community forests close to towns and cities, or more remotely in the National Forests, commercial plantations and National Parks.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters or Society for the Environment for professional development opportunities, industry news and to make contacts in the profession.

Guides for this industry

• Environmental Sciences: pay, interviews and getting started →

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