Dear Forestry Forum,
Hi, I'm someone who currently has no idea what I wanna do with my life, but have looked at the Forestry Service and have found it surprisingly to my liking, from what (likely little) I've researched. Issue is, I'm not entirely sure where to look in order to learn more about working as a Forester in a professional capacity, such as what's it like in a day-to-day capacity, or what some entry-level Forestry jobs would be. I don't suppose that the kind gentlemen on this site would be able to provide me some suggestions on where to look?
Also apologies if I'm breaking any etiquette for a first post here, this is the first time I've been on a forum this formal.
Thanks,
Gabe
Welcome Gabe! No need to apologize, we all had to start somewhere. Have you checked with a state college to see what they offer? Is there a state forest service office nearby. Somebody there should be happy to talk with you.
Welcome, Gabriel.
Off to a good start here. You filled out your profile so when the right guys come along, they can answer with more specifics. They will be here shortly...
Study your biology and genetics, they will be a big part of what you need. Plant biology is necessary for what it'll take. Know your trees by the bark and other little signs (oh how I wish I knew them well, but alas, I don't). DON'T be afraid to go out and literally beat the bushes, and figuratively as well. One of the government agencies is going to be "the one", but I'm not sure which.
Along with those, computers, IT age, ya know.
Welcome.
maybe you can shadow, or follow a Forester for a day to a week while the work is being done?
Contact your nearest U.S.Forest Service or State DNR office for information on forestry careers and how to get started in a career with them.
Also contact the Society of American Foresters. They have a lot of helpful information on seeking a career in forestry. Becoming acquainted with a local professional forester who may mentor you would also be most helpful.
You might be able to find a consulting forestry company that will let you intern here and there unpaid, see if you like it. Im sure when its time to plant seedlings theyre happy to accept a helper or 3. Get in with the right crowd, show youve got some work ethic and arent a whiner.. doors will open.
In addition to whats been said about chatting with local forestry departments and interning, this book referenced below served me well back in 2005 when i began walking down the forestry road.
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/opportunties-in-forestry-careers_christopher-mueller-wille/752377/item/41696252/?gclid=CjwKCAjw07qDBhBxEiwA6pPbHiF1sMDxdqX-Q2lf7MV0RyBpff9HO6xLRAYACmXY2k4Brl4i_EnsOhoCai4QAvD_BwE#idiq=41696252&edition=3627603
As a retired career counselor, I'll throw you a ringer-> An Army fishing buddy from my past went into forestry then left it for a medical career (working long shift 3-4 day weeks) when his employer moved him from the woods to a desk job after 6 months cruising timber for Weyerhauser out west. Watch what you wish for.
I used him in my career discussions for many years after I knew him.
Locally we have a US Forestry Service operated Job Corps Center. Many, as in MANY of the administrators whove come through in the constant federal job dance of lateral job transfers to make a decent living have been foresters in the beginning of their work. I used to get all the leftover forestry magazines from several of them as my wife worked there as a teacher, counselor, principal. She was a rare bird there as a local employee-most came from all over the place.
Not trying to discourage you, just stimulate a full exploration.
In my own rural KY county I we have a guy who chose civil engineering using a free tuition program that KY hwy dept still offers-he switched to forestry long ago and says he's glad he did. Quite a few states have forestry programs in case your looking around geographically. The forester who I worked with on our land to become a part of the Tree Farm Program years ago- he & his wife were from NY state and came to KY to work for peanuts as state foresters cause they liked it here. Look around long and hard. maybe decide after taking the science and degree main classes before you lock in. When my own sons said they were liking something as a career I told them to go wade into that work area. As one e.g., my civil engineering son worked construction before becoming an engineer. He now will tell you he'd have preferred to have chosen Construction management,. not civil engineering. He was a Nuclear Engr in the Navy for the bribe money but his best friend doing the same job left nuclear when the Navy allowed him to switch to Sea Bees and construction-what he'd done summers as a kid in family business. Try stuff, look around and ask lots of adults about what they do. College professors will sell you what they teach mostly one sided talk in my experience.
Best Forestry colleges in Pennsylvania - Universities.com (https://www.universities.com/find/pennsylvania/best/agriculture/forestry)
Good advise from folks here
Reach-out to the schools as well
D
US Forest Service is the big employer in the West where we have a lot of public land.
In the East, it would State agencies and private consulting forestry companies that hire the most people.
I believe that there is a serious movement for more logging and less fire suppression jobs going forward. A lot of young people are not interested. That means opportunity for motivated young people that want to become foresters.
Are you willing to put in the work for a 4 year degree? How about a 2 year degree? Are you physically strong, can work outside in all weather, and work alone or in groups?
For modern forestry you need mensuration, timber cruising, statistics, silviculture, forest ecology, resource economics and literacy with computers and hand held computation devices. You need some logging engineering, and physical science background. Good luck.