Forestry work, a recognized scientific discipline that is also closely associated with environmental science, is often appealing to people who enjoy working outdoors. Forestry’s main goal is to manage forests and other natural resources. A forest ecosystem supports a diverse range of animals, insects, and plant life, as well as playing an important role in water management and soil resource management. Although the preservation of existing forests is a top priority, the challenge in forestry is balancing competing priorities and ensuring that any change is managed carefully. There are four things to consider when starting a career in forestry: career path, education and training, gaining relevant work experience, and preparing for the unique challenges of forestry work.
In forestry, there are two main career paths to consider: forest preservation and scientific research, and the forestry industry. Research and documentation of the impact of human activity on the current forest ecosystem are at the heart of forest preservation efforts. Much of this work is funded government agencies and entails extensive research, writing, computer work, and meetings. The main goal of this job is to have a say in decisions that aid in the restoration and preservation of natural resources.
Working in the forest industry entails working in the canopy of the forest. Many job opportunities exist with government agencies, lumber companies, and other forest-related businesses. Interacting with workers and overseeing planting and forest management activities are all part of this job. The primary objective of this type of job is to actively participate in forest management.
At both the university and community college levels, forestry courses are available. Both programs provide the necessary training to work in this field. College graduates tend to gravitate toward positions in the forest industry, while university graduates tend to gravitate toward forest preservation, but this is no means a rule. Foresters can switch between these two career paths taking continuing education courses and gaining work experience.
Forestry work experience can only be obtained physically moving to the forest. During the summer, many students participate in tree-planting projects, also known as reforestation. These projects are completed in various forest regions and provide the necessary experience to determine if this is the right career path for you.
Forestry work presents a number of difficulties. The first is the requirement to relocate to areas that are physically isolated. When compared to city life or even life in a small, rural town, the amenities available are quite limited. Because access to packaged food is limited and the costs are typically prohibitively high, the ability to live off the land is extremely important in this career. Learn and practice these skills ahead of time in preparation for a career in forestry.