A forestry technician collaborates with foresters and other land managers, often in collaboration with private companies or state/federal agencies. A forestry technician is typically an entry-level position; these individuals may hold a two-year degree in forest science or technology, whereas a professional forester holds a four-year bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree. A technician’s job description varies depending on where he or she works and for whom, but it usually entails analyzing forests, marking trees for cutting, and performing assessments on the timber value of specific areas in relation to the board-feet each sale could yield.
In a managed forest, it’s uncommon for a forestry technician to decide on his or her own which trees to cut. These decisions are usually made with the help of a professional forester and are based on the wishes of the landowner or property manager. Some forests, for example, are managed solely for their scenic or conservation value, while others are managed solely for lumber production. Each of these factors will influence the number and type of trees cut down, and each one necessitates a high level of specialized knowledge. The forestry technician may then use paint to mark each tree to be cut; typically, technicians and foresters do not do much cutting themselves because the logger is responsible for that.
Research is another common forestry technician job, especially for conservation groups or state/national environmental organizations. This person will collect data on things like pest or disease incidence in specific tree stands, wildlife changes, and tree growth patterns. Others then use this information to figure out how to best manage the forest in order to meet certain conservation goals for forest regeneration. Controlled fires are now commonly used as a method of managing forests in a more natural way, so fire management is sometimes a part of this research.
Forest regeneration, also known as reforestation, may be another forestry technician’s job. This could entail planting specific trees in specific areas where they are most likely to thrive and form beneficial, symbiotic relationships with other trees. The majority of these tasks are planned and completed by forestry professionals, but the technician is responsible for a significant portion of the work. Some forestry technicians will also plan and construct roads and hiking trails for a variety of purposes. Anyone considering this career should anticipate spending the majority of his or her time outdoors, often alone.