FORESTERS California Occupational Guide Number 202 Interest Area 3 1996
TRENDS
CITY FORESTERS. Although it may sound like a contradiction of terms, Foresters really do work in urban areas. In fact, urban forestry is becoming a recognized science as more and more cities begin to realize the value of protecting and managing trees on their streets, in their yards, parks, and in rapidly dwindling wooded areas.
COMMUNITY FORESTERS. Increasing urbanization and land development are dramatically affecting land use in California and influencing the size, location, and quality of our natural areas. Community Foresters specialize in managing trees at the "interface", which is the area between traditional wildland areas and inner city urban forests.
BACKGROUND
The history of modern forestry in the United States began in 1898 when Gifford Pinchot, America's first professional Forester, was appointed as the head of the federal forestry division. Recognizing that a forest can provide a number of products and services, he advocated managing forests for a constant and sufficient supply of natural resources. This policy later became known as the "multiple use policy" and was reflected in the Multiple Use Act of 1960 which directed that our National Forests be managed for "timber, watershed, range, outdoor recreation and wildlife and fish purposes."
The Forestry profession, following this multiple use policy, has traditionally managed and protected our forest and wildlife resources to meet the need for wood products, protect water quality, and preserve recreational areas. Today's Foresters, however, now face managing forest resources in the light of growing, and sometimes hotly debated, environmental concerns, including issues of old growth forests, clear-cutting and spotted owls. Many of them now advocate placing greater emphasis on protecting wildlife and diversity in forests. In fact, in the Spring of 1993, a Society of American Foresters task force recommended adopting an ecosystem approach to sustaining long term productivity and forest health for all forest values.
THE JOB
A forest is more than a collection of trees; it is a composite of the soil, trees and plants, wildlife, and streams. The Humboldt State University Forestry Department poetically describes the forest as "a place where people earn their living, retreat for recreation, where fish and wildlife find a home, and the water supply of our nation is stored and purified."
Forests are not only in the country, they are also found in our suburbs and cities. The field of forestry includes the study and administration of all the elements of the forest ecosystem, including people. Foresters are environmental scientists who are committed to getting the greatest good from our forests for the largest number of people.
Foresters are employed by the U.S. Forest Service, State and other government entities, timberland companies and wood products industries. Many foresters are self-employed. They can choose from a variety of careers including:
Forest Management - The forest manager's job is to administer all the
forest resources for continued production of goods
and services. Duties include protecting the forest
from fire, insects and disease, planning and
overseeing recreation, planning and supervising
timber sales from harvested areas, and, when
necessary, dealing with citizens and politicians.
Urban Foresters - City dwellers need trees for both practical and
aesthetic reasons. The management of trees in this
unique forest environment presents a different set
of problems for Foresters. Urban foresters may
work for municipalities in planning departments,
parks departments or elsewhere in city government.
Resource Recreation Management - Foresters in this field manage wooded
lands to meet the needs of increasing numbers of
outdoor enthusiasts seeking the peace and quiet of
natural areas.
Wildlife Management - With the heightened concern for wildlife, and
other environmental issues, an increasing number
of employers look for foresters with this
specialization to help devise multiple-use plans
for forests.
Forest Products Industries - Those who choose this specialty can work
in production, sales and technical services; in
pulp and paper technology; or develop new
techniques for wood and residue use.
There are many more career opportunities in this field including possibilities in international forestry, and in the Peace Corps. The Society of American Foresters lists over 700 job categories and nearly 14,000 separate employers among its members.
WORKING CONDITIONS
If you are interested in working in this field you probably love working in the great outdoors! In reality, though, Foresters may spend a lot of time indoors. They work in laboratories, offices, parks, Christmas tree farms, nurseries, sawmills, manufacturing plants, classrooms, and even in legislative halls. Most Foresters, however, do get to spend a lot of their time "in the woods", especially during the first years of their career. They work outside in all seasons and weather conditions and are often exposed to hazards such as smoke, poison oak, and insects.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
According to the Society of American Foresters, more than half of professional Foresters work for government. About 25 percent are employed by the wood products industry with the rest working in teaching, consulting or related fields. Since the beginning of environmental awareness in the late 1960s, nature-related jobs have grown in popularity. With increased student interest in forestry and restricted federal and State budgets, competition for entry level jobs is stiff. Those taking specialized classes such as communications and computers will have an advantage.
The following information is from the California Projections and Planning Information report published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 2,010 Estimated number of workers in 2005 2,430 Projected Growth 1993-2005 21% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 780
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Most graduates entering Federal Service as Foresters start at $19,700 or $23,700 a year depending on academic achievement. The average Federal salary for Foresters is around $39,500 a year. The entry level pay for Forester I with California Department of Forestry (CDF) starts at $3,892 per month and can range to $4,730. A Forester II can earn between $4,280 to $5,190 monthly. The monthly salary for a Forester III begins at $4,700 and can go as high as $5,720. Entry level Forester positions annual salaries in the private sector generally start between $22,000 and $25,000.
Employers provide full-time employees with a comprehensive fringe benefit package of paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, retirement programs, and disability benefits.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
The minimum educational requirement for most entry level professional positions is a BS in forestry or a closely related major. Foresters who manage a private forestland must be licensed in the State of California. The Forester License is also required for many higher level forestry jobs, and CDF requires it to qualify for the Forester II position. Licensing requires an examination, plus a bachelor's degree in forestry and three years of experience under the direction of a licensed forester, or four years of forestry work, plus three years under a licensed Forester.
High school students interested in this field need to take college preparatory classes with an emphasis on math, science, and English. The University of California at Berkeley, Humboldt State University and California State Polytechnic College at San Luis Obispo offer undergraduate programs. Humboldt offers a Master program. U.C. Berkeley has Master and Ph.D. forestry programs.
ADVANCEMENT
After advancement from trainee to licensed Forester, promotion is to supervisory positions. Promotions in public agencies are competitive and follow civil service procedures.
FINDING THE JOB
Part-time or seasonal employment with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service or CDF may lead to full-time employment. Job seekers interested in seasonal work should contact the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, Regional office and the CDF Personnel Office. Employers recruiting professional Foresters hire directly through the college placement offices. Other resources include environmental publications and newsletters. Applicants may also find job leads through their local California Employment Development Department Job Service offices.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Department of Forestry 1416 Ninth Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 653-8007
Society of American Foresters 5400 Grosvenor Lane Bethesda, MD 20814-8720 (301) 897-8720
United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region 630 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94111
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Park Rangers No. 232 Firefighters No. 241 Horticulturists No. 396
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Forester 040.167.010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Foresters, Conservation Scientists 243020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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