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forest officer
Forest officers manage forests and woodland used for timber production or for conservation and recreation.
Their work includes:
- planning programmes for planting, managing and harvesting trees and planning and supervising general maintenance work
- managing and training staff and supervising self-employed contractors
- ensuring health and safety regulations and procedures are followed
- arranging the sale of timber
- developing and maintaining good relationships with neighbouring landowners, contractors, local authorities and members of the public
- administrative duties, including keeping records, writing reports and budget planning
- ensuring wildlife and natural habitats are protected and conserved
- managing recreational aspects such as visitor centres, nature trails, footpaths, campsites and car parks.
Hours and Environment
As a forest officer you will usually work between 37 and 42 hours a week, with overtime when necessary. In the private sector you will need to be willing to work hours as required, including evenings and weekends.
Although you will be office-based, you will also spend time outdoors in all weather conditions. Because many forests are in remote areas, you may sometimes have to spend time away from home. A driving licence is essential.
Skills and Interests
To be a forest officer you need:
- practical skills
- the ability to supervise others, and work as part of a team
- the ability and confidence to manage long-term projects
- strong written and verbal communication skills
- a good standard of numeracy
- a working knowledge of computers
- a good level of fitness.
Entry
You will usually need one of the following qualifications:
- BSc in Forestry
- BTEC/SQA HND or foundation degree in Forestry
For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward
Degree/postgraduate and BTEC/SQA courses in forestry or related subjects are available at several universities and agricultural colleges around the country. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
The Forestry Commission website also has links to colleges and universities offering relevant courses.
Entry requirements for courses vary, so you should check with colleges or universities for their exact requirements.
Pre-entry work experience is useful (and is essential for some courses). You may be able to get this by working as a volunteer with an organisation such as the Forestry Commission or the National Trust. Contact details are in Further Information.
As an alternative, you may be able to find work at craft level as a forest worker, and progress to more senior positions with a combination of experience and part-time study or work-based qualifications. Please see the Forest Worker profile for more information.
Training
When you have a relevant job you may be able to work towards NVQs/SVQs at Level 2 in Forestry and Level 3 in Treework. Level 3 is relevant to supervisory posts.
When you have two or more years' experience as a forester you may be able to achieve chartered status by taking the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) examinations. As a member of the ICF you will have access to opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD). Please see the Further Information section for contact details.
You could also do training through Forestry Training Services, the training division of the Forestry Commission. You can find details on the Forestry Commission website. Please see Further Information for contact details.
If you want to study at a higher level, postgraduate courses in forestry (MSc, MPhil or PhD) are also available.
Opportunities
Jobs are available with the Forestry Commission or with private forestry companies, consultants and contractors, estates, charities, some statutory bodies and local authorities. Most jobs are in rural areas in Scotland, Wales and Northern England.
There is fierce competition for the vacancies that arise. Self-employment is common and some forest managers also act as contractors, taking on forest workers to complete contracted work.
Universities and the Forestry Commission may have research opportunities for graduates and there are some consultancy opportunities for forest officers with the relevant experience.
In the Forestry Commission there are good prospects for promotion based on experience across a broad range of work activities. Forest officers are usually appointed first as technical managers or supervisors. For higher-level posts, full membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters may be needed.
In the private sector there is no formal structure for promotion, and prospects vary depending on the size of the organisation. Because of competition arising from the limited number of vacancies, it may be necessary to begin as forest foreperson in order to gain experience.
There may be opportunities to work abroad.
Annual Income
The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
Current Forestry Commission salaries for forest officers are from £21,792 to £28,385.
Salaries in the private sector vary widely. New entrants may earn around £19,000.
Further information
Tring
Hertfordshire
HP23 4AF
Tel: 01442 822028
Edinburgh
EH3 6AA
Tel: 0131 225 2705
Stoneleigh Park
Nr Coventry
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 0845 707 8007
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The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
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