r/forestry • u/ur_massive • 10h ago
Roadless Rule
usda.govDoes anyone working for the forest service presently have an opinion on this? Just curious about the everyone’s thoughts of pros & cons here.
r/forestry • u/StillWearsCrocs • Jul 25 '25
Thinking About a Career in Forestry? Ask Your Questions Here!
Are you curious about working in forestry? Whether you’re:
* A student wondering what forestry programs are like,
* Considering a career change,
* Unsure what jobs are out there (public vs. private sector, consulting, research),
* Or just want to know what day-to-day fieldwork is like…
What is Forestry?
Forestry is more than just trees—it’s a mix of science, management, and hands-on fieldwork. Foresters work in areas like:
* Timber management – cruising, marking, harvest planning.
* Ecology & conservation – wildlife habitat, restoration, prescribed fire.
* GIS & remote sensing – mapping and data analysis.
* Urban & community forestry – managing city trees and green spaces.
Jobs can be found with state/federal agencies, private companies, non-profits, and consulting firms.
Resources for Career Exploration:
* Society of American Foresters (SAF): safnet.org – info on accredited degree programs and career paths.
* U.S. Forest Service Careers: fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/careers
* State Licensing/Certification: Some states require forester licenses—check your state’s forestry division.
* Job Boards:
* ForestryUSA
* https://www.canadian-forests.com/job.html
* State and consulting forester job listings
How to Use This Thread
* Post your career questions in the comments below.
* Foresters and forestry students: Jump in and share your experience!
* If your question is very specific, you can still make a separate post—but this thread is where most career-related questions will be answered.
FAQs:
1. Do I need a degree to work in forestry?
Not always. Many entry-level jobs (tree planting, timber stand improvement, trail work, wildland firefighting) don’t require a degree—just training and willingness to work outdoors. However, to become a professional forester (writing management plans, supervising harvests, working for agencies), most states and employers require at least a B.S. in Forestry or a related natural resources field, or verifiable experience.
2. What’s the difference between a forester and an arborist?
Foresters manage forests at a landscape scale—hundreds to thousands of acres—balancing timber, wildlife, recreation, and conservation goals. Arborists (often ISA-certified) focus on individual trees, usually in urban or residential settings, with an emphasis on tree health, pruning, and hazard management. The two fields overlap but have very different day-to-day work.
3. Is forestry mostly outdoor work?
Early in your career, yes. You’ll spend a lot of time cruising timber, marking trees, or collecting field data. Later, many foresters transition to a mix of office and field work—GIS mapping, writing management plans, and coordinating with landowners or agencies. If you love both the woods and data/analysis, forestry can offer a great balance.
4. What kind of pay and job outlook can I expect?
Forestry isn’t known for high pay, but it offers solid job security, especially with public agencies and utilities. Entry-level wages are often in the $35k–$45k range for field techs, with professional foresters earning $50k–$90k depending on region and sector. Consulting foresters and utility vegetation managers can earn >$100k, especially with experience or specialization.
Foresters, students, and career changers: Jump in below and share your paths, tips, and resources.
r/forestry • u/ur_massive • 10h ago
Does anyone working for the forest service presently have an opinion on this? Just curious about the everyone’s thoughts of pros & cons here.
r/forestry • u/crunchywalmartsanta • 7h ago
r/forestry • u/Sure-Locksmith6632 • 14h ago
Im doing a bsc in forestry at a university in canada. Any suggestions on what boots I should get, or maybe what to look for? I know they should be carbon or steel toe, but I'm not sure if there's any other features I should look out for.
r/forestry • u/AdmirableChapter4393 • 1d ago
Rant incoming:
What is the deal with many mill Procurement Foresters that they will not answer/return phone calls, respond to texts, or respond to emails?
The individual that set me off on this has returned ONE call from me in the past two years. They have NEVER outright answered a single call. They have responded to TWO texts out of eight sent in the past two years. WTF.
I've been a Procurement Forester. I understand they get a lot of calls. That's their MF'n job. I did it. I responded to calls, texts, and emails because it was my MF'n job.
I also understand they don't give a shiznit about me or my company because some other broke dick timber seller like me will fill their quota with no problem. However, if the log pile gets low, suddenly they are the kings and queens of communication. I've actually had another one from this same company say "I thought we had a better relationship than this." Prior to them NEEDING my production, we were on five load per week quota and a price differential of $5 plus per ton to another mill.
Rant mostly over: For anyone needing to know this, not communicating with me doesn't just inconvenience me. My typical job has three operators, four truck drivers, and a company owner that require your communication in a timely manner. Logging job owners are basically exchanging money at the moment. They are not making enough to repair and replace equipment as needed. Truck drivers are in high demand. If they miss loads, they lose money and will high tail it to the oilfield.
In summary: Answer your GD phone, text, emails.
r/forestry • u/Punkin_Passion • 1d ago
I'm in Utah for now, 21F
I'm not making a lot at the moment because I'm working part time. I make about $700 twice a month. I started school but I haven't been sure what to do yet. However I do know that I love the outdoors and I have always loved animals and nature and I'm curious about forestry. Do you like it? How did you start? How much are you making? How is your work/life balance?
r/forestry • u/haunted_buffet • 1d ago
Not sure if this is the right place to post this but thought yall might have some perspective.
r/forestry • u/South-Lettuce3301 • 1d ago
I am a US citizen, I recently graduated with my masters degree in natural resources management (specialization in forest sciences). I am looking into opportunities to move abroad and practice in forestry, conservation, or restoration. I’m mainly interested in the UK, Ireland, or Australia, but I’m open to ideas.
Does anyone have any words of advice or recommendations for where to start looking?
r/forestry • u/Fit_Grapefruit_9184 • 1d ago
r/forestry • u/AknubHNO3 • 1d ago
Hi everyone, 27 year old here whose looking into a new career and forestry really stood out to me. Background is I’ve been working in an agricultural chemistry lab as a lab assistant for most of my 20s but never attended school. I have a forestry program at a community college I’m most likely going to enroll in but I want to know if I should be planning on getting a bachelors immediately afterwards or can I go into the field with just an associates? Networking will be a huge part during schooling I know just trying to see how much education is valued in the field. Thanks!
r/forestry • u/LarixLaricinaInFall • 1d ago
Last year when doing our field supply order I noticed that Trecoder Spot Guns were out of stock everywhere. I haven't seen them in stock since. Does anyone know if they've been discontinued? Does this mean we only have Nelson guns as an option now?
r/forestry • u/Abakenezer • 1d ago
Hello I have a big....I mean huge Tent building that I want to sell...How big you may ask? It is 2700 square ft. 52 foot square and approximately 35 foot tall. I live in Alaska and was planning on using it to build a log cabin underneath it. That didn't pan out.
I can ship all 16000 lbs of it to anywhere in the lower 48 or Canada. It would be a great addition to anyone looking for dry storage for heavy equipment or the like. Ask me in the comments if interested.
r/forestry • u/Boeing-B-47stratojet • 3d ago
r/forestry • u/gotmecheesin • 2d ago
I’m 23 and I’m looking to start a career in forestry. I’ve always loved working outdoors and learning about the environment and I want to commit to a forestry career. I don’t know exactly what a forestry career entails but I’d like to speak with someone who’s in the field and experienced who could help me out. I’ve done an arborist job as a groundsman as well as a fall season of conservation corps. I want to do a season of wildland fire and then transition into some career in the forest service or private sector. Are there any resources with people I can talk to over the phone or in person? I live in SoCal currently and I don’t want to live here anymore so I’m willing to move anywhere. Can someone help me out with some guidance? Greatly appreciated
r/forestry • u/tatterdemaliot • 3d ago
Hello hello thanks y'all for taking care of all of our woods.
I'm interested in working as a surveyor in the North Maine woods, but I'm unsure about what I'd need to get started, and what the available jobs look like. Am I sol until I have the certification, or can I get started on woodsmanship alone and then work on training and certification while I work?
Thank you for any advice you can give!
r/forestry • u/RevJustJess • 4d ago
I am not a forestry professional, but I am heading up a group that is embarking on the implementation phase of an FMP for around 450 acres of mixed hardwood forest in SE Ohio. Most of it is in decent shape, but there is still a lot of work to do. The primary tasks over the next 10 years are invasive species control (honeysuckle and multiflora mostly) and prescribed burns, with TSI thinning cuts also starting later in the timeline. The objectives are habitat improvements, creating new recreation opportunities, and NTFPs. We have professionals to call on when needed, but we don’t have an unlimited budget.
If you were in my position, what would be your recommendation for equipment purchases? What do you use all the time when performing this work? Hand tools, tractor attachments, PPE, etc. There’s a mix of experience and skills among the group members, so training recommendations are also welcome
r/forestry • u/webtroto • 4d ago
r/forestry • u/MarsupialThink4064 • 5d ago
Just wondering. I've been following the trade dispute between Trump and Canada and was just curious. 🧐
r/forestry • u/FridgeOfNothing • 5d ago
I recently checked out the woods near my neighborhood today and found this. Can anyone explain what is structure is?
r/forestry • u/warnelldawg • 6d ago
r/forestry • u/amaris_draven • 5d ago
r/forestry • u/CaptainNightt • 5d ago
Hey all
Im starting a college course soon and I need to get some PPE beforehand and was looking for some reliable but somewhat budget gear reccomendations,
The two things I need are a forestry helmet(ear muffs and face guard) and safety shoes/boots (steel toe, chainsaw protective)
Asking for reccomendations because I don't want to blow a whole load of cash on something that's bad quality. I am based in the UK if that helps
Appreciate any replies
r/forestry • u/New_Chair2 • 6d ago
My sheep have completely eaten the bark off my 3 year old apple tree (White Transparent). Is it still possible to save the tree somehow or should I simply cut it down? There is basically no bark left at all as you can see in the photos.