What does a forestry manager do?

1 Skills and education

Forestry managers need a combination of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills to perform their job effectively. They must have a solid knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, harvesting, inventory, economics, policy, and law. They must also be able to plan, organize, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate forest operations and projects. Additionally, they must be able to communicate clearly and persuasively with various stakeholders, such as landowners, contractors, staff, regulators, customers, and the public. Forestry managers typically have a bachelor's degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field. Some employers may also require or prefer candidates with professional certification, such as the Certified Forester credential from the Society of American Foresters.

2 Duties and responsibilities

Forestry managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, depending on the type and size of the organization they work for. Common duties include developing and implementing forest management plans and policies that align with the goals of the organization and stakeholders, conducting and overseeing forest inventory, assessment, mapping, and monitoring activities to collect and analyze data on forest conditions, growth, health, and productivity. Forestry managers also plan and coordinate forest harvesting, thinning, planting, pruning, fertilizing, pest control, fire prevention, and other silvicultural treatments to enhance forest quality. They manage and supervise forest workers, contractors, consultants, and volunteers to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards and regulations. Negotiating and administering contracts with landowners, suppliers, customers, authorities is also part of their role. Additionally, forestry managers market and sell forest products and services such as timber, biomass, recreation, carbon credits or ecosystem services. Lastly they are responsible for preparing budgets, reports as well as providing technical advice to landowners about forest management issues.

3 Challenges and opportunities

Forestry managers face various challenges and opportunities in their career, such as dealing with complex and dynamic forest systems influenced by natural and human factors, balancing multiple and sometimes conflicting interests, adapting to changing technologies, regulations, standards, and best practices in forest management, and coping with physical and mental stress. On the other hand, there are also many opportunities, such as contributing to the conservation of forest ecosystems and biodiversity, enhancing the social and economic benefits of forests for local and global communities, developing innovative solutions for forest management challenges, and advancing the professional and personal growth of forestry managers. As a result, forestry management is a rewarding yet challenging career that requires passion, dedication, and skills. If you are interested in becoming a forestry manager, you will need to pursue the appropriate education, training, and certification. You should also gain relevant experience and network with potential employers and colleagues. Additionally, you must stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the field to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with this career.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?