How do you become a forestry supervisor?

1 Education and Training

To become a forestry supervisor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree or a professional designation, such as a registered professional forester (RPF) or a certified forester (CF). A bachelor's degree in forestry usually takes four years to complete and covers topics such as forest ecology, silviculture, forest economics, forest policy, and forest management. A master's degree in forestry may take one to two years to complete and may require a thesis or a research project. A professional designation may require additional education, experience, and exams.

2 Experience and Skills

To become a forestry supervisor, you also need relevant work experience in the forestry sector. You may start as a forestry technician, assistant, or worker and gain hands-on experience in various aspects of forestry, such as logging, planting, inventory, mapping, fire prevention, and wildlife management. You may also participate in internships, co-op programs, or volunteer opportunities to enhance your skills and network with potential employers. As a forestry supervisor, you need to have strong skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork. You also need to have technical skills in forest measurement, assessment, and analysis, as well as knowledge of forest software, tools, and equipment.

3 Certification and Licensing

To become a forestry supervisor, you may need to obtain certification or licensing from a professional association or a regulatory body, depending on your location and employer. Certification or licensing demonstrates that you have met the standards of education, experience, and ethics in the forestry profession. For example, in Canada, you may need to be registered as a professional forester (RPF) or a registered forest technologist (RFT) by a provincial or territorial association. In the United States, you may need to be certified as a forester (CF) by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) or a state board. To maintain your certification or licensing, you may need to complete continuing education and professional development courses.

4 Career and Salary

As a forestry supervisor, you can work for various employers, such as government agencies, private companies, consulting firms, non-governmental organizations, or educational institutions. You can also work in different settings, such as urban, rural, or remote areas. Your duties and responsibilities may vary depending on the type and size of your forest unit, the goals and objectives of your employer, and the environmental and social issues affecting your region. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for forest and conservation workers, which includes forestry supervisors, was $31,770 in 2020. The job outlook for this occupation is projected to grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

5 Tips and Advice

Aspiring forestry supervisors may benefit from tips and advice from experts and practitioners in the field. To stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in forestry, such as new technologies, policies, and practices, you should network with other forestry professionals and join relevant associations and groups. Additionally, seeking feedback and mentorship from peers, supervisors, or mentors can be beneficial to learn from their experiences and insights. Furthermore, you should consider pursuing additional training and education opportunities to enhance your skills and qualifications. Lastly, it is important to remain flexible and adaptable to changing situations and challenges, such as weather conditions, fire hazards, or stakeholder demands.