Explore Green Jobs

Forest Engineer

Forestry companies need roads to access timber. That is where Forest Engineers come in. They design and supervise major projects in the forest, including road construction, bridge installations, harvest unit designs and the development of rock quarries. This work must be approached in a sustainable and environmentally-conscious manner.

Forest Engineers apply engineering principles to the maintenance of the working forest. Much of their work is dedicated to improving older roads and bridges, installing culverts, and other roadway construction, to ensure access points are up to current environmental standards. They spend a good amount of time out in the woods gathering data. When they aren’t working outdoors, they are in the office drawing up plans.

Wendi Lubinus

Forest Engineer, Rayonier

My job is solving puzzles. How can I prepare for the timber harvest safely with the least impact on the environment, spending the least amount of money? My advice: don't be afraid to get your hands dirty working for contractors doing the work you will be managing someday.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Engineering at a minimum. Some positions may require a Master’s Degree.

Helpful courses to take in high school: Science, mathematics, and English provide an adequate foundation during the high school years. Include courses such as algebra, trigonometry, geometry, chemistry, and physics. Engineering or design courses offer insight into the field as well.

Tools of the Trade

  • Various technologies such as mapping software, GPS tablets, mobile applications, and design software.
  • Drawing tools: drawing sheets, a drawing board, a mini drafter, a compass, a divider, and a clinograph are all examples.
  • During construction, stump grinders, log loaders, mulchers, and harvesters might be utilized.

Important Skills

The Forest Engineer must be able to analyze survey reports and read maps, drawings, and blueprints. A Forest Engineer also needs to be able to interpret aerial photography and other geologic data.

Knowledge of drawing tools and design software to plan and design transportation systems. These plans must meet governmental and environmental standards.

Communications skills, which will be needed to work with property line surveyors, harvest boundary marking contractors, machine operators, etc.

Budget management skills, which will be needed for projects such as road building.

Job Responsibilities

It is the primary responsibility of the Forest Engineer to develop plans to build infrastructure for access to timber. Within that responsibility, the plans must address protecting existing natural resources, such as trees, soil and water.

Often, Forest Engineers study environmental issues and traffic patterns to analyze the impact a new infrastructure project might have. The engineer may then prepare a report to share with key stakeholders and the public.

Forest Engineers also typically need to understand the permitting process, which is required for road building and other activities.

< Back to all job profiles