Explore Green Jobs

Land Management Forester

The Land Management Forester oversees the establishment, upkeep and health of a working forest. Their role consists of stewarding the land to protect wildlife habitats, water quality and soil stability.

Many Land Management Foresters work directly with private and public landowners to protect, restore and build upon the managed land.

This position may also be known as a Land Management Specialist or Field Forester.

Wes Yeomans

Resource Land Manager, Rayonier

I oversee everything that is not timber harvesting: road work, chemical applications, planting, site prep, and fertilization applications. As a kid, I spent a lot of time hunting and fishing with my dad. I always knew I wanted to go into a profession that allowed me to be outdoors.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Management is required. Students may choose a concentration in Fish & Wildlife Management or Environmental Biology.

Helpful courses to take in high school: Agriculture-focused classes, biology, chemistry, and mathematics would be beneficial.

Tools of the Trade

  • Land Management Foresters will use computers or tablets to input data into management software for current and future planning of managing a sustainable forest. Also, they will use mapping software to create management maps for operations.
  • In managing the forest, a Land Management Forester may use a drone, compass, loggers tape, hypsometer, chainsaw, mowers, shovels, etc.
  • Interpretation of aerial imagery and GPS for managing the working forest.
  • Will have an operational knowledge of State Forestry Best Management practices and federal laws pertaining to forestry operations.

Important Skills

Must be able to communicate effectively, as the Land Management Forester works directly with various types of people in various positions across the company.

Enjoy working outdoors in the forest. This position requires the individual to spend the majority of their time out in the woods. A love for the conservation and sustainability of forests is helpful.

Knowledge of governmental regulations to ensure the work performed is in alignment with state and federal guidelines.

Job Responsibilities

Often, this role involves road and trail maintenance, installation of gates and signage, and monitoring for disease, pests, and removing invasive species. In the working forests, this individual also performs forest inspections and monitors contract compliance to ensure the forestry organization is adhering to best management practices and government regulations.

Land management goals set by this individual typically include long-term and high-yield tree growth, timber harvest marketing, wildlife habitat improvement, and water quality. Among their responsibilities, the Land Management Forester may be responsible for the following job duties:

  • Planning and overseeing operations for site preparation, seedling planting, removal of invasive species, and managing various ages of forest stands.
  • Maintain or build access roads for forestry operations.
  • Positively impact the environment by managing for wildlife and protecting water quality.
  • Protect the forest from damaging agents such as wildfires, pest, and disease.
  • Operate and maintain power tools such as chainsaws and lawnmowers.
< Back to all job profiles