Forestry Career Resources

Career Resources

There are forestry career options for all levels of education. Many positions in the industry require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training, such as a number of forestry-related heavy equipment operator jobs. Other more specialized positions, such as a log truck driver, require that you receive certification through a vocational program.

There are also degree-level job positions in the forestry industry. A forester requires a four-year bachelor's degree. Some positions require additional education, such as research forester, which typically requires a master's degree. Below are some of the schools that offer vocational and college-level educational programs relating to forestry.

U.S. Colleges

School of Agriculture and Natural Resources

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Tifton, GA

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School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Auburn, Alabama

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Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

CAMPUS LOCATION: Huntsville, Alabama

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College of Natural Resources

CAMPUS LOCATION: Berkeley, California

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Forestry and Environmental Conservation

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Clemson, South Carolina

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Warner College of Natural Resources

CAMPUS LOCATION: Fort Collins, Colorado

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U.S. Vocational Schools

Forestry Management Technology Program

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Conway, South Carolina
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Timber Harvesting Equipment Program

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Chiefland, Florida
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Forestry Technology

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Waycross, Georgia
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GIS Technician, Commercial Vehicle Driving and Fire Fighting programs offered

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Yulee and Jacksonville, Florida
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AEST Forestry Specialist Certification

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Gainesville, Florida
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New Zealand Forestry Education

UC School of Forestry

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Christchurch, New Zealand

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Forestry Courses

CAMPUS LOCATION:
Multiple Locations in New Zealand
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Forestry Organizations

Supporting the Forestry Industry

National forestry organizations represent our industry as a whole for various purposes described below:

National Alliance of Forest Owners
NAFO is a national advocacy organization committed to advancing federal policies that support privately-owned, sustainably-managed forests. It educates the public and leaders on the long-term benefits of forests from economic, social and environmental perspectives.
North American Forest Partnership
NAFP is spearheading a collaborative communications effort for the forest sector in the U.S. and Canada. Best known for its hashtag, #forestproud, it's on a mission to build trust and pride in the sector.
National Association of State Foresters
NASF serves state foresters throughout the U.S. and focuses on national-level legislation, policies and partnerships in the industry. For students, this is a great resource to keep up with the latest forestry issues and news and includes a job board for state and national forestry careers.
National Forest Foundation
NFF is focused on promoting the health and enjoyment of America's national forests and grasslands. The organization's website is a good place to learn about various conservation studies and initiatives. NFF also awards a number of grants each year.
NCASI
The National Council for Air and Stream Improvement serves the forest products industry, providing unbiased scientific research and technical information to support the industry's environmental and sustainability goals.
Society of American Foresters
SAF represents the forestry industry from a scientific and educational perspective. The organization has chapters in most forestry colleges, offers continuing education courses and strives to identify and address opportunities as well as issues related to forest resources nationwide.

Every state has a forestry association to represent that state's forest owners and their interests. Below is a sampling of organizations:

Alabama Forestry Association
AFA's vision is to represent its members as the voice of forestry in Alabama state and national affairs and to support sustainable forestry programs and practices. Members include landowners, loggers, wood suppliers, forest products companies, foresters and others with a stake in the industry.
Florida Forestry Association
FFA brings together those who grow and those who use Florida’s forests with a mission is to promote the responsible and sustainable use of Florida’s forest resources. Its goals are to foster regulatory, economic, and social climates that allow the forest community to thrive.
Georgia Forestry Association
GFA is an advocate for forest landowners, forest product manufacturers and forestry-related businesses, focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability of Georgia forestry. It promotes the value of Georgia's working forests and forest industries and strives to educate leaders about responsible forest management practices and landowner rights.
Louisiana Forestry Association
LFA promotes the health and productivity of Louisiana's forests with an emphasis on sustainable forestry. It informs the public about the industry, helps private landowners learn best practices in forest management and reforestation, and educates public school students about wise forest use.
Oklahoma Forestry Association
OFA champions the value of healthy forests and encourages the use of high ethical standards within the industry. It encourages the wise use of all forest-related resources and works to develop public appreciation for the aesthetic, environmental and economic value of Oklahoma's forests.
Oregon Forest & Industries Council
OFIC represents more than 50 Oregon forestland owners and forest products manufacturers and works with policy makers, community leaders and advocacy organizations. It promotes the industry's important role in delivering economic and environmental benefits while balancing the sustainable use of forest resources.
Oregon Forest Resources Institute
OFRI promotes environmentally sound forestry practices through educational and training programs. Created by the Oregon legislature, it also champions collaboration between forest scientists, public agencies, community organizations, conservation groups and land owners.
Texas Forestry Association
TFA promotes a climate that advances forestry economically, socially and politically. It uses education, political action and public relations to promote a better understanding of forest conservation practices throughout the state.