Description
Manage and steward public and private forests to meet economic, recreational, and conservation goals. Inventory and appraise timber; negotiate purchases and contracts; ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Plan and oversee reforestation and silviculture, monitor forest health, protect habitats and water resources, and schedule sustainable harvests.
- • Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to ensure adherence to regulations.
- • Develop short- and long-term forest management plans.
- • Supervise forestry crews and contractors.
- • Select and prepare sites for planting, using methods such as controlled burning, mechanical clearing, or herbicides.
- • Plan and oversee silviculture projects, including species selection, nursery management, thinning, and seedling monitoring.
- • Negotiate terms for harvesting, management services, and land leases.
- • Direct and participate in wildfire prevention and suppression.
- • Analyze how forest conditions affect growth, species composition, yield, and regeneration.
- • Monitor cleared areas and ensure reclamation to suitable end uses.
- • Plan and implement projects to conserve wildlife habitat and soil and water quality.
- • Plan and lead forest inventories, surveys, and studies; prepare reports and recommendations.
- • Inspect forests and nurseries for health, pests, and compliance.
- • Map soils and vegetation to estimate standing timber and forecast growth and value.
- • Conduct public education on forest stewardship and conservation.
- • Procure timber from private landowners.
- • Subcontract and coordinate with loggers and road crews.
- • Plan harvest schedules and manage timber sales to meet production goals.
- • Monitor wildlife populations and assess impacts of operations.
- • Plan and oversee recreation facilities, fire towers, trails, roads, and bridges to meet public land guidelines.
- • Engage landowners to obtain permission for timber inventories.
- • Advise private landowners, firefighters, agencies, and companies on forestry issues.
- • Study tree species ecology, site requirements, adaptation, and resistance to pests and disease.
- • Develop new uses for wood and residues.
- • Improve methods for measuring, identifying, and marking trees.
- • Determine cutting methods that minimize waste and environmental impact.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
