What Foresters Do
Forestry is a specialised profession that uses a multi-disciplinary approach to sustainably manage unique forest ecosystems.
As part of their day-to-day job, a forester may:
- study, monitor and assess forests, including growth rates, general health, disturbance history and changes establish forests through ecological restoration and replanting trees
- manage and plan for bushfire, and conduct prevention, detection and suppression activities such as prescribed burning
- monitor and protect forest fauna and their habitat
- undertake landscape management planning, including manual and satellite mapping (including LiDAR surveying technology), aerial photo interpretation (with drones) and field measurements
- monitor soil and water
- manage pests and weeds
- maintain forests for recreation, cultural and agricultural uses, such as honey
- develop management strategies to improve carbon sequestration
- undertake economic modelling for carbon, timber or other ecosystem services
- plan, build and maintain roads
- plan and prepare for forest harvest
- monitor and adhere to regulations and forest certification
- develop forest policies and procedures
- collaborate, liaise and meet with community members
- undertake sustainable timber yield modelling and planning
- monitor and collect seed for forest regeneration
- supervise forest contractors
- advise governments and clients on forest management strategies
- work with traditional owners and aboriginal communities to protect cultural heritage and incorporate traditional ecological knowledge
- manage forest recreation sites and access
Interested in pursuing a career as a forester?
