Forestry Specialist

If you like working in a forest environment and would like to help improve the quality of the trees that grow in forests, then forestry may be the career for you. A BLM forester is not only involved with the planting, growing and harvesting of trees, but also does research on selection of the very best tree for a particular site. To do this, a forester must understand soils, the ways in which soils and water work together, and methods to determine which trees to plant and where they grow best. BLM foresters work with other resource specialists, such as soil scientists, wildlife biologists, hydrologists and archaeologists, to develop a forest management plan; after the plan is developed, the forester is the person in charge of implementing it. He/she is responsible for proper road construction and logging activity, and the planting of tree seedlings to replace mature trees removed in the harvest operation. The forester cares for these seedlings, as well as other trees, throughout their growth. Some of the factors that must be considered are proper tree spacing and protection from insects and disease. To prepare to study forestry, a high school student should take courses that provide a strong background in biology and other natural sciences, math, science, English, and computer skills. A bachelor's degree is required, incorporating the study of plants, trees, soils and water, as well as surveying and forest management.