Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

The Work

The role of a forest manager / forester, sometimes known as a ‘forest officer’, is more strategic compared to a forest worker and carries more administrative and managing responsibilities.

As the forest manager, you are responsible for the sustainable management of timber production and the preservation and protection of trees and the forest environment. You may also oversee activities such as conservation, recreation, commercial interests and public access.

Some of your additional core duties may include managing a budget, preparing and carrying out a business plan, planning and overseeing the work of staff and contractors. You may also oversee the maintenance of machinery and equipment as well as keeping accurate work records.

As a manager, you also have some health and safety responsibilities and you may be in charge of recruiting and managing staff.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
• Plan and supervise forestry projects, such as determining the type, number and placement of trees to be planted, managing tree nurseries, thinning forest and monitoring growth of new seedlings.
• Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
• Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.
• Supervise activities of other forestry workers.
• Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.
• Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Direct, and participate in, forest fire suppression.
• Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldosers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.
• Procure timber from private landowners.

Further Information

• Forest Manager/Forester - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

As a forest Manager / Forester you are typically required to have both a relevant qualification as well as some years’ experience of working in the sector.

Training & Development

FET PLC Courses: Business Management, Sales, Marketing, Commerce, and Accounting at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Arboriculture NFQ level 7 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Forestry, Forestry & land management, business, civil engineering, agricultural and environmental science NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

When you are starting out, you may also need certificates to work with specific machinery or specialist equipment like a tree harvester. Teagasc offers a wide range of industry specific courses and certificates.

Professional Development & Associations

With a number of years’ experience as a forest manager / forester, you can move into consultancy work as a self-employed consultant for example.

Postgraduate Study Options Sales, Business, Accounts, Management,  forestry and wood-energy related research  NFQ level 9

Society of Irish Foresters is a way of keeping up-to-date and accessing continuous professional development courses. 

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €57k

Salaries vary by employer: state or private, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Salaryexpert/ Payscale/ Glassdoor/ erieri

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for any analysis. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to farm managers (including pig and dairy). 

• Coillte

  • The Irish Forestry Board, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow
  • Click Here

• COFORD

  • Research Division, Department Agriculture, Food & Marine, Kildare St., Dublin, 2
  • (01) 607 2487
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here