Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Forest Manager/Forester- from: Youtube Search
- Forester- from: icould [UK] Video
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.
Working Life
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
- Forester- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Forest Manager/Forester
As a forest manager / forester, you'll need leadership skills and excellent communication skills.
As you have health and safety responsibilities you need to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
The role is likely to involve a mixture of office-based and outdoor work and at times you will need to work in adverse weather and possibly in remote places.
You need some basic knowledge of maths and computer skills whilst carrying out the administrative duties associated with this role.
Interests - Forest Manager/Forester
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.
Entry / Progression - Forest Manager/Forester
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.
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.
With a number of years experience as a forest manager / forester, you can move into consultancy work as a self-employed consultant for example.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business management, sales, marketing, commerce, accounting.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: business management, sales, marketing, commerce, accounting.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Arboriculture.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: forestry, land management, business, civil engineering, agricultural, environmental science.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: sales, business, accounts, management, forestry, wood energy, research.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Society of Irish Foresters is a way of keeping up-to-date and accessing continuous professional development courses.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Forest Manager/Forester
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
Labour Market Updates - Forest Manager/Forester
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Managers and proprietors in agriculture; Horticulture Managers; Proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services; Managers and proprietors in horse-racing and related industries.
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).
Useful Contacts - Forest Manager/Forester
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Coillte
- The Irish Forestry Board, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow
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- Click Here
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COFORD
- Research Division, Department Agriculture, Food & Marine, Kildare St., Dublin, 2
- (01) 607 2487
- [email protected]
- Click Here