Forester

OFO No: 213203

Other names for Forester:

Forest Pathologist
Forest Ranger
Forestry Consultant / Advisor
Forestry Researcher
Silviculturist
Wood Scientist
Wood Technologist

What is a Forester?

Foresters are in demand locally and internationally!

A Forester is a person who specialises in forestry (the science, art, and profession of managing forests).

A Forester’s job is to manage a forestry plantation, staff and its contractors.

Foresters engage in a broad range of activities including timber harvesting, ecological restoration and management of protected areas.

Foresters manage forests to provide a variety of objectives including direct extraction of raw material, outdoor recreation, conservation, hunting and aesthetics.

What does a Forester do?

  • supervises fire-fighting crews
  • organises replanting after fires
  • works to prevent timber damage resulting from insects, diseases, fire and other causes
  • works to prevent soil erosion and flood damage
  • calculates timber available for harvesting
  • keeps up to date with surveys, maps and road-building plans in the area
  • manages and protects wildlife
  • managse recreational activities like hunting, fishing, camping and hiking in the area
  • makes sure regulations and laws are protected
  • manages budgets
  • maintains good working relations with the local farmers and communities
  • meets with staff and contractors
  • negotiates the use of common roads and the maintenance thereof

Are you … ?

  • a nature lover?
  • able to work on your own in remote areas?
  • self motivated?
  • open minded?
  • innovative?
  • able to negotiate?
  • decisive?
  • able to manage staff and contractors?
  • able to apply the law?

How do I become a Forester?

To become a Forester you have to have a National Diploma (Forestry), B Tech (Forestry) and/or Bachelor of Science degree (Forestry) and/or Business Degree.  

To head up a forest, years of working experience in this area are an added advantage.

‘Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) graduates have enjoyed 100% placement for many years, even during the economic slowdown, according to Ms Alet van Tonder, Marketing and Corporate Relations Manager at the George Campus.’ – SA Forestry Magazine

Offers more details with regarding training institutions.  They are only a guide, so be sure to check with your institution of choice for their details and minimum requirements.

Fort Cox academic programmes received full accreditation from CHE.

PATH 1

National Diploma in Forestry

PATH 2

Relevant Diploma

Bachelor of Technology in Forestry / Wood Technology

PATH 3

Bachelor of Science in Forestry 

  • University of KZN
  • University of Stellenbosch

PATH 3

Relevant SACNASP Recognised Honours Qualification 

Workplace Experience 

Registration with SACNASP

TRAINING:

  • CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
  • Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
  • To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
  • CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Wood Scientist … or … Wind-Energy Developer  

Is becoming a Forester the right career choice for me?