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?
