Graduate foresters are growing their industry skills and experience through Forestry Corporation of NSW's graduate program.

Four graduate foresters were recruited in the 2022 graduate program, including Lydia Kearns, who joined the Wauchope office late last year.

Originally from the Blue Mountains, Lydia saw the combined opportunity of joining the forestry industry, working outdoors and moving to the mid-north coast.

"In my last year of studying at the University of Sydney I was figuring out my next steps, when I saw the graduate program advertised," Ms Kearns said.

"The more I Iooked into it, the more it lined up with my background and what I wanted to do.

"My degree was in environmental science, ecology and evolutionary biology, so very interested in the native forestry industry.

"I have spent a lot of time camping and four-wheel driving in the bush, so was already familiar with State forests and what they can offer.

"Being able to work in the bush is definitely a win. It's the best job in the world!"

After Lydia accepted the offer to join the graduate program, she had the opportunity to work from any Forestry Corporation office in the state.

"Wauchope was my preference, being close enough for family to visit," she said.

"Everyone has been incredibly nice and welcoming — the office and work is very diverse and really a good environment.

"People have been keen to help me learn and get into the business more."

On starting, Lydia spent a week at fire camp with other new recruits to learn the basic skills of firefighting. She is currently working in harvest planning, mapping and due diligence.

The graduate program has also seen her working two-week blocks in other areas such as roading, harvesting and tree marking to better understand the different roles in the organisation and how they all work together.

"The most exciting part of my week is spending time in the forests and learning bush skills such as advanced driving and species identification," she said.

"My friends and family hear all about it when we are out in the bush — I'm keen to share my newly-acquired knowledge!"

Media contact: Rod Campbell