A forester at work in a stringybark plantation.
Foresters are committed to balancing society's diverse wants, needs and expectations of state forests. This means they work with community interests to map out management of state forests for conservation, recreation, water and wildlife, as well as timber and other products. They have the task of planning, evaluating and monitoring all forest activities and impacts to ensure all the values and uses of the forest are maintained for the future.
Foresters working for Forestry Corporation:
- prepare management plans to ensure forest regrowth and sustainability;
- survey for flora and fauna;
- preserve areas of forest to protect the habitats of unique or rare flora and fauna;
- preserve Aboriginal and heritage sites;
- produce harvesting plans;
- supervise harvesting operations;
- establish and manage plantations;
- consult with other environmental agencies, the community and special interest groups;
- manage areas for recreation, and provide information and advice to the public;
- ensure visitors enjoy the forests;
- research the natural systems of forests and plantations;
- assist in tree breeding and propagation;
- build roads and bridges;
- manage water catchments;
- control and prevent bushfires;
- assess forest regrowth after a fire or logging operation;
- control pest plants and feral animals;
- manage the forest for other uses such as beekeeping, firewood collection, grazing, bushfood and seed collection;
- have a degree in forest science, but there are many other relevant courses in environmental and natural resource management that can lead to a career in forest management.