Foresters — Tasks

Task statements

• Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
• Plan cutting programs and manage timber sales from harvested areas, assisting companies to achieve production goals.
• Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.
• Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.
• Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.
• Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
• Supervise activities of other forestry workers.
• Provide advice and recommendations, as a consultant on forestry issues, to private woodlot owners, firefighters, government agencies or to companies.
• Develop techniques for measuring and identifying trees.
• Map forest area soils and vegetation to estimate the amount of standing timber and future value and growth.
• 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.
• Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
• Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldozers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.
• Plan and implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.
• Monitor forest-cleared lands to ensure that they are reclaimed to their most suitable end use.
• Direct, and participate in, forest fire suppression.
• Study different tree species' classification, life history, light and soil requirements, adaptation to new environmental conditions and resistance to disease and insects.
• Subcontract with loggers or pulpwood cutters for tree removal and to aid in road layout.
• Analyze effect of forest conditions on tree growth rates and tree species prevalence and the yield, duration, seed production, growth viability, and germination of different species.
• Conduct public educational programs on forest care and conservation.
• Procure timber from private landowners.
• Plan and direct construction and maintenance of recreation facilities, fire towers, trails, roads and bridges, ensuring that they comply with guidelines and regulations set for forested public lands.
• Contact local forest owners and gain permission to take inventory of the type, amount, and location of all standing timber on the property.
• Monitor wildlife populations and assess the impacts of forest operations on population and habitats.
• Develop new techniques for wood or residue use.