Working in Forests
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Plantation forestry is a strongly growing and sustainable part of South Australia’s economy. Forestry and forest products industries employ about 9,000 South Australians. Australia-wide, forest-based industries employ about 83,000 people.
Employment opportunities within the forestry sector can be grouped into two main categories - general and professional:
- General: Forest Construction Worker, Log Measurer, Forest Technician, Clerical Officer. These positions generally do not need any special qualifications, although some previous work experience, and/or being able to use forestry equipment, would be an advantage. Training for these positions is provided on the job.
- Professional: Foresters, Forest Rangers or Researchers usually need a certificate or degree from a College of TAFE or University. Many companies give preference to members of an industry association (e.g. Institute of Foresters of Australia).
- Traineeships: Traineeships are sometimes available that allow trainees to gain experience and knowledge while they are working.
Forestry-based industries are equal opportunity employers. Positions are open to all, regardless of gender, race, beliefs or age (although there are minimum age restrictions for some traineeships).
Some examples of forestry jobs:
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A forester recording important information. |
Forest Maintenance Workers - carry out the general duties associated with the establishment, maintenance, tending and protection of forests. The work calls for the operation of a wide range of machinery and vehicles, as well as manual skills. Duties include:
- Regeneration and noxious weed control.
- Preparing sites for planting.
- Raising seedlings and tending young trees in a forest nursery.
- Planting of trees.
- Applying herbicides and fertilisers (by hand or knapsack spray).
- Pruning trees (using pruners or chainsaws).
- Fire watching and fire fighting.
- Maintenance jobs (e.g. fencing, road maintenance).
- Tree selection for thinning operations and measurement of logs.
Forestry Technicians - responsible for the data collection used in the management of forest resources. Duties include:
- Setting up field trials and experiments.
- Collecting and preliminary processing of data from trials and experiments.
- Measuring trees for the forest data inventory.
- Fire control duties.
- Monitoring pest and disease outbreaks.
- Supervision of other technicians and forest workers.
Entry requirements for these positions include a minimum of four years secondary education, with some science and mathematics units.
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A forester inspecting a log. |
Foresters - establish and manage forests to ensure a continuing supply of forest products. Their duties include:
- Formulating forest working plans.
- Conducting research.
- Developing and managing forest fire control.
- Organising and controlling harvest operations.
- Ensuring that forest management is sustainable.
- Advising government and private owners on forest policy and practice.
- Management and supervision of staff.
A university degree in forestry (or equivalent) is required. The Bachelor of Science (Forestry) is offered by various universities, including the Australian National University, Canberra and Southern Cross University.
Forest Rangers - assist in the management of plantation and native forest reserves. A university degree in forestry or natural resource management (or equivalent) is required. Their duties include:
- Managing recreational activities in forests.
- Conducting law enforcement.
- Providing education and information about forestry to the public.
- Organising and controlling recreation facility construction and maintenance.
- Protection and rehabilitation of native forests.
The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia offer courses in natural resource management.
Find Out MoreNational Forest Education and Awareness Network - |
- Page URL: http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestrymatters/forestry_fact_sheets/working_in_forests
- Page Last Modified: November 15, 2011