Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Forester
What foresters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a forester?
Drive to a timber stand. From there, the day usually includes inventory forests, write management plans, and plan timber sales. Full time, with fire season duties in some regions.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a forester working full time.
- Drive to a timber stand.
- Cruise timber.
- Mark trees for harvest.
- Meet a landowner.
- Inspect a logging job.
- Update GIS maps.
- Write a plan.
Where foresters work
Foresters work outdoors in forests and in offices.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with fire season duties in some regions.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Inventory forests
- Write management plans
- Plan timber sales
- Oversee harvests
- Plan reforestation
- Manage fire risk
- Work with landowners
Tools you’ll use every day
- Clinometers
- Diameter tapes
- GPS
- GIS
- Drones
- Increment borers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work outdoors
- Conservation impact
- Varied work
- Public and private jobs
What’s hard
- Remote areas
- Weather and terrain
- Fire season stress
- Modest pay
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love forests
- I like hiking
- I like science
- I like working alone
- I care about conservation
- I don’t mind rough terrain
Not sure? Take the free Forester fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Watch for falling trees
- Carry first aid
- Follow fire safety
- Tell someone your route