Forester
Manage forests for timber, wildlife, recreation and fire safety.
- $76,400
- 4-year degree
Education & Childcare career
Forestry and Conservation Professor
Also called: Forestry Professor · Conservation Science Professor · Natural Resources Professor · Wildlife Management Professor
What forestry and conservation professors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a forestry and conservation professor do?
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary, teach courses in environmental and conservation science, forestry and natural resources. The median pay is $101,420 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s, and employment is projected to grow +2.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$101,420Annual salary · May 2025
- Job growth+2.8%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationDoctoral or professional degreeBLS classification
- Time to train5–7 years after a bachelor’sTypical program length
- U.S. jobs1,800Employment, 2025
What forestry and conservation professors do
Forestry and conservation professors prepare the people who manage forests, parks and wildlife. They teach forest ecology, silviculture, wildlife management and resource policy, lead field courses, research topics like wildfire, carbon and habitat, and partner with agencies on land management.
Most hold a Ph.D. Positions concentrate at universities with forestry or natural resources schools.
Typical duties
- Teach forestry and conservation courses
- Lead field labs
- Conduct research
- Partner with agencies
- Mentor students
- Write grants
- Publish research
Work environment and schedule
Faculty work in classrooms, labs, forests and field stations.
Schedule: Field seasons and summer camps add travel and long days.
A day in the life
- Drive students to a forest field lab.
- Teach tree measurement.
- Collect plot data.
- Meet a state forestry partner.
See a full day in the life of a forestry and conservation professor →
Forestry and Conservation Professor salary
Half of forestry and conservation professors earned more than $101,420 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $50,100 for the lowest 10% to $148,920 for the top 10%.
Full forestry and conservation professor pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a forestry and conservation professor
- Earn a natural resources bachelor’s
- Gain field experience
- Complete a Ph.D.
- Build partnerships
- Get hired
A Ph.D. in forestry, ecology or natural resources is typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a forestry and conservation professor →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Forest ecology
- Field methods
- GIS
- Statistics
- Natural resource policy
People skills
- Leadership in the field
- Mentoring
- Communication
- Adaptability
All forestry and conservation professor skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Teach outdoors
- Research with conservation impact
- Agency partnerships
- Passionate students
Cons
- Few positions
- Field logistics
- Grant dependence
- Rural locations
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D. in forestry or ecology: Doctoral degree.
- Certified Forester (SAF): Professional credential.
- Certified Wildlife Biologist: TWS credential.
- Wilderness first aid: Field safety.
Career path
- Graduate Researcher: Train.
- Assistant Professor: Tenure track.
- Associate Professor: Tenure.
- Professor or Dean: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Forestry and Conservation Professor training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach tree measurement in the field and plan a safe field trip, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Agricultural Sciences Professor
Teach and research crops, livestock, soils and food production.
- $98,700
- 5–7 years after a bachelor’s
Forest and Conservation Worker
Plant trees, build trails and help keep forests healthy.
- $43,680
- 1–3 months
Environmental Science Professor
Teach how people and the environment interact, and how to protect it.
- $94,980
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Compare: Forestry Professor vs. Forester · Forestry Professor vs. Agriculture Professor · Forestry Professor vs. Forestry Worker · Forestry Professor vs. Environmental Science Professor
Forestry and Conservation Professor FAQ
Where do forestry professors work?
Mostly at universities with forestry or natural resources schools.
Do they teach outdoors?
Often, in field labs and camps.
Do they need a Ph.D.?
Usually.
How much does a forestry and conservation professor make?
The median annual wage for forestry and conservation professors was $101,420 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,100 and the highest 10% earned more than $148,920.
How long does it take to become a forestry and conservation professor?
Most people need about 5–7 years after a bachelor’s of training. A Ph.D. in forestry, ecology or natural resources is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a forestry and conservation professor?
Usually. BLS lists a doctoral degree as typical for postsecondary teachers. Universities generally require a Ph.D., while community colleges often hire instructors with a master’s degree and professional experience.
More forestry and conservation professor questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1043 (Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.