Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Forestry and Conservation Professor
What forestry and conservation professors 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 forestry and conservation professor?
Drive students to a forest field lab. From there, the day usually includes teach forestry and conservation courses, lead field labs, and conduct research. Field seasons and summer camps add travel and long days.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a forestry and conservation professor working full time.
- Drive students to a forest field lab.
- Teach tree measurement.
- Collect plot data.
- Meet a state forestry partner.
- Teach a wildlife policy seminar.
- Analyze fire data.
- Advise students on internships.
Where forestry and conservation professors work
Faculty work in classrooms, labs, forests and field stations.
Hours and schedule
Field seasons and summer camps add travel and long days.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach forestry and conservation courses
- Lead field labs
- Conduct research
- Partner with agencies
- Mentor students
- Write grants
- Publish research
Tools you’ll use every day
- Field measurement tools
- GIS and remote sensing
- Drones
- Statistical software
- Field vehicles
- Learning management systems
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Teach outdoors
- Research with conservation impact
- Agency partnerships
- Passionate students
What’s hard
- Few positions
- Field logistics
- Grant dependence
- Rural locations
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love forests and wildlife
- I like teaching outdoors
- I enjoy research
- I want conservation impact
- I can lead field trips
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Forestry and Conservation Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Plan for field hazards
- Carry first aid and communication
- Follow vehicle and chainsaw safety
- Protect student privacy