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Forest managers/foresters are responsible for managing a forest area as an economically viable enterprise or social community area with due regard for the protection of the forest environment.
Forest managers/foresters maintain and manage the balance between the commercial aspects associated with woodland and other aspects, such as biodiversity, landscape and public access.
The challenge for modern forestry is to establish a satisfactory balance between the competing economic and social demands for forest and land use, reflecting the change of emphasis towards multi-purpose forests, regeneration of native woodlands and sustainable forest management.
Forest managers/foresters are sometimes called woodland managers.
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| Forest Manager - Forester Work - Jobs Components/ Activities |
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- Advising clients on good forestry practice and providing a contract service to woodland owners, especially for those interested in acquiring land for forestation;
- Advising woodland owners on planting design and species choice, budgeting, public access, ecological surveys, and forest certification;
- Organising the growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber;
- Planning and implementing annual work programmes and ensuring the effective use of resources to meet the current objectives of the forest area;
- Supervising forest workers and contractors in the field, which can include negotiation with subcontracting companies;
- Liaising with customers, landowners, timber merchants, the public and local authorities (this will vary according to specific post and the nature of the employer but, in general, is becoming a greater part of the role);
- Liaising with and working on many projects with other professionals, such as landscape architects, biologists, chartered surveyors and engineers, and charitable bodies;
- Attending meetings of professional bodies;
- Keeping up to date with legal changes and other developments;
- Planning and controlling budgets, preparing costings and financial forecasts;
- Promoting the expansion of new woodland coverage and, where possible, the restoration of ancient woodland in the UK.
Forest managers/foresters are also involved in forest protection, which is a wide-ranging part of the role reflecting the government's desire to promote sustainable forest management. This includes:
- Conducting research in areas such as silviculture, pathology, tree improvement and entomology;
- Monitoring existing forestry practices;
- Protecting forests from illegal felling, pests and diseases;
- Ensuring that the presence of forests does not affect the surrounding environment and wildlife by damaging wildlife habitats, water supplies or soil.
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| Forest Manager - Forester Work - Personal Profile |
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Key personal Traits for this type fo career: |
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Attention to fine detail |
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Apitude For Mathematics detail and problem solving |
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Technically astute |
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Ability for setting and working to deadlines |
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Flexibility for working conditions |
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Ability to work under own steam |
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Ability to work in all weather conditions |
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Physically fit |
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good at concentrating |
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Ability to work under pressure |
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Intellectually strong |
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| Forest Manager - Forester Work - Entry Qualifications |
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This area of work is open to graduates in agricultural and horticultural sciences, urban and land studies, and life and medical sciences. In particular, the following degree subjects may improve your chances:
- Forestry;
- Land/Estate/Property Management;
- Horticulture;
- Environmental Science;
- Geography;
- Ecology.
A small number of forestry HND’s, degrees and postgraduate qualifications are offered at a limited number of UK universities and colleges (Newton Rigg, Cumbria; University of Wales, Bangor; Scottish School of Forestry, Inverness), which have traditionally acted as an entry route to the profession. However, with the diversification of the industry away from purely timber production, a wider range of degrees, combined with relevant experience, is becoming more acceptable.
Entry without a degree or HND is possible at lower levels but further progression will depend on gaining relevant experience and study towards a qualification on a part-time basis.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification, either a postgraduate diploma or an MSc in Forestry, is necessary for holders of a non-relevant degree or HND.
Practical experience and relevant qualifications, whether academic or vocational, are essential for entry at higher levels. Those who have had industrial experience whilst studying may have greater success in securing a job. Opportunities within certain areas of the sector can also depend on getting chartered forester status.
A driving licence and physical fitness are essential. Potential candidates will also need to show evidence of the following skills:
- Teamwork;
- Organisation;
- Communication;
- Leadership;
- Numeracy.
Knowledge of IT is becoming increasingly important.
There are varied job opportunities within this field, especially if you are willing to travel. There is strong competition for jobs, so gaining as much varied work experience as possible is crucial and will enhance applications. Networking by developing and nurturing contacts within the sector can be crucial.
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| Forest Manager - Forester Work - Career Evolution |
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Career Development
Career progression is initially dependent on further study to achieve chartered status through the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and undertaking continuing professional development (CPD).
You may find that promotion is easier if you are able to be geographically mobile as it is often necessary to change jobs in order to gain broad experience. Promotion depends on the size and structure of the organisation and gaining a wide range of experience across a range of work activities.
Entrants to the Forestry Commission are usually appointed as foresters. Progression and promotion is possible to higher levels demanding increasing levels of responsibility, expertise and management. Foresters working on the planning side might require three to four years' practical experience and forest management expertise before they can contribute effectively. Due to the small number of vacancies and the intense competition, it is likely that an increasing number of graduates will have to apply for jobs as forest supervisors.
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| Forest Manager - Forester Work - Reference Sources |
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Environmental, Food Chain and Rural Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing, Biennial
Handling Discrimination, AGCAS Information Booklet, Biennial
Options with Ecology, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial
Options with Environmental Science, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial
Options with Estate Management, AGCAS Options Series, Biennial
Other
Environmental Careers: The Inside Guide, Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), 2002
Forestry: Journal of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, Oxford University Press (OUP), 5 per year
The Chartered Forester, Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF),
Quarterly Journal of Forestry, Royal Forestry Society (RFS), Quarterly
Working with the Environment, Vacation Work Publications, 2004 buy from Amazon.co.uk |
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| Forest Manager - Forester Work - Training |
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Training
Structured technical and management training exists in the Forestry Commission and all large companies. A large amount of practical training is delivered on the job.
Many choose to study the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) qualification. Chartered status can be gained through examination after at least two years of approved professional practice in forestry or arboriculture. The second part of the exam involves a professional interview as well as an assessment of professional competence, interview and professional practice portfolio.
The Forestry Commission encourages staff to engage in formal training courses to advance professional development. Their internal training division, Forestry Training Services, provides training for its own, and for external, employees working within the sector. As well as offering courses in people management and IT, they provide traditional forest management courses. These include:
- Use of geographical information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS);
- Design and operational knowledge, e.g. contract management, production forecasting and risk assessment.
- Harvesting, e.g. standing sales, tariffing, surveying, assessment and valuation of trees, chainsaws, thinning;
- Social forestry;
- Establishment topics, e.g. all terrain vehicles, use of pesticides, forest drainage;
- Recreation topics, e.g. covering, designing, managing, funding and planning issues.
The ICF also encourages and promotes continued professional development (CPD) amongst its members. Suitable CPD activities include attendance at conferences, meetings, discussion groups and short courses, as well as publishing technical work and delivering lectures.
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| Forest Manager - Forester Work - Industry Directory |
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Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS)
ADAS Wolverhampton HQ, Woodthorne, Wergs Road, Wolverhampton WV6 8TQ
Tel: 0845 766 0085
www.adas.co.uk
Coed Cymru,
The Old Sawmill, Tregynon Nr Newtown, Powys SY16 3PL
Tel: 01686 650 777
www.coedcymru.org.uk/
Confederation of Forest Industries (UK) Ltd (ConFor)
5 Dublin Street Lane South, Edinburgh EH1 3PX
Tel: 0131 524 8080
www.confor.org.uk
Forestry Commission
Great Eastern House, Tenison Road, Cambridge CB1 2DU
Tel: 01223 314 546
www.forestry.gov.uk
Forestry and Timber Association
5 Dublin Street Lane South, Edinburgh EH1 3PX
Tel: Tel: 0131 538 7111
www.forestryandtimber.org
Forestry Training Services
Management Training Centre, AeVillage, Parkgate, Dumfries DG1 1QB
Tel: 01387 860637
www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/hcou-4yqm8d
Forest Service (Northern Ireland)
Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3SB
Tel: 02890 524480
www.forestserviceni.gov.uk
Forest Stewardship Council
11-13 Great Oak Street, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6BU
Tel: 01686 413916
www.fsc-uk.org
Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF)
7a St Colme Street, Edinburgh EH3 6AA
Tel: 0131 225 2705
www.charteredforesters.org
Lantra: The Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector
Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Nr Coventry, Warwickshire CV8 2LG
Tel: 024 7669 6996
www.lantra.co.uk
The National Trust
PO Box 39, Warrington WA5 7WD
Tel: 0870 458 4000
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Royal Forestry Society (RFS)
102 High St, Tring, Herts HP23 4AF
Tel: 01442 822 028
www.rfs.org.uk
Royal Scottish Forestry Society
Andrew Little Esq., RSFS Offices, Hagg-on-Esk, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire DG14 0XE
Tel: 01387 371 518
www.rsfs.org
Scottish Woodlands
Research Park, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP
Tel: 0131 451 5154
www.scottishwoodlands.co.uk
The Tree Council
71 Newcomen Street, London SE1 1YT
Tel: 020 7407 9992
www.treecouncil.org.uk/
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| Forest Manager - Forester Work - - Salary and Stipend |
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- Range of typical starting salaries: £14,500 - £20,000 (salary data collected March 06).
- Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience (e.g., after 10-15 years in the role): £30,000 - £50,000 (salary data collected March 06).
- Salary depends on responsibilities, experience and merit. The Forestry Commission has national pay scales, including performance-related pay. Salaries and other benefits in the private sector vary much more widely. The lowest pay is generally on private estates, but there can be other benefits in such posts, such as accommodation and a car.
- Working hours typically include regular unsocial hours.
- Part-time work is possible.
- Self-employment/freelance work is becoming more popular. There are opportunities to establish a contract business for those with practical skills, and consultancy for those with experience and specialist knowledge. There are good opportunities for consultancy work especially in urban areas.
- Because fewer women than men study forestry, there are fewer female post-holders. The impression that the job is physically tough may deter some people but, in fact, the work involves directing rather than being hands-on. The Forestry Commission promotes equal opportunities and there are no bars to progression within the industry as a whole.
- Jobs are available in most areas.
- Travel within a working day is sometimes frequent with occasional absence from home at night. Depending on the role, overseas travel can be a feature of the job or uncommon. Overseas work is possible with large multinational companies in countries such as the USA, Canada, Chile and New Zealand.
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