Careers in Forest Management

A Skilful Art

Forestry is the science of managing forests. A person who is responsible for managing and caring for a forest is called a forest manager. There are many different kinds of forests in NSW and throughout Australia and the job of managing forests is complex and requires a range of skills.

The sort of knowledge and skills required of a forest manager into next century include:

Forest botany and ecology – the identification of forest plants and animal species and the classification of forest communities. This includes the study of how plant and animal distribution is related to factors such as climate, soils and terrain.
Silviculture – the science of growing a forest (planting, tending and caring for a forest) and managing the forest to meet clear objectives.
Forest protection – the safeguarding of a forest from fire, the attack of insects, fungi, feral animals and from damage caused by climatic events such as wind, rain, snow and drought.
Forest survey, assessment and measurement – the survey of forest areas and forest attributes. This involves taking measurements to determine the population and distribution of forest species, tree growth rates, timber volumes and the most suitable location of forest boundaries and roads.
Forest management – the preparation and implementation of forest management plans that identify forest values and how these values can be maximised. Forest values include the biodiversity of plants and animals, soil and water quality, timber harvesting production, recreation facilities, regional employment, Aboriginal sites and storage of carbon.
Planting new forests – Planting and managing new planted forests to provide environmental services such as storing carbon, controlling salinity and enhancing biodiversity, as well as timber. This is a growing area with 10,000ha of new plantation established each year.
Harvesting and marketing – knowledge of the marketing conditions of timber and other forest products. This involves analysis of the costs and returns for different forestry operations, including timber harvesting, road construction and fire control, the determination of prices for forest products and the supervision of harvesting operations in forests.
Forest engineering – the construction of roads, buildings, water supplies and other structures and their maintenance. This includes an appreciation of the equipment used to carry out these works and the servicing required for such equipment.
Forest accountancy – oversight of the collection of revenue from the sale of forest products and the control of expenditure associated with all forestry operations. This also includes measuring and accounting for the carbon stored in new forests planted to offset greenhouse gas emmissions.
People management – the management, training and safety of employees and contractors working in the forests.
Law – a knowledge of the legislation which regulates and controls land management and protects the environment

Training and Qualifications

In order to work in forestry, a university degree is generally required. There are three undergraduate forestry courses offered in Australia:

Bachelor of Science (Forestry) offered by the Australian National University
Bachelor of Forest Science offered by the University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Applied Science (Forestry) offered by Southern Cross University, Lismore.

In addition, almost any relevant environmental based university course will also be sufficient. Examples of these courses include:

Bachelor of Applied Science (Natural Resource Management)
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Honours)

Bachelor of Science (Forestry), Australian National University Canberra

This B.Sc (For.) course is a four-year, full time course undertaken at the ANU. The first year of study can be undertaken at a number of other Australian universities provided the subjects taken are acceptable. The course aims to give students a modern training in forest resource management. This is based on an appreciation of the basic physical and biological sciences pertaining to forest ecosystems, a knowledge of the sciences and technologies which are involved in both wood production and environmental management, and a professional experience of forest policies and management systems.

Entry requirements

Prospective forestry students must meet the admission requirements of the Faculty of Science. The requirements may vary from time to time but generally academic performance at secondary level should be at or above the Tertiary Entrance Rank of 60 or the University Admissions Index of 72. Entry does not depend on passes in prescribed secondary school subjects but good passes in English and a credited 2-unit mathematics course are desirable. It is also desirable that students have studied chemistry or a multi-strand science course.

Subjects

The Forestry Department offers a wide range of different subjects. A number of these are core subjects, which must be completed to satisfy the degree requirements. A student may select areas of particular interest from the other subjects offered and thus develop a personal program. Subjects offered include: Botany and Dendrology, Forest Biometrics, Field Studies, Australian Soils, Wood Science, Forest Types, Physiology, Wildlife Survey, Forest Mensuration, Natural Resource Economics, Forest Ecology, Fire Science, Tree Culture, Native Silviculture, Wildlife Management, Forest Harvesting, Forest Genetics, Forest Pests and Diseases, Land Conservation, Agroforestry, Forest Engineering, Production Economics, Wood Conversion and Utilisation, Timber Management and Multiple-use Management.

Field Training

The course recognises the importance of field experience and attempts to maintain a balance between the theoretical and practical components. Most subjects have the field practical exercises ranging from day trips to a two-week field camp.

Further information

For further information about the course, entry requirements, applying for enrolment and research opportunities contact:

Department of Forestry
Australian National University
Canberra ACT 0200
Phone (02) 6249 2579
website: www.anu.edu.au/Forestry
e-mail: forestry@anu.edu.au

Bachelor of Forest Science, University of Melbourne

The B.ForSc. course is full-time, extending over four years. The first and final years of the course are taught at Melbourne University, while the second and third years are taught at the School of Forestry and Land Management, Creswick. The course provides a broad education that gives students the necessary knowledge and thinking skills to care for and manage forested lands for many purposes. These include the sustainable production of timber and other forest products, the care of waterways as well as recreation and the conservation of flora/fauna.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or a comparable Year 12 level qualification. In 1999 the Tertiary Entrance Rank for entry into the course was in the mid 70s. Prior studies of English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry are required. It may be possible to transfer to the course after having completed the first year of science at another institution.

Subjects

The Faculty offers a wide range of different subjects. A number of these are core subjects, which must be completed to satisfy the degree. The student may select areas of particular interest from the other subjects offered and thus develop a personal program. Subjects offered include: Forestry Biometry, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Cell Biology and Physiology, Forest Ecology, Forest Economics, Forest Engineering and Surveying, Forest Mensuration, Forest Protection, Field Studies, Soil Science, Wood Science, Conservation and Recreation Management, Fire Management, Forest Inventory, Native Forest Silviculture, Plantations Silviculture, Timber Management and Harvesting, Hydrology and Catchment Management, Remote Sensing, Forest Economics and Planning, Agricultural Systems, Community and Ecosystem Ecology.

Field Training

Excursions are arranged during the course to provide students with the opportunity to supplement knowledge gained in lectures and practical work by observation. Students must undertake a total of 16 weeks practical work in forestry with an approved organisation. This is a work requirement and a satisfactory report must be submitted before the degree can be awarded.

Further information

For further information about the course, entry requirements, applying for enrolment and research opportunities please contact:

School of Forestry & Natural Conservation
Institute of Land & Food Resources
University of Melbourne
Royal Parade
Parkville Vic 3052
Phone (03) 9344 7585
website: www.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/

Bachelor of Applied Science, Natural Resource Management, Dookie College, The University of Melbourne

This course is for three years full time or part time equivalent. Degree students undertake a range of subjects that are structured to provide them with the theoretical competency required in many areas of natural resource management.

Entry Requirements

Year 12 or equivalent. Mature age entry is available. There are no formal prerequisites, however an enthusiasm in private or public land management and conservation will assist in the early stages of study. Prior studies in English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Agriculture & Horticulture, Geography and Mathematics are also recommended.

Subjects

Animal Biology, Plant Biology, Communications, Information Technology, Resource Conservation, Resource Management Planning & Policy, Chemistry, Australian Ecosystems, Engineering. Ecological Analysis, Plant Biology, Earth Science, Project Management, Soil & Water Resource Conservation, Australian Fauna, Fire Management, Resource Economics, Remote Sensing. Statistical Methods, Organisation & Management, Water Resources, Geographic Information Systems, Ecological Management, Cultural Heritage Management.

Field Training

Eight weeks of work placement is compulsory for students who are not currently working in the natural resource area.

Further Information

For further information, contact:
Admissions Officer
Dookie College Vic 3647
Phone (03) 5833 9200
Fax (03) 5833 9201

Bachelor of Environmental Science, University of Wollongong

This BEnvSc (Hons) degree is a four-year course based at the University of Wollongong. Environmental scientists play a key role in identifying and managing the environmental issues in Australian forests.

Entry requirements

In 1999, course entry required a University Admissions Index of 87.35. Students may also be accepted from TAFE or other training programs. Students without previous Chemistry experience must be prepared to enrol in the Chemistry Bridging Course. Those who do not qualify for direct admission to the BEnvSc may gain admission via the BSc program subject to satisfactory performance in first year and approval by the Dean.

Subjects

Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Soils, Landscape and Hydrology, Statistics for the Natural Sciences, Ethics and the Environment, Biogeography, Mathematics, Ecology and Evolution, Physics.

Further information

For further information about the BEnvSc degree, please contact:
Professor John Morrison
Head, Environmental Science Unit
University of Wollongong
Wollongong NSW 2522
Ph: (02) 4221 4134
E-mail: john_morrison@uow.edu.au
Web: http://www.uow.edu.au

Bachelor of Applied Science (Forestry), Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW.

The BAppSc (Forestry) is a four-year full time degree offered in the School of Resource Science and Management. The course aims to provide the necessary training for professional forest scientists and managers, and graduates are also equipped with skills to work in other areas of natural resource management.

Entry requirements

Normal eligibility for admission to courses is by way of the achievement of an appropriate UAI score or equivalent at a Year 12 examination. The UAI admission cut-off for school leavers in 1999 for NSW (TER) was 67 and QLD (OP) was 14. It is recommended, but not required for Year 12 students to have undertaken Chemistry, Biology and Maths to at least 2 Unit level. Mature age entry is also available.

Subjects

The first part of the course consists of a strong grounding in the basic sciences essential to integrated, sustainable sub-tropical and tropical forestry management. The course continues with the applied sciences and technical skills with specific relevance to sustainable forest management, including Wood Science Utilisation and Conversion Technology, Silviculture, Forest Ecophysiology, Farm Forestry and Forest Hygiene. The course provides its graduates with a range of new skills required in modern forestry, including abilities in community consultation, conflict resolution, basic personnel management, project planning, marketing of forest products and forestry business enterprise management.

Field Work

Field work is fundamental to the course and all the units of study have a strong practical component. Regular field studies in the local area and wider region provide students with a wide appreciation of forest management. The course includes one semester of specialist field orientated studies which may involve study at a different location. Students are required to undertake practical work experience during semester breaks in a variety of forest-based activities and industries to gain valuable workplace experience, as well as the potential for paid work, and contacts for future employment opportunities.

Further information

For further information about the BAppSc (Forestry), contact:
Dr Alison Specht
School of Resource Science and Management
Southern Cross University
PO Box 157
Lismore NSW 2480

Ph: +61 (0) 2 6620 3650
Fax: +61 (0) 2 6621 2669
email: rsm@scu.edu.au
Website: http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/rsm/index.html

Career Opportunities In Forest Management

Having chosen a career in forest management and completed one of the available tertiary qualifications, there are a number of different career opportunities available to a Forest Manager.

State government forestry agencies

A large proportion of the forest area of Australia is managed by state government forestry agencies and these agencies employ many trained forester managers. These people are responsible for the full range of tasks outlined above, ranging from day-to-day management of operations to long term planning.

Other government land management agencies

Many other state and federal government agencies are responsible for managing land and protecting the environment. These agencies employ people with an understanding of natural systems and the skills and techniques to monitor and manage these systems.

Private forestry companies

There are a number of private companies in Australia that own their own forests and/or process forest products. These companies employ foresters to manage their forests and operations, and to plan, monitor and control the purchase of timber from other sources, such as State forests.

Forestry consultants

Forestry consultants provide advice and management skills to government, private companies and individuals. Consultants are often involved in assessing new proposals and providing independent information to settle disputes over such things as forest valuation. Many consultants manage areas of forest plantations on behalf of private investors. Australian forestry consultants are also involved in overseas aid projects, providing technical expertise to developing countries.

Environmental consultants

A number of consulting companies provide broad expertise on various environmental issues and often have opportunities for people with a forestry background. These opportunities are increasing with growing recognition of the value of environ-mental services provided by forests , such as carbon storage and catchment protection.

Academic

Research into all aspects of forest management is conducted by all state government forest agencies, the CSIRO and a number of universities. Many graduate foresters choose to continue their study of forestry at a university and pursue a career in research and/or the education and training for new foresters or forest workers.

State Forests of NSW

State Forests of NSW (previously the Forestry Commission of NSW) manages NSW forests and timber reserves. This task involves ecologically sustainable forest management of the forests plus its flora and fauna, while maximising the value of the forest asset return to the State government through the supply of timber and other forest related services to the community.

The Forestry Act

State Forests (the Forestry Commission) is constituted by the Forestry Act of 1916 which defines its objectives:

to conserve and utilise the timber on Crown-timber lands and other lands to the best advantage of the State

to provide adequate supplies of timber from Crown-timber lands and other lands for building, commercial, industrial, agricultural, mining and domestic purposes

to preserve and improve, in accordance with good forestry practice, the soil resources and water catchment capabilities of Crown-timber lands

to encourage the use of timber derived from trees grown in the State

to promote and encourage conservation of native fauna and recreation in State forests in a manner consistent with forestry and flora preservation

to provide natural resource environmental services (whether within or outside of NSW).

The forests which State Forests manages range from sub-tropical rainforest on the north coast to the river red gum forests on the Murray River; and from the eucalypt forests of Eden in the south-east of the State to the cypress pine forests of the Pilliga scrub in the west. State Forests also manages approximately 250,000 hectares of plantations, both eucalypt and pine, planted to produce timber to meet the needs of the people of NSW.

Further information

For further information about State Forests please contact:

State Forests Information Centre
95 Castle Hill Rd, West Pennant Hills
Locked Bag 23, Pennant Hills NSW 2120
Ph: 1300 655 687, Fax: 02 9872 6447
email: cumberland@sf.nsw.gov.au
website: www.forest.nsw.gov.au

For further information about forestry in Australia contact:
Institute of Foresters,
PO Box 2, Yarralumla, ACT 2600

Ph: (02) 6281 3992
website: www.ifa.unimelb.edu.au