Forestry Technician

Common tasks

• Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
• Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
• Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
• Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
• Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
• Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
• Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads.
• Select and mark trees for thinning or logging, drawing detailed plans that include access roads.
• Supervise forest nursery operations, timber harvesting, land use activities such as livestock grazing, and disease or insect control programs.
• Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.

Most important skills

Active Listening

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

Critical Thinking

Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

Reading Comprehension

Reading work-related information.

Speaking

Talking to others.

Time Management

Managing your time and the time of other people.

Judgment and Decision Making

Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.

Coordination

Changing what is done based on other people's actions.

Monitoring

Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.