Professional forester

You could do a university degree or postgraduate course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this career.

Courses include:

• forestry
• forest management
• forestry and woodland management
• agroforestry
• conservation and woodland management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply to do a Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take around 3 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with study.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could work as a forest works supervisor or manager and become a professional forester through on-the-job training and promotion.

You may find it useful when looking for jobs to get some relevant practical experience. A free virtual work experience programme is available for students to explore the range of careers in forestry.

You can also find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:

• Trees for Cities
• The Tree Council
• Forestry England
• National Trust
• Woodland Trust

Career Tips

In this job, you would split your time between office work and travelling to different forest sites to oversee activities. A company vehicle is normally provided.

You may find yourself working in community forests close to towns and cities, or more remotely in the National Forests, commercial plantations and National Parks.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters or Society for the Environment for professional development opportunities, industry news and to make contacts in the profession.

Further Information

You can find more information about forestry careers from Lantra and the Royal Forestry Society's Careers Advice Service .

As a professional forester, you could:

• plan and deliver safe and sustainable forest operations across your area
• carry out and maintain planting schemes
• supervise a team of forestry workers
• manage the growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber
• negotiate and organise the work of contractors
• make sure forest works are carried out to professional health and safety standards
• keep accurate records of site visits and audits
• control budgets and prepare financial forecasts, such as costs
• promote the expansion of forest coverage and the restoration of ancient woodland
• work closely with professional bodies, landowners, local authorities and the public

We've identified this as a green job

As a professional forester, you'll look after forests and woodlands. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

You could work in an office or in woodland.

Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.