Forest Manager
Forest managers are specialists in the science and practice of caring for woodlands, both for the commercial production of timber and for conservation and recreation purposes. They are responsible for managing the forest and the people who work in and visit it. The work involves an annual programme of work to plant, manage and harvest trees, as well as arranging and negotiating the sale of the timber. Managers also plan and supervise general maintenance work. Strict health and safety regulations must be followed. Where the forest is used as a centre for recreation, managers might be involved with laying out nature trails and protecting the forest's wildlife. They must maintain good relations with neighbouring landowners and the public, and liaise with timber merchants and local authorities.
Entry level
Work experience is always useful and often essential. It may be possible to gain pre-course work experience through an organisation such as the National Trust.
Beyond that, you should aim for a degree or higher national diploma (HND) in Forestry. T he minimum qualifications for degree course entry are two A levels/three H grades, or equivalent qualifications, and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3. Science subjects are usually preferred or required, depending on the course.
For entry to the HND in Forestry, you would usually need one A level/two H grades, or the equivalent, and three GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3).
It may also be possible to enter at craft level as a forest worker without academic qualifications. NVQs/SVQs in Forestry at Level 2 (Establishment or Harvesting) and Level 3 Treework (Forestry Establishment or Forestry Harvesting) are available in some areas. Level 3 is relevant to supervisory posts.
Making the grade
The Institute of Chartered Foresters provides an examination leading to chartered status. Forest managers can apply to take the examination following two years' professional work experience. A relevant degree or HND can offer exemptions from some of the examination units.
Forest managers within the Forestry Commission have good prospects of being promoted to higher levels. Promotion is based on experience across a broad range of work activities. For higher-level posts, full membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters may be required. In the private sector, there is no formal structure for promotion, and prospects vary depending on the size of the organisation.
Personal qualities
As a forest manager, you would need to enjoy working outdoors, and you should have some practical ability. You must be able to supervise and organise other people, and work as part of a team.
You should be capable of managing long-term projects and you would need the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and members of the public.
Looking ahead
Almost 35,000 people are employed in British forestry, with the Forestry Commission employing around 20% of these. Other employers include private forestry companies, consultants and contractors, estates, charities, some statutory bodies and local authorities. Most jobs are in rural areas in Scotland, Wales and North England.
The number of jobs is relatively stable, but there is fierce competition for the few vacancies that arise.
Self-employment is common, and some forest managers also act as contractors, taking on forest workers to complete contracted work. There may be opportunities to work abroad, especially in Canada, New Zealand and the USA.
Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include countryside conservation officer, countryside ranger, horticultural manager, land agent, landscape architect or surveyor.
Take-home pay
New entrants earn around £18,850 a year, rising to around £23,500 with suitable experience, and beyond for senior managers. The Forestry Commission has national pay scales plus performance pay. Salaries and other benefits in the private sector vary much more widely. The lowest pay is generally on private estates.
Effects
In the Forestry Commission and local authorities, 42 hours a week is standard, with overtime worked when required. In the private sector, you must be willing to work hours as required, including evenings and weekends.
In practice, working hours for all forest managers typically include regular unsocial hours. This is all-weather, outdoor work, based in rural and sometimes extremely remote areas.
Sources of information
Institute of Chartered Foresters: www.charteredforesters.org
Confederation of Forest Industries: www.forestryandtimber.org
Forestry Commission: www.forestry.gov.uk
Forestry Contracting Association: www.fcauk.com
Royal Forestry Society: www.rfs.org.uk
Royal Scottish Forestry Society: www.rsfs.org
Arboricultural Association: www.trees.org.uk
Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: www.dardni.gov.uk
International Society of Arboriculture: www.isa-uki.org
Lantra: www.lantra.co.uk
National Trust: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Scottish School of Forestry: www.school-of-forestry.org
Tree Council: www.treecouncil.org.uk
Timber Research and Development Association: www.trada.co.uk
Woodland Trust: www.woodland-trust.org.uk
CRCI: HB
