In a typical work setting, foresters:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Have a high level of social contact. They communicate with landowners, loggers, government officials, and the public.
- Are responsible for the health and safety of others. Part of managing timber and forestland is the prevention of forest fires.
- Are responsible for project outcomes. They must make sure that timber is both properly harvested for current needs and maintained for the future.
- Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
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- Often work in a group or as part of a team.
Physical Work Conditions
- Often work outdoors in the field, but also work much of the time indoors in offices.
- Regularly travel to different sites in a car or truck.
- Are sometimes exposed to distracting sounds and loud noises when visiting a logging site.
- Wear safety attire, such as gloves or hard hats when visiting logging sites.
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- May be exposed to hazardous equipment when working with loggers.
- Work near others. They often have separate offices, but share the same floor or office building.
Work Performance
- Must be sure that all details of the job are done and their work is exact. Errors could seriously endanger natural resources.
- Make decisions that strongly impact others. Their decisions affect the reputation of their employer as well as environmental conditions.
- Make decisions that affect other workers on a daily basis. They typically make decisions on their own.
- Rarely consult a supervisor before setting tasks and goals for the day.
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- Must meet strict deadlines monthly.
- Sometimes have to repeat the same activities over and over.
Hours/Travel
- Usually work a regular 40-hour week. However, they may work long hours when traveling to remote sites.
- Generally work a set schedule.