To work as a forester, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree in forestry or wildlife management.

Education after high school

Almost all foresters have a bachelor's degree. Most land-grant colleges and universities offer programs in forestry. These programs cover science, math, communication skills, and computer science. You also study forest economics and business management. Increasingly, you take courses on policy issues and the environmental rules that affect forest management.

On-the-job training

Some employers offer varying levels of on-the-job training. This may be hands-on or classroom-based. In general, training lasts up to a year.

Many colleges require forestry students to complete an internship. You usually work in a research facility. It may be operated by the college, a government agency, or a private business.

Work experience

Some employers accept a combination of experience and appropriate coursework as a substitute for a bachelor's degree. However, competition for jobs makes this type of position difficult to find. Summer work experience in the forest is helpful for getting a job in this field.