Careers in Forestry Sciences

The magnitude of the science behind reforestation is immense. Reforestation is really the first step in maintaining a healthy balance of natural resource and habitat conservation, harvesting and forest scenery.

Wildlife, soil, insects, water and the air all either impact or are impacted by the growth of trees. Therefore, the need for those with varying scientific disciplines acting in reforestation roles is understandable. The following three careers are just a few examples.

The scientific nature of each of these green collar jobs and other scientific disciplines requires a bachelor’s degree at minimum in their respective science from a recognized university. Starting salaries should be expected in the U.S. between $34,000 and $71,000.

Biologists work hand-in-hand with foresters in determining how reforestation plans are impacted by the various life forms present in a specific site. They use their scientific abilities to survey the impact reforestation and the cutting down of trees has on a wide range of organisms.

A botanist is another typical science career involved with reforestation practices. Harvesting and planting of trees have an impact on the plant vegetation of a specific site. As with biologists, the specific nature of plants will require other specialists to rely on the botanist’s knowledge to form a complete reforestation management plan as many of the species are classified as threatened, or at the very least, are sensitive to the activities taking place. A botanist needs the collaborative skills to work with other specialists to evaluate the impact site activities have on local vegetation.

Trees don’t grow in thin air and, therefore, a soil scientist holds a key role in reforestation practices. Not only is the soil a key factor in growing trees, it is the driving force behind environmental concerns of storing carbon in the decaying leaves and other organic matter. The relationships between trees and the native or introduced soils is a key understanding to ensuring the specific habitats are impacted as least as possible. A soil scientist is responsible for conducting soil and plant surveys and applying the findings to identify soil protection and restoration practices.

These three scientific positions, along with the many others, require flexible personal characteristics. Work requirements often place the person involved with these scientific disciplines alone in the field, so good organization skills are necessary. But the job will also require working well as part of a team with a range of professionals to develop forest management plans.