How to become a forest officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject, like:
- arboriculture
- countryside management
- forest management
- forestry
- woodland ecology and conservation
There is also a small number of postgraduate courses.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Forestry and Arboriculture
- Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an arborist or forest operative intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Career tips
Most employers will expect you to have 2 to 3 years' woodland experience to become a forestry officer.
Professional and industry bodies
You could apply for membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, which may help with your career prospects and professional development.
Further information
You can find more advice about careers and training in forestry through the Royal Forestry Society and The Arboricultural Association.