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Professional forester

Alternative titles for this job include Head forester, forest manager, woodland manager, planning forester

Professional foresters give expert technical advice on planning, creation, management, harvesting and use of woodlands and forests.

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could do a university degree or postgraduate course to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this career.

Courses include:

  • forestry
  • forest management
  • forestry and woodland management
  • agroforestry
  • conservation and woodland management

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Professional Forester Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take around 3 years to complete and combines on-the-job training with study.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could work as a forest works supervisor or manager and become a professional forester through on-the-job training and promotion.

Volunteering

You may find it useful when looking for jobs to get some relevant practical experience. A free virtual work experience programme is available for students to explore the range of careers in forestry.

You can also find volunteering opportunities with organisations like:

More Information

Career tips

In this job, you would split your time between office work and travelling to different forest sites to oversee activities. A company vehicle is normally provided.

You may find yourself working in community forests close to towns and cities, or more remotely in the National Forests, commercial plantations and National Parks.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Chartered Foresters or Society for the Environment for professional development opportunities, industry news and to make contacts in the profession.

Further information

You can find more information about forestry careers from Lantra and the Royal Forestry Society's Careers Advice Service.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
  • knowledge of geography
  • maths knowledge
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

All work must be carried out in line with the UK Forestry Standard.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a professional forester, you could:

  • plan and deliver safe and sustainable forest operations across your area
  • carry out and maintain planting schemes
  • supervise a team of forestry workers
  • manage the growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber
  • negotiate and organise the work of contractors
  • make sure forest works are carried out to professional health and safety standards
  • keep accurate records of site visits and audits
  • control budgets and prepare financial forecasts, such as costs
  • promote the expansion of forest coverage and the restoration of ancient woodland
  • work closely with professional bodies, landowners, local authorities and the public

We've identified this as a green job

As a professional forester, you'll look after forests and woodlands. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in an office or in woodland.

Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in areas like:

  • harvest management
  • contract management
  • woodland planning and creation

You could also work towards Chartered Forester status. This demonstrates your skills, knowledge and expertise in the profession.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice

  • Wage: £21,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Thirlmere, Keswick

Development Woodland Officer - Degree Apprenticeship - South West Area Team

  • Wage: £26,959 a year Annually
  • Location: Bullers Hill, Kennford, Exeter
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Arboriculture & Forestry Level 2

  • Provider: SUFFOLK NEW COLLEGE
  • Start date: 14 September 2026
  • Location: Ipswich

Technical Certificate in Forestry & Arboriculture

  • Provider: MYERSCOUGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Liverpool
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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