Forest Manager
Tasks & duties
- Forest managers may do some or all of the following:
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manage forest crops
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plan and direct silviculture operations (preparation, planting and pruning of trees) and/or the harvesting of trees
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write business and management plans for forests
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prepare budgets
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report to senior managers or work as a management consultant to forest owners
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be responsible for forest security and fire protection and the effects of forestry activities on the environment
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manage staff
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employ forestry contractors
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ensure the forest company is complying with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and resource management laws and regulations
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liaise with councils to obtain resource consents
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write feasibility studies looking at the financial rate of return from forests
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write forecasts on the growth of forests
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make valuations of forest crops
Specialisations
Forest managers may choose to specialise in one of several areas depending on the needs of their employer. They may specialise in:
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operations management and planning in harvesting or silviculture
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forest mensuration and quality control
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roading and engineering
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forestry resource planning and forestry valuation
Skills & knowledge
Forest managers need to have:
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an understanding of forestry processes
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knowledge of wood, forest products and product development
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an understanding of the Resource Management Act and other relevant legislation
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knowledge of environmental protection methods
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knowledge of forest fire prevention and safety methods
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good planning, organisational and problem-solving skills
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good communication skills as they deal with a variety of people
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management and budgeting skills
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computer skills
Entry requirements
To become a forest manager you usually need to have a degree in forestry science or a diploma in forestry management; although a postgraduate degree or diploma may be preferred. A marketing and business management qualification or management experience may also be useful.
Secondary education
Useful subjects for entry into tertiary courses in forestry include maths, computer studies, economics, biology and chemistry.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job. Forest managers can complete ongoing training to keep up to date with new forestry and management practices.
Useful experience
Useful experience for forest managers includes work as a forester, forest hand, forestry contractor, operations supervisor and any management work.
Related courses
Business Management
Forestry Studies
Human Resource Management
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