Agricultural Careers Timber Procurement Forester By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

Job Duties & Responsibilities Purchase standing timber and logs Mark standing timber Work with landowners to develop forest management plans Accurately fill out and turn in proper paperwork Sell logs, veneer, pulpwood, and bolts Work with independent logging contractors Work with independent road building contractors to build logging access roads and trails Inspect timber sales during and after completion to ensure that the contract stipulations are being met Meet with the landowner to respond to comments on the post-harvest questionnaire Assist with the land management activities on company lands Mark timber to be harvested Negotiate timber and land purchases Supervise harvesting activities

Qualities and Skills May be required to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds Involves frequent walking and standing Occasionally climbing is necessary Good distance vision and depth perception Able to communicate orally and in writing Should be honest, loyal, very organized and self-motivated Ability to work with a team and individually Should be analytical thinkers and make logical decisions

Salary Median annual earnings of foresters in 2002 were $46,730. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,330 and $56,890. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,690, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $69,600. In 2003, most bachelor’s degree graduates entering the Federal Government as foresters started at $23,442 or $29,037 depending on academic achievement. Those with a Masters degree could start at $35,519 or $42,976. Holders of doctorate degrees could start at $51,508. Beginning salaries were slightly higher in selected areas where the prevailing local pay level was higher. In 2003, the average Federal salary for foresters in non-supervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions was $59,233.

Work Environment Most work is done outdoors in all weather conditions Frequent travel is required with an occasional overnight stay Work hours most likely exceed 40 hours per week Many work locations are in isolated areas

Becoming a Timber Procurement Forester In high school take courses in mathematics, biology, agriscience, and forestry if it is offered at your school Spend time outdoors exploring the woods Participate in contests within the National FFA Organization and 4-H related to forestry Take a tour of a nearby paper or pulp mill to see the process that timber goes through once it is harvested

Career Resources Society of American Foresters 5400 Grosvenor Lane Bethesda, MD Internet: Forest Resources Association Inc. 600 Jefferson Plaza Suite 350 Rockville, MD Internet: