Forest and conservation scientists plan, develop, and control environmental factors affecting forests, range land, and farm land and their resources for economic and recreational purposes through activities such as researching soil erosion, conducting fire prevention programs, reforestation, and

Wages - 24302, California

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$19.38
25th Percentile	$21.28
50th Percentile	$26.91
75th Percentile	$35.36

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Employers provide full time employees with a comprehensive fringe benefit package of paid vacations and holidays, sick leave, retirement programs, and disability benefits.

Employment Trends, California

Employment 1998	1,700
Projected Employment 2008	2,000
Growth Rate 1998-2008	17.6%
Openings due to Separations	500

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County

Employment 1999	160
Projected Employment 2006	170
Percent Change 1999-2006	6.3%
Separations 1999-2006	30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Foresters may spend a lot of time indoors. They work in laboratories, offices, parks, Christmas tree farms, nurseries, sawmills, manufacturing plants, classrooms, and even in legislative halls. Most Foresters, however, do get to spend a lot of their time "in the woods", especially during the first years of their career. They work outside in all seasons and weather conditions and are often exposed to hazards such as smoke, poison oak, and insects. Forests are not only in the country, they are also found in our suburbs and cities. The field of forestry includes the study and administration of all the elements of the forest ecosystem, including people. Foresters are environmental scientists who are committed to getting the greatest good from our forests for the largest number of people.

Advancement
After advancement from trainee to licensed Forester, promotion is to supervisory positions. Promotions in public agencies are competitive and follow civil service procedures.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Part-time or seasonal employment with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service or CDF may lead to full time employment. Job seekers interested in seasonal work should contact the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, Regional office and the CDF Personnel Office. Employers recruiting professional Foresters hire directly through the college placement offices. Other resources include environmental publications and newsletters.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Foresters who manage a private forestland must be licensed in the State of California. The Forester License is also required for many higher level forestry jobs, and CDF requires it to qualify for the Forester II position. Licensing requires an examination, plus a bachelor's degree in forestry and three years of experience under the direction of a licensed forester, or four years of forestry work, plus three years under a licensed Forester.

High school students interested in this field need to take college preparatory classes with an emphasis on math, science, and English. The University of California at Berkeley, Humboldt State University and California State Polytechnic College at San Luis Obispo offer undergraduate programs. Humboldt offers a Master program. U.C. Berkeley has Master and Ph.D. forestry programs.

References
California Occupational Guide: Foresters #202

Related Occupation: Park Rangers #232, Fire Fighters #241, Horticulturalists #396

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)