Certified Forester

Median Annual Income

$133,560

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

Median Annual Income

$68,240

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Median Annual Income

$68,750

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

Median Annual Income

$68,750

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

Median Annual Income

$78,980

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

Median Annual Income

$78,980

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Median Annual Income

$78,980

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

Median Annual Income

$51,880

Projected Job Growth

+2 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

Associate's degree

Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.

Median Annual Income

$54,080

Projected Job Growth

+16 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures. May report forest fires and weather conditions.

Median Annual Income

$33,940

Projected Job Growth

-4 %

Career Cluster(s)

Agriculture

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.