Certified Forester

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

$67,330

Projected Job Growth

+3 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.

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

$43,180

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Agriculture

Most Common Education Level

Associate's degree

Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.

Median Annual Income

$43,180

Projected Job Growth

+6 %

Career Cluster(s)

Agriculture

Most Common Education Level

Associate's degree

Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.

Median Annual Income

$50,660

Projected Job Growth

+7 %

Career Cluster(s)

Public Service & Safety

Most Common Education Level

Associate's degree

Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.

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

$57,320

Projected Job Growth

+3 %

Career Cluster(s)

Energy & Natural Resources

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

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.