Career in Forestry? (Kinda lengthy)

Do a little research as to what sort of qualifications can get you a job. Here in British Columbia we have a 2 tiered system. You can go to a college for 2 years and get a diploma in Forest Resource Technology or go to University for 4 years and get a Degree in Forestry.

Then once you have your papers there are 2 different jobs out there Technicians and Foresters. Most of the field work is done by technicians, whereas the final reports are signed and sealed by a Forester.

I am a tech grad and would rather be in the field than in the office. I have been a tech for over 25 years and have worked in the following fields: silviculture (tree planting/spacing/brushing/site preparation for planting), engineering (road layout), timber harvesting (cruising, cut block layout/harvesting inspections for compliance to documents), recreation(trails/campsites), range(grazing permits), and finally decided on and settled on a job in the Fire Suppression Program.

Now I spend a lot of time in the office pushing paper and deciding what fires are the priority and dispatching crews and resources to the fires. I also have become a Fire Cause Investigator and a Fire Behaviour Specialist. On one hand I would luike to be in the field a lot more, actually working on fires, but with my training and experience, it is better utilized by me running the show, so to speak.

Like I say this is the way it runs in B.C., you may have a different system, depending on which state you reside/work in..

If you have a keen interest in Forestry, go for it. It is amazing how much stuff you will learn about the tress/shrubs/environment that you did not know before.

Good luck and hope you make a decision that provides you with a satisfying life long career.
 
Thanks for all off the replies guys.. but I have a question for yellowhammer, or anyone else who would like to answer. Ok I have been looking at the specific jobs and cant really find exactly what Im looking for.

Heres what Im wanting.. What field would it be fo someone who wants to like do population counts of wildlife, test creeks, streams, and lakes for chemicals, check the soil for chemicals and whatnot, and things of the such. Is there a specific title for that?
 
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Heres what Im wanting.. What field would it be fo someone who wants to like do population counts of wildlife, test creeks, streams, and lakes for chemicals, check the soil for chemicals and whatnot, and things of the such. Is there a specific title for that?




The first part of that sounds like a wildlife biologist, the second part sounds like a fisheries biologist, and the last part sounds more like enviromental science.

You will need to narrow it down.
 
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