Opportunities for Forestry Students

Graduate Employment

Graduate foresters work in a wide variety of professional positions. Of course, many work in traditional positions such as industrial and consulting forester, forest engineer, fire protection specialist, and park ranger.

Employment is widespread across both private and governmental organizations. Many graduates also work in more non-traditional fields, such as elementary and secondary education, land surveying, and computer applications and management. These graduates have found that a forestry education is a good basis for success in many fields.

Forestry employment opportunities are currently excellent. The latest results we have from our Graduate Survey show that more than 90% of the graduates from our undergraduate program had jobs related to their majors ( 2001-2002 HSU Survey of Graduates ). Recent employers include:

• Americorps
• ACRT, Inc.
• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
• Campbell Group
• Collins Pine
• Federal Govt - Forest Service BLM and others
• LA County Fire Department
• Mason, Bruce & Girard
• Mendocino Redwood Company
• Oregon Department of Forestry
• Pacific Lumber Company
• Progressive Forestry
• Sierra Pacific Industries
• Simpson Resource Company
• Soper-Wheeler
• Temple-Inland Forest
• USDI Bureau of Indian Affairs
• USDA Forest Service
• Weyerhaeuser
• W. M. Beaty & Associates, Inc.

Most students near graduation usually have already lined up a job, and starting salaries vary. A Bachelor's degrees usually qualifies you for a GS-5 or -7 position with the Federal government ($22,000 to $39,000). Salaries for entry-level employment with the State of California begin around $33,000. Private industries typically pay more. Obtaining one's Registered Professional Forester's license will greatly increase one's responsibilities and compensation. Most graduates take their licensing test three years after graduation.

Employment opportunities are listed on the job board in the Department Office, on the department's current opportunities page, and at the HSU Career Center . One easy-to-use resource is the Career Center's Career Events Calendar, published weekly on their webpage. Check with the job board and the Career Center often for current listings as new jobs are added frequently.

Summer Employment

Summer employment is one of the best ways for a student to gain valuable experience and to see if he/she really wants to make forestry a career. Many students find their permanent position through their summer employment. Many students have two or more summers under their belts by the time they graduate and find that potential graduate employers weigh heavily a student's summer experience and recommendations.

Some summer jobs are offered in the form of internships. Internships are special arrangements that often lead to permanent positions.

Summer employment opportunities are listed on the department's current opportunities page as well as at the HSU Career Center .

 

 

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