Forestry

It may not be the most conventional of career choices but it is sure to get more of a reaction from the table in the pub than a muttering that you work in I.T. But don’t throw out the shirt and tie just yet; make sure that you fully understand what a career in forestry would entail; after all you wouldn’t want to go barking up the wrong tree (sorry)…

Current Climate
9 per cent of Irish land is under forestry, with a plan to increase this to 17 per cent by 2030. This undertaking is the responsibility of forest managers and forestry workers who work together in planning and implementing this strategy. The effect of this will signal a huge surge in employment opportunities for those skilled in the area making it a excellent time to enter the industry.

Know Your Place
Forestry graduates plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the systematic development of woodland and forests. This may involve nurseries, planting new woodlands, overseeing timber felling, saw milling and tree surgery. Part of the job would also be to liaise with the local authorities, timber merchants and other local and national groups.

Forestry workers develop, maintain and protect a forest. The duties of a forestry worker are all practical, concerning the general upkeep of forest and woodland areas. Work includes planting and cutting down trees, as well as protecting wildlife and looking after public areas.

Tree surgeons (or arborists) are responsible for planting and maintaining trees, shrubs and woodlands. The work involves site inspections and producing reports. They may supervise contractors and other workers.

Show Me The Money
Those entering the industry usually begin on a salary ranging from €20,000 to €26,000 with higher earners raking in up to €40,000. There are good opportunities for Forestry Workers who are prepared to undertake contract work on a self-employed basis. Forestry Workers with suitable experience and personal qualities may be promoted to foremen/women, where they will be responsible for a group of workers and involved in on-the-job training.

Top Tip
In forestry careers it is not uncommon for people to work in various roles; i.e. in a forest, in an office or in a laboratory. The hours are long and the locations are generally remote; and beautiful, so those with a love of nature and scenery are in their element…

Further Resources
Irish Timber & Forestry magazine 
Fivealley 
Birr 
Co. Offaly 
Phone: 057 9133119
Web: www.irishforests.com   

Coillte
The Irish Forestry Board
Newtownmountkennedy
Co. Wicklow
Phone: 01 201 1111
Web: www.coillte.ie
Email: pr@coillte.ie 

Society of Irish Foresters
Enterprise Centre
Ballintogher
Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 916 4434
Web: www.societyofirishforesters.ie 
Email: info@societyofirishforesters.ie 

Irish Timber Growers Association
17 Castle Street
Dalkey
Co Dublin
Phone: 01 235 0520
Web: www.itga.ie
Email: info@itga.ie