FORESTER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Apr 03, 2025 - The Forester addresses the socio-economic and environmental challenges, requires robust organizational and time management abilities, alongside proficient English communication skills. This position involves managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, often unpredictable outdoor setting, requiring operation of 4-wheel drive and all-terrain vehicles under challenging conditions. This role requires an understanding of community/social forestry and the ability to effectively use diverse computer software will be preferred.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Forester Resume
  • Timber Harvesting
  • GPS and GIS
  • Forest Management Plans
  • Risk Assessment
  • Audit Compliance
  • Safety Monitoring
  • Regulatory Knowledge
  • Silviculture Management
  • Permitting
  • Budget Management
  • Contractor Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Meeting Facilitation
  • Relationship Management
  • Customer Response
  • Program Presentation
  • Public Outreach
  • Staff Supervision
  • Educational Messaging
  • Field Supervision

Summary of Forester Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Forestry with 4 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of native tree and plant species.
  • Ability to work independently as well as with a team.
  • Knowledge of forestry skills including the use of tools used in timber cruising, photo interpretation, gps use, timber harvesting, road construction, organizing and other duties that pertain to forest management.
  • Ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Good written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong listening capabilities with the ability to translate communications into an appropriate course of action.
  • Experience and knowledge of western United States forest management techniques in at least some of the following areas
  • Knowledge of basic forestry concepts including harvesting, thinning, and defensible space.
  • Experience with maintaining and tracking field data using iPad, Arc Map, Excel and FVS
  • Ability to regularly organize and track field data to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Experience in the field of forestry or related natural resource management
  • Ability to learn and apply GIS mapping skills to create/edit maps and enter/analyze data

2. BA in Environmental Science with 3 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of principles related to ecosystem-based forest management
  • Knowledge and understanding of process and policy development
  • Knowledge and understanding of provincial acts and regulations concerning the utilization and administration of forest resources
  • Knowledge and understanding of compliance and enforcement theories including natural resource law principles
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with forest operations including operational planning, harvesting, road construction and decommissioning, water crossing installation and reclamation, and boreal forest silviculture
  • Understanding of how operational activities and planning relate to higher level linkages between strategic and operational planning processes
  • Ability to lead, support, create and sustain a team environment that enables staff to achieve results and to build organizational capacity for the future
  • Ability to lead strategic initiatives and manage change
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with industry, indigenous communities and the public
  • Excellent knowledge of trees and shrubs common to Connecticut and forest measurement practices
  • Ability to maintain the agility, endurance and physical ability to perform the required work in rough terrain in any weather

3. BS in Environmental Management with 4 years of Experience

  • Ability to diagnose problems and identify solutions.
  • Strong organization and time management skills.
  • Solid written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, set priorities, and deliver quality results.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and under general supervision
  • An understanding of the socio-economic and environmental issues facing Palawan, indigenous peoples, and local communities is strongly preferred.
  • Understanding of community forestry/social forestry.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects by prioritizing work, multitasking and adapting to changing priorities while finding the time to laugh and enjoy working in the outdoors with the team
  • Ability to use a variety of computer software such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and database applications
  • Ability to operate a 4-wheel drive pick-up truck and all-terrain vehicles in off-road conditions while in full rain gear speckled with mud

4. BA in Wildlife Management with 3 years of Experience

  • Ability to manage multiple projects from initiation to final completion in a timely manner.
  • Understanding of State, Federal, and Local regulations.
  • Planning, budgeting, and forecasting skills.
  • Familiarity with legal implications in key areas of responsibility.
  • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
  • Good communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Good computer skills, especially in MS Excel and Word.
  • Proficiency in GIS, ArcMap
  • Knowledge of Microsoft software suite (includes Outlook/email or something similar)
  • Demonstrates strong organizational skills.
  • Knowledge of ANCSA, ANILCA, Ahtna Regional Corporation
  • Proficient in Geographic Information System (GIS) data entry, integration and manipulation including experience with ESRI products such as ArcMap 10.5.

5. BS in Natural Resources with 4 years of Experience

  • Ability to use MS Word, Excel, and GIS software.
  • Ability to use GPS and hand-held data recorders.
  • Knowledge of forestry skills including the use of tools used in timber cruising, photo interpretation, surveying, timber harvesting, road construction, chemical and mechanical site preparation, planning, organizing and other duties that pertain to forest management.
  • Able to write reports, business correspondence, specifications, procedures and assist in drafting contracts. 
  • Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, regulators and the public.
  • Able to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. 
  • Able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form and implement them efficiently and effectively.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Good written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong listening capabilities with the ability to translate communications into appropriate course of action.
  • Experience may be substituted for education on a 1:1 basis
  • Ability to pass/complete the following position requirements including Federal background check, Bear guard security course, Wilderness first aid course