myfuture :: Occupation Information - Forest Technical Officer

Forest Technical Officer
( Forest Assistant, Forest Ranger )


	Duties and Tasks Quick Facts Work Conditions Personal Requirements Case Study Related Industries Labour Market Related Jobs Earnings Related Courses Further Information State Specific Information	Assessing stages of tree growth
	Forest technical officers are responsible for many of the forestry operations involved in the planting, management and harvesting of trees.

Duties and Tasks

Forest technical officers may perform the following tasks:

supervise forest establishment and maintenance work such as fencing, planting, nursery work, weed control and pruning; and protection work involving controlled burning, fire spotting and fire fighting
carry out or supervise seed harvesting, propagation or cultivation of young trees
select trees for felling and supervise logging operations to ensure compliance with forest policies and programs
supervise the use of herbicides and insecticides to implement pest, weed and disease control
set up or assist with field trials associated with research projects and forest growth studies
enforce fire prevention regulations
supervise the construction and maintenance of forest access roads
issue licences and permits for recreation and for the collection of some forest products
carry out investigations and prosecute offenders
write reports and undertake other clerical work
supervise fieldworkers.

Quick Facts

Learning Area	Biology Chemistry Geography Physical Education Physics Rural Studies
Work Demand	Including driving Including dusty or polluted environment Including handling chemicals/greasy items Including mainly outdoor work Including physical effort Including reading or writing
Work Field	Agriculture, Animal and Primary Industries
Work Interest	Analytic or Scientific Practical or Mechanical Nature or Recreation
Skill Level	Para Professional Jobs

Work Conditions

Forest technical officers work in country areas, sometimes in isolated bush locations. They work irregular hours during emergencies such as bushfires. Those in administrative or research positions are usually based in larger centres.

Forest technical officers may be involved in forest operations, forest assessment and planning or forest research. Those working in private industry may supervise logging activities.

Personal Requirements

enjoy outdoor work
interested in forest and environmental management
practical
physically fit
good communication skills
leadership potential and ability to supervise others
able to work as part of a small team
drivers licence.

Case Study

Standing tall in a growth industry

Related Industries

Forestry and Logging

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Forestry and Soil Professionals

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Forestry and Soil Professionals (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Australian VolunteerSearch - Environment and Conservation for ALL AUSTRALIA
Work Opportunities websites

Earnings

Income of persons working full-time, 2006

Environmental and Agricultural Science Professionals
Income per Week	Number	Share (%)

$1000 or more	9,885	60.7
$400 - $599	710	4.4
$600 - $799	2,034	12.5
$800 - $999	3,370	20.7
Less than $400	298	1.8

This information is based on the 2006 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006

Environmental and Agricultural Science Professionals
Employment Status	Weekly Income ($)

Full-time	1,045
Part-time	648

This information is based on the Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership survey conducting annually by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

Department of Primary Industries
Department of Regional Development Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources
Forest Industries Training Services
Forest Works
Forestry Plantations Queensland
Forestry SA
Forestry Tasmania
Forests NSW
People Service Branch Personnel Section, Department of Conservation and Land Management (WA)
Timber Queensland

State Specific Information

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Interpreting regional map on site