U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 1

Green Jobs: Sustainable Forestry

June 2013

Careers in Sustainable Forestry

James Hamilton

Trees provide many of the products, including lumber, paper, and cloth, which we need in a modern 

economy. In a properly managed forest, trees have 

an important role in preserving the natural environment. 

For example, forests help prevent soil erosion, provide 

habitats for wildlife, help remove carbon dioxide from 

the atmosphere, and provide settings for recreational activities. Jobs that are involved in this balance of fulfilling 

consumer needs and preserving the forest environment 

relate to careers in sustainable forestry. 

Sustainable forestry ensures that forests are used in 

the most effective way and that their resources will be 

available for future generations. According to the United 

Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 

forest resources should be used in ways that do not cause 

damage to the forest system.1

 In addition to being protected against the harmful effects of pollution, fires, pests, and 

diseases, forests should not be overharvested in a manner 

that does not allow for natural regrowth and regeneration.

This report describes the importance of forest resources in the first section and explains some of the practices 

of sustainable forestry in the second section. The final 

section profiles key occupations in sustainable forestry 

careers. The information for each occupation includes a 

brief job description; the credentials needed to work in 

these occupations, such as education, training, certification, or licensure; and wage data.

Forest ownership and resources

About one-third of the continental United States is covered in forest land. The total percentage of forested area 

in the United States has been stable over the past century, 

although there have been significant regional shifts in forest locations and composition. Major factors contributing 

to loss of forests include urbanization, conversion to agricultural use, and natural disasters. In other parts of the nation, forestry lands have increased, due to activities such 

as fire suppression and letting farmland revert to forests.2

James Hamilton is an economist in the Office of Occupational 

Statistics and Employment Projections, BLS. James is available at 

(202) 691-7877 or at hamilton.james@bls.gov.

U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

BLS

June 2013 — Report 11
Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2

The map shows the locations of forests throughout 

the continental United States. Much forest land—about 

44 percent—is controlled by federal, state, and local 

governments. Private companies and organizations, including Native American tribes, own about 21 percent. 

The remaining 35 percent are family-owned forests.3

(See chart.) A family-owned forest is an acre or more of 

land with at least 10 percent coverage by trees. It can be 

owned by an individual, couple, or family.

The owners of forest land have the greatest impact on 

sustainability. Forest owners who are motivated by market conditions seek to use their land in a profitable way. 

While most forest owners are content to sustain their 

forests when profitable, some resort to selling their land 

for converting to commercial or residential use, when it 

becomes more profitable to do so. To ensure continued 

forestland, some government agencies and non profits 

designate forest areas as wildlife preserves or parkland. 

Forests are a vital part of the economy

Many of the products people use each day—such as 

wood and paper—come from forests. They are home to 

many natural resources, too; for example, much of our 

water comes from forested areas. Forests also are popular 

recreation areas and support a variety of wildlife. In addition, forests absorb and store carbon dioxide from the 

atmosphere, which is important for slowing the rate of 

global warming. To ensure that forest resources continue 

to be available in the future, forests must be carefully 

managed.

Wood and paper products are two of the most visible forest resources. Wood from harvested trees is used 

in most construction projects. This wood is usually 

harvested from mature trees, which provide higher quality wood at a higher volume than younger trees; but 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 3

Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013

mature trees can take decades to grow. Because of the 

time it takes to replace harvested trees, forests must be 

carefully managed to ensure that resources are continually available. 

Water is not produced by forests, but the diversion 

of water for drinking and agricultural use does affect the 

health of forests. Forests in the United States are often in 

areas with the greatest amount of yearly rain and snowfall. These areas frequently are tapped to supply water for 

population centers and agricultural uses. If the water is 

not properly managed, the forest ecosystem suffers. 

Recreation is another use for our nation’s forests. Forests are frequently used for outdoor activities, including 

hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Forests that are not 

properly sustained will not provide the same recreational 

value as those that are kept in a healthy state. 

Wildlife is in abundance in our forests. The many animals that depend on healthy forest environments for their 

survival include various species of birds, bears, deer, elk, 

rodents, and other types of wild animals. Deforestation 

has resulted in many species becoming threatened or endangered. 

Carbon dioxide sinks and reservoirs refer to systems that remove and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Forested areas have abundant plant life, which 

absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a leading contributor to global climate change; 

and forests are important for removing some of it from 

the atmosphere so it will not contribute to further global 

warming. 

Sustainable forestry practices

The goal of sustainable forest management is to use forest resources so they will not be depleted in the future. 

This means that resources, such as wood and wood fiber 

are harvested in a way that does not permanently damage 

the ecosystem and that allows for replacement. To ensure 

that forests are properly managed, several programs set 

standards of sustainable forest operations and verify that 

forest owners adhere to these standards. The most widely 

adopted standards have been developed by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).4

The basic practices of sustainable forestry are reforesting; protecting biological diversity, water resources, 

and special sites; maintaining long-term forest and soil 

productivity; and recycling wood and fiber products. 

These practices help to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future 

generations to meet their needs.

Reforesting involves replacing forest resources that 

have been used. This is usually done by planting new 

trees to replace trees removed during logging operations, 

as well as repairing any damage done during removal of 

trees. Logging involves more than just cutting down trees. 

Roads and trails must be carved into the forest to transport 

machinery and other equipment to the logging site. The 

timber must then be moved out of the forest to an area 

where it can be transported to a mill.

Protecting biological diversity is a broad term referring to defending all life forms within forested areas. Forests are made up of trees, but they also have a variety of 

other plants and animals, including tiny microorganisms. 

Biological diversity applies to different levels of the forest environment—from the overall forest ecosystem—to 

individual species. Many species depend on the forest 

environment for their survival, so protecting forests is important for maintaining the different habitats of plant and 

animal species. Biologically varied forests allow plants 

and animals to adapt to continually changing environmental conditions.5

 By protecting plant species and not 

over-harvesting trees, forests should remain biologically 

diverse. Some forests are set aside by federal and state 

governments as parks or dedicated wilderness areas, or 

they may be bought by conservation groups, to protect 

them from commercial use and redevelopment. 
Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 4

Protecting water resources is a vital part of forest management. Much of our water comes from rivers 

and streams that originate in forest lands, as well as from 

snowpack buildup in or near forests. The forests themselves require a large amount of water for tree and plant 

development. Areas that are cleared of vegetation, such 

as by logging or wildfires, are vulnerable to runoff and 

mudslides. Sustainable forest management helps prevent 

these problems from occurring.

Protecting special sites means preserving forest areas that are significant. This can include wildlife areas, 

old-growth tree stands, geological features, and sites of 

archeological significance. Many of these sites are set 

aside as national parks and wildlife refuge areas, state 

parks, and other state and local protected areas. 

Maintaining forest and soil productivity means preserving the ability of forest soil to nourish a growing forest. Forest soils have a variety of nutrients and are chemically balanced to support the forest ecosystem. If these 

nutrients are depleted or if there is some chemical imbalance, the soil will not support the forest ecosystem, 

and forest productivity will be reduced. This could lead to 

tree diseases and tree death, which could have detrimental 

effects on wildlife. Proper forest management ensures 

that the soil composition remains in a condition that can 

fully support the forest. 

The recycling of wood and fiber products decreases 

our nation’s dependence on forest resources for many 

commercial and industrial products. Increased applications of recycled paper and wood allow people to use 

these resources without having to harvest new trees. Many 

wood and paper products combine new and recycled materials, which have the benefit of being strong, while using fewer forest resources.

Who works to preserve and 

maintain forests?

Many different types of workers preserve and maintain 

healthy forests. Scientists study and monitor forest systems. Fire protection and prevention workers manage 

forest fires. Forest and conservation and logging workers 

cultivate and harvest trees for wood and paper products. 

Each of these groups is responsible for certain aspects of 

maintaining a healthy forest and ensuring that its forest 

resources are used effectively.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 5

Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013

Workers in sustainable forestry may be employed by 

federal, state, and local governments; by private companies; and on privately owned farms. Some are selfemployed. Most forestry workers spend a great deal 

of time outdoors and may have to walk long distances 

through densely wooded areas. They sometimes work in 

dangerous conditions. 

The Green Goods and Services (GGS) survey was 

conducted by BLS to count green jobs in industries that 

produce goods or provide services that benefit the environment. The forestry and logging industries are included 

in the BLS definition of green jobs. These workers represent a portion of those employed in forestry and logging; 

since they are associated with the production of green 

goods and services, they are most likely involved in sustainability. The GGS survey found that there was a total of 

10,564 private sector workers in the forestry and logging 

industry group in 2011.6

 This included 1,292 workers in 

timber tract operations, 434 in forest nursery and gathering of forest products, and 8,837 workers in logging. The 

survey also found 11,133 workers in support activities for 

forestry and agriculture. The total number of workers employed in forestry and logging was 48,930 in 2011.7

Science occupations

Scientists have an important role in sustainable forestry. 

They monitor the overall health of forests, as well as 

study and analyze specific aspects of living things, such 

as tree and other plant life and wildlife. Scientists also 

advise other forest workers on how to maintain a forest 

ecosystem and improve its productivity. Many types of 

science occupations, including conservation scientists, 

foresters, environmental scientists and specialists, soil and 

plant scientists, and wildlife biologists, are involved in 

sustainable forestry. These workers are assisted by biological technicians, environmental science technicians, 

and forest and conservation technicians.

Conservation scientists manage, improve, and protect 

natural resources. They work with forest owners, managers, and government agencies to devise ways to use and 

improve land, while safeguarding the environment and 

controlling erosion. They help landowners by preparing 

land use plans to meet conservation objectives and determine the most appropriate use for a particular forest site.

Conservation scientists give technical help to people who are concerned with conserving soil, water, and 

related natural resources. For private landowners, these 

conservationists develop programs to make the most 

productive use of land without damaging it and to help 

with problems such as handling erosion. Conservationists help private landowners and governments by advising on water quality, preserving water supplies, preventing groundwater contamination, and conserving water.

Foresters have a wide range of duties, and their responsibilities vary depending on their employer. Some primary duties of foresters include drawing up plans to 

regenerate forested lands, monitoring the progress of 

those lands, and supervising tree harvests. Foresters also 

create plans and do inspections to protect forests from 

disease, harmful insects, and damaging wildfires. An 

example of protection planning is preparing controlled 

burns that are used to manage the growth of underbrush 

and other plants in a forest. Foresters may choose and 

direct the preparation of sites on which trees will be 

planted. They advise on the type, number, and placement 

of trees. To ensure sustainability in a specific location, 
Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6

foresters may compare the growth with the decline of various species and the size of trees, and use that information 

to determine which trees should be harvested and sold to 

mills. Their volunteer or outreach work may include educating teachers and students about problems facing forest 

lands. 

Environmental scientists and specialists identify problems and find solutions that minimize hazards to the 

health of the environment. Environmental scientists may 

reclaim lands and bodies of water that have been contaminated by pollution, for example, or assess the risks of logging or other forest activities. They recommend ways to 

minimize the environmental impact of these activities.

Soil and plant scientists research soil, plants, and other 

forest products. Soil scientists examine the composition 

of soil as it relates to plant or tree growth and investigate 

effects of alternative soil treatment practices on tree productivity. They develop methods of conserving and managing soil. Plant scientists strive to improve timber yields, 

and they advise foresters and other sustainable forestry 

workers about techniques that could enhance production 

efforts. 

Wildlife biologists study the characteristics of animals, 

such as their interactions with other species, reproduction, 

diseases, and movement patterns. These biologists do a 

variety of scientific tests and experiments, such as collecting blood samples from animals, to assess their levels 

of nutrition. They may work with geographic information systems and other computer programs, to estimate 

populations and track the behavior of animals. They also 

use programs to forecast the spread of invasive species, 

diseases, and other potential threats to wildlife. In sustainable forestry, wildlife biologists work closely with 

public officials to develop wildlife management and conservation plans. These plans help ensure that species are 

protected from threats and that animal populations remain 

at sustainable levels.

Biological technicians assist scientists with tests, experiments, and analyses related to sustainable forestry. 

They may set up, maintain, and clean laboratory instruments and equipment, such as microscopes, scales, and 

test tubes. They gather and prepare plant, water, and soil 

samples for laboratory analysis to test for pollution levels, 

diseases, and other factors that help determine the overall health level of the forest. Biological technicians may 

work in laboratories or outdoors, collecting samples and 

taking measurements.

Environmental science and protection technicians typically are supervised by environmental scientists and specialists. In sustainable forestry, these technicians often 

work on teams with scientists and other technicians, to 

solve problems related to environmental degradation and 

public health. They may assist with inspections of forest 

lands, to ensure that environmental regulations are being 

followed. They also set up equipment to monitor pollution levels; collect samples of air, soil, water, and other 

materials for laboratory analysis; and prepare charts and 

reports that summarize test results.

Forest and conservation technicians work to improve the 

quality of forests and other natural resources. They generally are supervised by foresters. They assist with a variety 

of tasks, including gathering data on water and soil quality, assessing fire hazards, selecting and marking trees to 

be cut, tracking wildlife, and monitoring the activities of 

loggers and other forest users. Forest and conservation 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 7

Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013

technicians may also supervise forest and conservation 

workers. 

Credentials

Scientists need a bachelor’s or higher degree. Conservation scientists typically need a degree in natural resource 

management or a related science field, such as agricultural science, soil and plant science, or environmental science. Soil and plant scientists generally have a degree in 

soil science, chemistry, geology, or a related field. Wildlife biologists need a degree in biology or zoology, and 

environmental scientists need a natural science or in environmental science degree. Although graduate work is not 

generally required, many scientists also have a master’s 

degree or a Ph.D. Some wildlife biologists have a Doctor 

of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

Foresters enter the occupation with at least a bachelor’s degree in forestry, forest resource management, or a 

related field. Sixteen states sponsor some type of credentialing process for foresters. Some states require licensing, 

others have laws requiring registration, and a few have a 

voluntary registration process.8

 Licensing and registration 

usually requires that an applicant have a 4-year degree 

in forestry and several years of forestry work experience. 

Licensure requirements may also include passing a written exam.

Biological technicians and environmental science and 

protection technicians typically have an associate’s degree or comparable postsecondary training. Novice technicians are often trained on the job by more-experienced 

technicians. Technicians may receive their training at a 

technical or community college.

Forest and conservation technicians typically need an 

associate’s degree in forestry or a related field. Employers look for technicians who have a degree that is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Many technical and community colleges offer programs in forestry 

technology or a related field. Some states have licensing and registration programs for forest and conservation 

technicians. These programs usually have requirements 

for education and work experience.

Wages

The table that follows shows wages for selected science 

occupations in May 2012. The wages shown are median 

annual wages for the United States as a whole; wages 

vary by employer and location.

Fire protection and prevention 

occupations

Sustainable forestry includes a number of occupations related to fire protection and prevention. Workers in these 

occupations typically spend most of their time outdoors, 

sometimes in dangerous conditions. They use a variety 

of tools and equipment in their work. Fire protection and 

prevention workers must be physically fit, because their 

jobs are demanding and may involve walking long distances through heavily forested areas and wetlands.

Managing forest fires is an important part of sustainable forestry. Fires have an important role in forest 

ecology. In some extreme forest conditions, small fires 

turn into large, catastrophic fires that cause significant 

damage to the forest. However, some species of trees 

release seeds and spur new growth only in the presence 

of fires. Managing the fire threat is the work of foresters, as well as forest firefighters and fire inspectors. 

Forest firefighters respond to fires by containing and 

extinguishing them, while foresters and forest fire 

inspectors and prevention specialists enforce fire regulations by inspecting forests for fire hazards. 

Forest firefighters use heavy equipment, hand tools, and 

water hoses to control forest fires. They also create fire 

breaks (gaps in vegetation that slow or stop the progress 

of a fire) to deprive fires of fuel. An important aspect to 

forest management is conducting controlled burns, in 

which fires are intentionally set to clear underbrush and 

manage the growth of plants and trees in the forest. These 

fires reduce underbrush and allow the forest to grow in a 

Selected science occupations Median annual 

wages, May 20121

Conservation scientists $61,100

Foresters 55,950

Environmental scientists and 

specialists, including health 63,570

Soil and plant scientists 58,740

Zoologists and wildlife biologists 57,710

Biological technicians 39,750

Environmental science and protection 

technicians, including health 41,240

Forest and conservation technicians 33,920

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 8

healthy way. Firefighters sometimes assist foresters with 

conducting these burns.

Forest firefighters work under extremely physically demanding and potentially dangerous conditions. 

They are expected to respond to forest fires during all 

hours of the day and night and may spend several consecutive days or weeks fighting a fire. Some elite forest 

firefighters, known as smoke jumpers, parachute from 

planes to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. Many forest firefighters work on a seasonal basis, 

generally from early spring to late summer. 

Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists inspect 

forests for fire hazards. They look for problems that pose 

a wildfire risk and recommend ways to reduce fire hazards. They patrol forest areas, to ensure compliance with 

fire regulations, and report fire conditions to a central 

command center. Most forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists work for state and local governments.

Credentials

Forest firefighters need to be at least 18 years old and need 

a high school diploma or equivalent. They are required to 

pass a physical fitness test, and they receive most of their 

training on the job. Forest fire inspectors and prevention 

specialists have at least a high school diploma; however, 

some positions require that workers have an associate’s or 

bachelor’s degree. Work experience in firefighting or fire 

suppression also may be necessary. Firefighters who plan 

and oversee controlled burns must complete additional 

training and become certified as a burn boss.

Wages

The table that follows shows wages for selected forest 

fire protection and prevention occupations in May 2012. 

The wages shown are median annual wages for the United 

States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location. 

Forest and conservation workers and 

logging occupations

Forest and conservation workers and loggers who practice sustainable forestry cultivate and harvest trees in 

ways that are environmentally friendly. Their tasks 

help maintain and improve forest quality. They harvest 

thousands of acres of forests each year, and the timber provides the raw material for numerous consumer and industrial products. Conservation and logging 

work is physically demanding, and logging jobs can be 

hazardous. Workers spend nearly all of their time outdoors, sometimes in poor weather and often in isolated 

areas. Loggers work in teams, with each worker specializing in a certain task. 

Forest and conservation workers help to develop, maintain, and protect forests. Under the supervision of foresters and forest and conservation technicians, forest and 

conservation workers help to sustain and develop forests 

by doing tasks, such as planting seedlings or removing 

Selected fire protection and prevention 

occupations

Median annual 

wages, May 20121

Firefighters $45,250

Forest fire inspectors and prevention 

specialists 35,780

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 9

Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013

value of the logs or pulpwood (logs that are ground up for 

paper products). These workers often use handheld data 

collection devices to enter data about trees.

Other logging workers include buckers, who trim the 

tops and branches of felled trees and buck (cut) the logs 

into specific lengths; choke setters, who fasten chokers 

(steel cables or chains) around logs to be dragged by tractors or forwarded by a cable-yarding system; and rigging 

slingers and chasers, who set up and dismantle cables and 

guy wires of the yarding system. In addition, log sorters, 

markers, movers, and chippers sort, mark, and move logs 

based on species, size, and ownership, and they tend machines that chip up logs. 

Credentials

Forest and conservation workers typically need a high 

school diploma before they begin working. They generally get on-the-job training by helping more experienced 

workers. Most logging workers have a high school diploma. They get on-the-job training, to become familiar with 

forest environments and to learn how to operate logging 

machinery. 

Many states have training programs for logging 

workers, which may include technical instruction or field 

diseased trees. They may spray trees and seedlings with 

insecticides and fungicides, to control insects and weed 

growth. Forest and conservation workers may work on 

tree farms, where they plant, cultivate, and harvest different types of trees. Workers who are employed by state 

and local governments clear brush and debris from trails, 

roadsides, and camping areas. Forest and conservation 

workers who have a fire protection background may help 

prevent fires by constructing fire breaks or assisting with 

controlled burns. Most of what forest and conservation 

workers do is physically demanding. 

Fallers cut down trees with hand-held power chain saws 

and mobile felling machines. They ensure that the tree is 

cut safely, so that it falls in the direction desired to avoid 

hitting other workers or landing on equipment. 

Logging equipment operators use tree harvesters to fell 

trees, shear tree limbs, and cut the trees into desired 

lengths. They drive tractors and operate self-propelled 

machines, called skidders or forwarders, which drag or 

transport logs to a loading area.

Log graders and scalers inspect logs for defects and measure the logs to determine their volume. They estimate the 
Green Jobs: Forestry

June 2013 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 10

training in areas such as best management practices, 

environmental compliance, and reforestation. Safety is a 

vital part of a logging worker’s instruction. Tree fallers 

require more skill and experience than do workers in other logging occupations, so fallers typically work under the 

direct supervision of more-experienced logging workers.

Wages

The table below shows wages for selected logging occupations in the forestry and logging subsector in May 2012. 

The wages shown are median annual wages for the United 

States as a whole; wages vary by employer and location.

Conclusion

Forests provide a variety of natural resources, habitats 

for wildlife, and recreation opportunities. Sustainable 

forestry workers strive to ensure that our nation’s forests 

will continue to be used in an environmentally responsible way, while at the same time supplying numerous 

commercial and industrial products. Careers in sustainable forestry and logging include those in science occupations, fire protection and prevention occupations, and 

forest and conservation and logging occupations. These 

careers span several education levels, ranging from high 

school diploma to various levels of postsecondary education. Most of the occupations had median annual wages 

that were near or above the national median annual wage 

of $34,750 in May 2012.

Selected forest conservation and 

logging occupations

Median annual 

wages, May 20121

Forest and conservation workers $24,340

Fallers 35,250

Logging equipment operators 33,380

Log graders and scalers 32,880

Logging workers, all other 34,260

1 Occupational Employment Statistics data are available at 

www.bls.gov/oes. The data do not include benefits.

1 Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment 

and Development, Annex III (Rio de Janeiro, 3–14 June 1992), 

www.un.org/documents/ga/conf151/aconf15126-3annex3.

htm.

2

 “Forest Resources of the United States,” adapted from the 

National Atlas of the United States, 2011, 

www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/biology/a_forest.html.

3 Who Owns America’s Forests? Forest Ownership Patterns 

and Family Forest Highlights from the National Woodland 

Owner Survey (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2008), www.

nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/inf/NRS-INF-06-08.pdf.

4 Sustainable Forestry Initiative 2010-2014 Standard, (Sustainable Forestry Initiative, 2010), www.sfiprogram.org/files/pdf 

/Section2_sfi_requirements_2010-2014.pdf.

5 What is Forest Biological Diversity? (Convention on Biological 

Diversity, 2011), www.cbd.int/forest/what.shtml.

6

 Green Goods and Services (GGS) Survey (U.S. Bureau of 

Labor Statistics, 2013), www.bls.gov/ggs.

7

 Occupational Employment Statistics (U.S. Bureau of Labor 

Statistics, 2013), www.bls.gov/oes.

8 For more information on licensure and registration by state, 

see Conservation Scientists and Foresters in the Occupational 

Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012), 

www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/conservation-scientists.htm#tab-4.

Notes