Forest Ecosystem Management Major

Here is a glimpse into the variety of careers and other pathways you might pursue with a degree in Forest Ecosystem Management. Our students have access to powerful career resources to help prepare for an amazing career!

Agroforester

Agroforesters plan the careful integration of trees and other woody plants that provide ecological and environmental services. They focus on providing an improved and sustainable mix of agricultural and forest crops.

Arborist

Arborists ensure the health and beauty of trees and woody plants. They consult with clients and develop and implement plans to manage landscape trees and shrubs.

Botanist

Botanists are plant biologists who focus their work on a variety of aspects of plant life. They apply science and management skills and expertise to conserve and manage plant resources and plant biodiversity in forested areas.

Conservation Biologist

Conservation biologists conduct research and education to restore and protect natural ecosystems and to sustain forest ecosystem services including nontimber products and carbon storage.

Consulting Forester

A consulting forester provide forest management services to private citizens, municipalities, businesses, and other entities that own forestland.

Fire Ecologist

Fire ecologists examine the interactions between fire and ecosystem attributes (plants, animals, nutrients, water, etc.) to support the management of fire-adapted ecosystems and the mitigation of ecological damage from wildfires. Combine ecological knowledge with fire science to support the planning of prescribed burning, fuels management, and the management of post-wildfire landscapes.

Forest Ecologist

Forest ecologists examine the interactions between forest organisms and their environment to support decision making to meet forest management objectives and mitigate potential environmental impacts.

Forest Manager

A forest manager plans and supervises activities such as reforestation, harvesting, insect and disease control, fire protection, wildlife habitat management, and forest recreation. They ensure the health and productivity of forested lands in the face of current challenges such as climate change and invasive species.

Forest Technician

Forest technicians assist in a variety of forest management activities such as marking boundaries, preparing timber sales, controlling insects/disease, conducting prescribed fires, and improving wildlife habitat.

Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst

GIS analysts collect and use data to produce maps and inform science-backed decisions about land use.

Industrial Forester

Industrial foresters manage land owned by forest products companies and/or work with private landowners to ensure a sustainable supply of raw material required for company operations.

Park Ranger

A ranger with law enforcement duties enforces rules and regulations to promote compliance and safety for park visitors and protects and preserves natural resources. Rangers with education responsibilities present educational programs and demonstrations, create and maintain educational exhibits, and facilitate public understanding of the splendor and fragility of our shared natural spaces.

Service Forester

Service foresters inform and advise managers of rural and community forests, landowners, and the public in support of sustainable forest management.

Utility Forester

A utility forester inspects, evaluates, and manages vegetation along utility lines; resolves potential hazards; oversees tree crews; and consults with customers.

Watershed Forester

A watershed forester monitors, protects, and enhances water quality in forested areas, and collects and interprets hydrologic data.

Wildland Firefighter

A wildland firefighter's responsibilities include wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire planning and execution, fuels management, fire hazard mitigation, and fire prevention.

Advanced Degrees

FOREM is a great foundation for master's and doctoral programs in the life sciences in preparation for careers in science, government, education, and more. Additionally, FOREM graduates find they are well prepared to pursue law, medicine, business, and other professional paths.