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Forest Technical Officer

State/Territory Specific Information

Forest technical officers are responsible for many of the forestry operations involved in the planting, management and harvesting of trees.

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 firefighting
  • 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 aid in the prosecution of offenders
  • write reports and undertake other clerical work
  • supervise fieldworkers.

Specialisations:

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.

Forester - Technical

A forester - technical usually performs a supervising or managerial role in forestry projects. They may work with Foresters and Forest Technical Officers.

Forest technical officers usually 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.

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.

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