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Vocational Forest Worker

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Natural Resource Systems pathway.

Insider Info

Additional Information

You'll need some form of education in this career.

"In most areas, educational requirements are informal to work in the woods," says forestry teacher Alan Angrignon. "Really, the only way to know is to contact local forestry associations."

Even though training for a forest worker can be done on the job, many employers are opting to hire people who have had some formal training in operating machinery. More and more schools are offering courses in heavy machinery and other equipment, as well as forestry management. These courses, offered at community and agricultural colleges, usually run for 13 to 20 weeks.

Forest workers should have a good understanding of forest products, adds Angrignon. "Forest management practices and environmental concepts are becoming more important in the logging industry."

High school education is a qualification that most employers look for in a candidate for the job. "If you are bright, it isn't needed; however, it is becoming a minimum standard," says Angrignon.

Contact your local forestry association to find out what type of certification you will need to work in your area.

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support