Alex - Harvest Planning Forester

Name: Alex
Job title: Harvest Planning Forester
Job location: Maitland

Describe your typical day

The really great thing about being a forester is that there is a lot of variety in the work. You could be in the office working on plans, doing computer-based mapping, looking at aerial photos or out in the field assessing roads, wildlife or forest structures and potential timber volumes.

My typical week would involve a couple of days in the office doing planning and a couple in the field looking at our timber resources and doing preparation for harvesting. During the fire season I could also end up on the back of a tanker fire-fighting or working in the fire control office. So there is always plenty of different work to get into.

What attracted you to this profession?

Initially I was attracted to the idea of working in a profession that wasn’t stuck in an office as I enjoyed lots of outdoor activities.

How did you get started?

I got started by enrolling in a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) at the Australian National University in Canberra. From there I went to a temporary job with State Forests of NSW in the Morrisset Forestry District which eventuated in a permanent position working in a similar area.

What initial training did you do?

I did a university degree called a Bachelor of Science (Forestry).

Is there an ongoing need to update your skills?

As with any job these days, changes in technology and organisational structures require you to update skills regularly. As you move through your career you tend to need different skills. These are often developed on the job, or in some cases it may involve specific training, as with new computer programs.

What keeps you motivated?

I think all foresters work with the idea that they produce many things of value to the community. Forestry is basically about balancing community expectations, whatever they may be at the time, and I personally like the challenge of attempting to produce timber while also improving the productivity of our commercial forests.

Who do you work with to do your job?

My position is one of several in our region involved with the preparation of timber harvesting plans. As such, I have to work with a team of other specialists such as ecologists, Aboriginal cultural heritage officers, timber volume (resource) officers, our roadworks staff and, in some situations, with other government agencies and neighbours of the forest estate.

What is the most interesting thing you have done, discovered or seen in your job?

I have walked through a great deal of forest over the last 10 years or so and I get to see many scenes that most people don’t. While I wouldn’t say that I have discovered anything that hasn’t already been found, I would say that getting out into some of the wilder places in NSW has been pretty interesting. In particular, some of the rugged escarpment forests around the Barrington Tops and Chichester and out west of the Putty Road have provided me with some of the best views around.

How does your work benefit people and/or the environment?

The work I and others do helps to produce timber for a variety of uses while minimising the potential for impacts on the environment. Our practices are aimed at ensuring we have healthy productive forests after we complete harvesting, so I guess the benefit lies in being able to continue to produce timber for the long term while maintaining water, wildlife and other forest values.

What advice do you have for students still at school?

Do subjects you enjoy and don’t be afraid to go and ask people what their work is like and how to get into it – they are usually more than happy to talk.