Forestry Careers

Find out about career paths and jobs within forestry from students, faculty and alumni connected with the MSU Forestry Department.

Alumni Career Paths
Forestry-Careers-Future-Students-Forestry-Controlled-Burn
There are many career paths in forestry including ones that that support conservation and reforestation efforts.

The MSU Forestry program is one of the oldest in the United States. It was established in 1902 and is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

What do foresters do?

  • Develop plans to balance forest conservation, recreation and products.
  • Promote a sustainable economy through renewable forest products.
  • Conserve biological diversity and habitats.
  • Mitigate climate change through reforestation and managing carbon offset projects.
  • Control the negative effects of invasive exotic plant and insect species.
  • Enhance biodiversity and alleviate rural poverty through international reforestation.
  • Create urban green space and infrastructure.

There are countless work spaces available all over the world for forestry professionals.

Where do foresters work?Student using a chain saw

  • State and city forestry departments
  • U.S. government services and departments
  • Tree care companies
  • Community non-profit and conservation organizations
  • Real estate investment firms
  • Timber management companies
  • Forestry consulting firms

Forestry offers unique opportunities to work in some of the world’s most beautiful places, but not all forestry careers are based outside.

There are also forestry career opportunities in business, research, education and public policy.