How to become a Forest Manager
Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the production activities of a forestry operation, including physical and human resources.
Main tasks
- Plans and implements strategies for the production activities of a forestry operation, such as harvesting, reforestation, road building and maintenance, fire management, weed and pest control, and conservation and recreational activities
- Ensures forestry production processes comply with legislative and policy requirements, including safety and environmental regulations
- Monitors and evaluates the performance of forestry production activities, and develops and implements procedures and policies to improve forestry production processes
- Prepares or oversees reports and budgets related to forestry production activities
- Informs other forestry managers or stakeholders such as state departments and local authorities about forestry production matters
- Oversees the acquisition and installation of forestry equipment and machinery
Ways in
- University: Agriculture & Environment degrees, Offered by 27 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Forest Operations (FWP40121); Diploma of Forest Operations (FWP50121)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $119,496 a year
- About 62,200 people work in this job group now, and about 72,700 are projected by 2035. (+16.8%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Forest Manager?
Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate IV in Forest Operations; Diploma of Forest Operations.
How much does a Forest Manager earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $119,496 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Forest Manager a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 62,200 to about 72,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Forest Manager?
Not always. 38% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Agriculture & Environment degrees; Certificate IV in Forest Operations; Diploma of Forest Operations.
Will AI change the work of a Forest Manager?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04