FORESTRY-CAREER INFORMATION SUMMARY
WHAT IS FORESTRY AND WHO IS A FORESTER?
Simple definition of a forester is any person who has studied Forestry from a university. Therefore, Forestry is a natural science that involves the expertise of crafting, management, utilization, conserving, and repairing forests, woodlands, and related resources for human and environmental benefits. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands. The study of forestry has segments that have a place with the biological, physical, social, political and managerial sciences.
WHERE DO FORESTERS WORK?
In Zambia, the major employer of foresters is the government under Forestry Department, Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW, formerly ZAWA), Department of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources Department, National Heritage Commission and the Department of Climate Change. In addition to the mainstream government departments, most foresters are employed by the parastatal Zambia Forests and Forestry Industry Corporation (ZAFFICO). Several other potential employers of foresters include non-governmental organizations such as SNV, World Vision, World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF), Zambia Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Forum, Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), amongst several other organizations which deal in forestry and other natural resources related programmes. Learning institutions too such as Zambia Forestry College, Mulungushi University and the Copperbelt University (both Kitwe Riverside campus and Robert Kapasa Makasa campus – Chinsali) do hire foresters.
Private companies such as the Copperbelt Forestry Company, Sikale Wood, Wood Processing Industries and many others that are in the value addition of timber business make up the long list of employers of foresters in Zambia. Consultancy firms too add to the list.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
The forestry profession involves a wide range of tasks, with different educational requirements of either college diplomas, bachelor's degrees, MScs and/or PhDs for highly specialized work. Industrial foresters strategize forest regeneration as well as sustainable harvesting. Urban foresters take care of trees and other vegetation in urban green spaces and parks. Foresters work in tree nurseries raising seedlings for woodland creation and other regeneration projects. Foresters also work to improve tree genetics for various purposes in research institutions and laboratories. Forest engineers develop new building systems and other related forestry infrastructure. Other tasks include crafting timber into finished products. Professional specialized foresters measure and model the growth of forests using geographic information systems. Foresters also fight insect infestation, disease, forest and grassland wildfire, but may also allow these natural aspects of forest ecosystems to progress when the probability of epidemics or risk of loss life or property are low. Additionally, foresters play a part in wildlife conservation planning and watershed protection. Foresters have also been mainly associated with timber management, especially through reforestation, maintaining forests at prime conditions, and effective fire control.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A FORESTER?
Foresters working in government departments typically have the usual work schedule routine starting at 08 hours in the morning to 17 hours later in the afternoon/evening during the normal weekdays. However, on special occasions or assignments, the work schedule is adjusted to suit the particular situation. The daily routine during normal weekdays for those in the private sector or NGO’s varies. Although by Zambian Labour Laws, normal working days in a week are from Monday to Friday, some private companies and NGO’s tend to adjust up to half day on Saturday.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The biggest employing sector of foresters in Zambia is the government and its agencies, non-governmental organizations and private companies in that order. The need for foresters has never been met due to the continuous increasing negative effects of climate change being experienced world over. Therefore, the job market is always open due to the need to conserve nature, as well as the demand for timber and non-timber forest products.
SALARY RANGES AND WHAT CONTROLS IT
As of this year, 2020, a graduate forester with a Bachelor’s degree from university earns not less than ZMK 8,000 in government while one with a diploma earns not less than ZMK 4,500. Although in some parastatals, a trained forester occupying a managerial position can earn as high as over ZMK 24,000 monthly. The salaries in non-governmental organizations and private sector varies depending on entry salary level points respectively set for particular positions to be filled by a forester.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
To be a good forester, one needs to be both physically and mentally fit with a great enthusiasm towards protecting the environment. A great love for the outdoors will easily make one fit into the field of forestry because majority of forestry activities are undertaken outside.
WHERE CAN I STUDY FORESTRY, FOR HOW LONG, TO EARN WHAT QUALIFICATION?
For a Bachelor’s degree, one needs to undertake four years of studying either full-time or on a distance basis to complete at the Copperbelt University. A Diploma in Forestry however only takes three years of study to complete. Only the Zambia Forestry College offers the diploma programme.
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Upon being admitted into a forestry training program, one is expected to undertake A-level science courses (Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry) in their first year of study. Upon successful completion of the first year, some of the other courses that one will undertake include Silviculture, Land Survey, Soil Science, Agroforestry, Forest Engineering, Biometry/Statistics, Extension, Entomology, Beekeeping and Management/Administration just to mention a few.
WHAT MODES OF STUDY ARE AVAILABLE?
Currently, forestry is being offered on both full-time and distance basis at the Copperbelt University and Zambia Forestry College.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Being a natural science, the basic entry requirements into a forestry training program at the two institutions mentioned above are 5 credits or better. However, there is a biasness towards Mathematics, English and sciences being mandatory.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A FORESTER?
Currently, no other field of study can completely enable someone do all tasks that a trained forester can perform. Other professionals such as Agriculturalists, Agroforesters, Wildlife Managers and Natural Resource Managers can only partly complement some minor works of a forester.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
Being a broad natural science based program, there are numerous advanced options of study that one can pursue related to forestry. These range from pursuing advanced studies in fields such Soil Science, Biometry, Forest Management Sciences, Natural Resources Management and Conservation, Climate Change, Wildlife Management and Conservation, Geographical Information Systems, Business Administration, Forest/Natural Resources Economics, amongst several other options.