Forest or Wildlife managers manage forests and woodlands to make sure that good quality timber is produced for commercial purposes. They also deal with conservation matters and develop facilities for recreation in the forest. They balance the economic and social demands for forest and land use. 

The Work

You could be:

• planning, managing and organising the annual programme of work in the forest
• preparing and controlling budgets, and carrying out other administrative tasks
• organising the marketing and sale of timber
• arranging the planting, thinning, felling, transporting and sale of trees
• monitoring the condition of the forest, looking for any signs of disease
• recruiting, training, supervising and making sure that staff follow health and safety regulations
• organising and implementing fire safety regulations
• making sure that plants, wildlife and natural habitats are preserved and protected
• developing ideas for recreational use of the forest, including nature trails, parking, campsites, information points and visitor centres.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Salaries in Forestry and Land Scotland and Scottish Forestry for qualified forest or wildlife managers are on pay band 5, which ranges from £34,362 to £36,658 a year (July 2025).

Other organisations can pay up to around £40,000 a year.

In some cases, a house might be provided as part of the job.

Conditions

• You would work in an office, but also outdoors.
• The outdoor work can be in cold, wet, windy and muddy conditions.
• You would have to be safety conscious at all times and on occasions wear protective clothing and a hard hat.
• Your working week would be around 40 hours a week. Depending on the work this may involve evenings and weekends.
• You might have to travel around the area and also spend some time away from home.
• You would normally live in the country, sometimes in a remote area.

Useful Subjects

• Biology
• Environmental Science

Getting In

• Entry to this job is very competitive.
• You normally need at least an HND (SCQF Level 8) in forestry.
• Entry requirements for HND courses is 1-2 Highers plus some subjects at National 5, or other relevant national qualifications.
• Scottish Forestry sometimes offers places on a graduate development programme, which involves two years of training in different areas of forestry. You require a 2:1 honours degree or higher in a science degree related to the environment, land management, forestry, engineering or a business studies discipline. You also need National 5 English and Maths. You may or may not be based in Scotland.
• You need previous work experience in forestry for some college or university courses. You could consider doing voluntary work with organisations like the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust or The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) Scotland.
• Scottish Forestry offers a small number of student work experience placements and sandwich placements.
• You need a full, clean driving licence.
• You must be fit as you have to inspect woodland on foot, walking over rough ground.

The biggest employer is Scottish Forestry, but you can also find work with a forestry company or private estate, a forestry consultancy or contractor, a local authority, a government agency or a conservation organisation.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2025

1539

5.4 %

RISE

2030

1622

  United Kingdom

2025

9381

4.7 %

RISE

2030

9825

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What Does it Take?

You need to be able to:

• take responsibility
• work alone and also as part of a team
• manage people and train staff
• manage budgets and contracts
• get on well with people from other organisations and companies.

You need to have:

• an interest in science and the natural environment
• practical skills
• IT skills
• strong organisational and planning skills.

Training

• You would train and gain experience on the job with your employer.
• You would attend short courses and training sessions relevant to the work you are doing.
• You may be able study for a postgraduate qualification in forestry if you don't already have one. In Scotland, full time postgraduate courses in forestry are available at the University of Aberdeen.
• After a minimum of 2 years' management or supervisory experience, you may be eligible to complete the Professional Membership Entry (PME) with the Institute of Chartered Foresters for membership as a Chartered Forester. Many employers require Chartered Forester status for senior jobs within the industry.
• As a Chartered Forester you would be required to complete 100 hours continuing professional development every 3 years.

Getting On

• Promotion prospects may depend on the organisation you work for.
• To gain experience and improve your prospects, you may have to move between employers and to different parts of the country.
• With experience you may get a job with responsibility for a larger area of the country.
• You might be able to get a job in a specialist area of the work in which you have a special interest.
• You may go into teaching or research work, perhaps in a college or university.
• You might set up your own business as a forestry consultant.
• There may be opportunities to work abroad in parts of Europe, the USA, Canada and New Zealand.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.