Agriculture & EnvironmentCompare

Forester

O*NET: Foresters·19-1032.00

The Verdict:Forest management demands on-site navigation of rugged terrain, variable weather, and real-time adaptation for inspections, fire response, and reclamation beyond current robotics. AI augments mapping and analysis, enabling foresters to oversee larger areas. Stakeholder negotiations require human judgment. The role evolves with tech but remains field-bound.

Resilience Score

/100

Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$71k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+1.2%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 0 of 25 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
14 of 25 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 44% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

0exposed

11AI leverage

14human-essential

View all 25 tasks

AI Can Handle This0 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

No exposed tasks identified

AI Leverage11 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.

Plan and implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.

Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.

Plan cutting programs and manage timber sales from harvested areas, assisting companies to achieve production goals.

Map forest area soils and vegetation to estimate the amount of standing timber and future value and growth.

Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.

Plan and supervise forestry projects, such as determining the type, number and placement of trees to be planted, managing tree nurseries, thinning forest and monitoring growth of new seedlings.

Study different tree species' classification, life history, light and soil requirements, adaptation to new environmental conditions and resistance to disease and insects.

Analyze effect of forest conditions on tree growth rates and tree species prevalence and the yield, duration, seed production, growth viability, and germination of different species.

Plan and direct construction and maintenance of recreation facilities, fire towers, trails, roads and bridges, ensuring that they comply with guidelines and regulations set for forested public lands.

Develop new techniques for wood or residue use.

Human Advantage14 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.

Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.

Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.

Monitor forest-cleared lands to ensure that they are reclaimed to their most suitable end use.

Develop techniques for measuring and identifying trees.

Supervise activities of other forestry workers.

Provide advice and recommendations, as a consultant on forestry issues, to private woodlot owners, firefighters, government agencies or to companies.

Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldozers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.

Procure timber from private landowners.

Subcontract with loggers or pulpwood cutters for tree removal and to aid in road layout.

Direct, and participate in, forest fire suppression.

Conduct public educational programs on forest care and conservation.

Monitor wildlife populations and assess the impacts of forest operations on population and habitats.

Contact local forest owners and gain permission to take inventory of the type, amount, and location of all standing timber on the property.

Resilience Landscape

Forester lands in Stable & Well-Paid

Higher Resilience Paths in Agriculture & Environment

Agriculture & Environment

Agricultural Inspector

Score

+5 pts more resilient

Highly Resilient

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