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After graduating from Michigan Tech with an MS in Forestry, I traveled to West Africa to visit current Masters International students working in Ghana and Togo. I also had the opportunity to visit the mahogany research site of Dr. Andrew Storer, Dr. David Karnosky and recent PhD graduate, Emmanuel Opuni-Frimpong. I spent the summer of 2006 working at the University of Tokyo as a visiting Urban Forest Researcher, an opportunity created by applying for an NSF fellowship while still a graduate student. During my 10 weeks in Tokyo, I surveyed flowering dogwood street trees and interviewed urban forest managers to create management recommendations for dealing with dogwood anthracnose. Currently I am working in Washington DC for the Urban Forest Administration. I am responsible for the management of street trees in Wards 1 and 2. To increase my knowledge of the urban environment, I am taking landscape design classes at George Washington University. Please contact me if you want to learn more about DC's urban forest or experience a day on the job

After graduating from MTU with a BS in Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences I took a job with Praxair Inc. running a gas chromatograph and performing leak detection on oil refinery pipelines and storage tanks. In September 2005 I left this job to take a position with Ecology and Environment Inc./ EPA working on the environmental remediation project of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. The job duties in this hectic work situation changed from minute to mintue and ranged from retrieving/categorizing barrels of industrial chemicals that were orphaned from local companies and offshore oil rigs and remediating contaminated areas to managing emergency landfills. I remained immensely dedicated to the project for the 7 months I was in New Orleans not once leaving the city. In March 2006 I took a position as a Environmental Compliance Specialist for the Department of Defense on military installations in Kuwait. A majority of my job is performing ! audits to ensure the US military is in compliance with their internal environmental guidelines.

As you can see I fell into the more industrial side of environmental work but I still find much of my ecology degree surprisingly applicable in each position I have held thus far. In addition to my current compliance/audit work I have designed and implemented a POL contaminated soil remediation project as well as a composting project using left over green and brown matter from the dining facilities as a nutrient source for microorganisms in order to speed up the remediation process. I have also aided in air and water quality assessments, studies on the effects the US military bases have had on the local flora and fauna, ect.

The best advice I can offer current and future students of FRES is to gain as much real world experience in the field of environmental work you are interested in going into while you are still attending college through internships. I did not do this and my career has veered off my intended course because of it. Also diversify your education at MTU as much as possible and use every credit to your advantage to become a more well rounded environmental scientist/ecologist/forester because you never know what road your career may take unexpectedly.

I graduated from Michigan Tech in April of 2006. In May 2006 I took a position with the Natural Resources Conservation Service completing a soil survey in the Interior of Alaska. Beyond the tough physical labor and fun field crew I worked with, this position was a great way to solidify my soil field skills, and an excellent way to explore Alaska. I came back to the Upper Peninsula in September 2006 and worked with Green Timber Consulting Foresters, monitoring and detecting Emerald Ash Borer presence in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. In January 2007 I started my present position as Forester for Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District. I talk with landowners, determine their objectives for managing their forest, walk the property with them, and provide recommendations based upon their objectives, sustainable forest management, and the environmental conditions on their property. The purpose of my job is to help people make well-informed decisions about forest management, wildlife management, tree planting, and general natural resource management in the Keweenaw.

Recommendations for job searching: Search and search and apply for many jobs; the practice can't hurt. Don't stop looking until you find a few jobs that you are really excited about: your enthusiasm will show through to potential employers.

I earned my BS from MTU in May of 2003. In December of 2003, I accepted a position as Forester in northwestern South Dakota. I am employed by the Northwest Area Joint Board, an association of the local Conservation Districts. The position is a 3-year pilot project to demonstrate the need of a forester in this region. The state currently does not employ a forester in this area. If I meet the production goals set before me, the state may create a full time permanent position for this area. I cover 7.8 million acres in Harding, Perkins, Corson, Dewey, Ziebach, and the north half of Meade Counties. Land use is classified as approximately 25% farming and 75% range. There is no forestland here, except for small tracts of ponderosa pine encompassed by Custer National Forest. The purpose of my job is to work with private landowners to help them solve conservation problems by planting trees. I plan, design, and implement windbreaks to protect ranch headquarters and feedlots, reduce wind erosion, provide wildlife habitat, etc. I provide financial assistance through various state and federal cost share programs. Due to the extremely harsh growing conditions, here (lack of precipitation, poor soils) I also answer many sick tree calls from homeowners and ranchers.

The best advice I would offer current and prospective students would be this: Determine what type of forestry you would like to work in and focus on that. This could include US Forest Service, State Forestry (DNR), Industry (timber and paper companies), Consulting, Urban, etc. Then pursue summer jobs and internships in the area you prefer. By doing so you will gain experience and knowledge, as well as make connections that can be very helpful in future job searching. You will also get a feel as to whether you like that field of forestry. If you are unsure of what path to take, there is also value in trying different fields of forestry until you find one that suits you.

Since my graduating from Michigan Tech in 2003, I have actually had four different jobs.... but wait, wait it is not as bad as you would think. At first sight of this you might cringe thinking of all the moves that I must have gone through and "ahh they must have been boring jobs..." As I look back, all four of the jobs have been challenging in their own ways and most importantly, every one has broadened my background in forestry. Fortunately, after about one year of being out in the "real world", and yes a few to many moves for my liking, I think I have found the position I would like to make a career of.

During my freshman year at Michigan Tech, I was fortunate enough to get a summer job with a paper company in the western UP and I would continue to work for this company for the next three summers, including the summer after my graduation. During this time, I was exposed to many sides of forestry from regeneration work to timber harvesting and GIS tasks. Pairing this real world experience up with my forestry classes at Michigan Tech I thought I was well on my way to a field I would enjoy.

The second Job I had was roughly three months after graduation, with a very reputable urban tree service company. This job was indeed hard work and yes, it was in the city but nonetheless I really enjoyed the work. I definitely don't regret taking this position but I knew that I had to get back to the woods where I belonged.

For job number three I worked as a Conservation District forester. This job threw different challenges at me every day and if not for another great job opportunity I would very likely still be in this position.

Finally to job number four and hopefully the last one for a long time. I am now working as a forester for state government. I have only been here for roughly 3 months but as I had mentioned before this is the position I would like to retire from.

A few recommendations I would make to folks who are approaching the end of their high school years or just starting college would be; try to get decent grades and take on leadership roles in both high school and college, take as many electives relevant to your field as you can ask questions in class (make those professors work for their money :-), and last but not least try to get as much forestry experience under your belt as soon as you can. Oh yah, and don't forget to have some fun, the UP is a great place to learn the basics of forestry and an excellent place to be if you like to get outdoors.

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My name is Sheila Madahbee K. I graduated in 2000 from the Forestry Program.

After graduation, I started working with the Federal Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans as a technician. My position was with Sea Lamprey Control Centre in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. I worked under the program "Integrated Management of Sea Lamprey" where we surveyed rivers/streams/creeks for larval walleye to determine the presence and effects of sea lamprey. We used electroshockers, and set certain types of nets to catch fish.

Shortly after I began working for Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as the Guideline Strategy Intern in the Forest Policy Section of the Forest Management Branch in Sault Ste Marie. I was in this position for 2 terms (18 months). My main duties were to provide support for various guideline development initiatives (Natural Disturbance Pattern Emulation Guide, Standard Operating Procedures for guidelines) and other projects (State of the Forest Report, Timber Environmental Assessment (EA) Renewal Project).

I also worked as an instructor for Sault College in Sault Ste Marie, delivering the Aboriginal Land Management course in the Aboriginal Resource Technician Program. This course was delivered via teleconferencing, and I developed it into an online course, which is now delivered via the Internet. I currently remain the instructor/facilitator for this course.

I worked as a Resource Technician for Domtar in Sault Ste Marie. I was a member of a tree marking crew. We marked trees in both selection and shelterwood hardwood forests.

I have worked as a Management Forester with the Ministry in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. I assisted with the review of Annual Work Schedules and Forest Management Plan Amendments. I assisted with the administration of the Release of Crown Tree Reservations and the All Trees Reserved programs. I assisted with the completion of several Independent Forest Audit recommendations.

While in Kirkland Lake I had the opportunity to also work for Northern College. I was the instructor for the Wood Measurement course in the Timber Operations Program.

In my current position (still with the Ministry), I am the Project Forester/Analyst for the Northshore Forest Management Planning Team in Blind River, Ontario. I am responsible for: running the Strategic Forest Management Model; Socio-Economics; public consultation database; First Nation issues (Task Team); and I assist with any other related forest management planning duties. I have been in this position since February 2003.

As for job searching:

My advice would be to apply for every position with the intent that if you are offered the position you will accept it. Research the position, and tailor every application for each position (don't send generic letters). At least here, in Ontario that's what I have found, applications are different for the Ontario government, Canadian Government and for industry.
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Since graduating from Michigan Tech, I have taken much time to explore the environmental job spectrum and have continually returned to education. This summer I begin graduate school on my way to becoming a high school biology teacher. Here is an overview of my journeying.

Shortly after graduation, I ventured off to China with the Peace Corps to teach environmental education. At the close of my term of service, I returned to my hometown to reconnect with my family. The limited opportunity of my hometown delayed more dabbling in the field of environmental education. Instead, I worked for an environmental consulting firm for close to a year, working on GIs mapping and projects requiring soil, water, and wetland conservation permits. After leaving my hometown, getting married, and moving to Portland I have explored the field of environmental education through various volunteer positions including teaching an adult ESL class, teaching an after-school program, and serving as a Nature Guide at a local State Park. Early this year, I made the decision to get my Master's in Teaching and my initial teaching license in high school biology. I begin in June.

It has taken many years of exploring to find my place in the environmental field. Take advantage of your summers and find internships in areas you'd like to explore. Remember the environmental field is very large. The more exploring you do and the more job experience you have before graduation the better.

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My first job after graduation was as an Appraiser/Forester for the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) at the Region 3 headquarters in Fort Snelling, MN. I appraised parcels of land proposed for acquisition by the USFWS. These tracts of land would be purchased for Wetland Protection Areas or would be added to the National Wildlife Refuge System. I worked in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Alaska.

My next and current job is with the USDA Forest Service. I work at the North Central Research Station headquarters in St. Paul, MN and my job title is Forester. My primary duties include aerial photo interpretation, making maps and other navigational aids for our field crews, and fulfilling spatial data requests using GIS.

In addition to my full time job with the Forest Service, I am also pursuing my master's degree in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Minnesota. My course of study is in the Assessment, monitoring, and geospatial analysis track. With my degree, I would like to advance to a more GIs intensive position, applying it to natural resource issues and problem solving.

My advice for job searching is to keep your resume up-to-date so you can get it out quickly, get an early start during your senior year, keep an open mind, and apply for jobs that you are interested in even if you don't think you'll get it; you may be surprised at what you are qualified to do.

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When I originally obtained my Bachelor of Science in Forestry, I was planning a life in the outdoors working with nature. With the education that I received from Michigan Tech, I found a new passion in sharing information about the environment. I continued my education to gain a Bachelor's of Science in Applied Ecology and Environmental Science. During these classes, I found my true calling.

Michigan Tech did not have a teaching degree that used a Forestry degree when I was in school. I was the first to graduate from Michigan Tech with a degree in general sciences using my forestry/ecology background. My education in the School of Forestry prepared me far beyond my present colleagues in the environmental sciences. From soils, to silviculture, to biometrics, and ecology, my education has enabled me to share a wealth of knowledge in my present profession.

I teach Earth Science to 10th graders in Arizona. It is a far stretch from what I envisioned 9 years ago as a freshman at Tech The job market right now for science teachers is OUTSTANDING. If you are willing to move, there are opportunities everywhere. The biggest regret that I may have is limiting the places I wanted to live right out of school. I believe that cost me a full year of employment in my profession.

Even though I could not teach full-time right away, I still utilized my degree in part-time arenas. I worked under another Tech graduate, Jim Pelkola, for WUPPDR. I employed skills learned in the GPS/GIs classes I took for my first undergrad. The School of Forestry has provided me a well-rounded education of the sciences. I would recommend this school without reservation.

Gordon Mosher
Bachelor of Forestry 2000
Bachelor of Applied Ecology Environmental Science 2002
Teaching Certificate in Secondary Ed. 2002
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I am now the District Forester for the Midland/Gladwin Conservation District. I help the landowners within Midland and Gladwin Counties manage their natural resources. I meet with the landowners and help them figure out what goals they have for their land. Some may want to manage their forests for wildlife while other will want to manage for timber value. Some landowner may even want to just make sure their land is conserved for future generations. Once we figure out what their goals are, I either help them or guide them in the right direction to manage their land. I work for the counties and make sure that landowners have the right information to manage their land properly.

During the summers while I was in school I worked as a Forestry Tech every year. I also worked as a machine repairman during Christmas breaks and had a part time job during the school year. My work experience showed my current employer that I was a hard worker. I was president of my Fraternity for a year and I took advantage of any training or projects that were diverse or out of the ordinary. I did the Mackinac Island capstone project for example which helped during interviews since everyone knows where that is. Getting as much experience as possible while I was in school helped me in finding a good job. Any certification or experience that can be put on a resume is golden later on and hopefully fun in the process.

Advice I would give to anyone in the job market right now would be to start early and be persistent. The job market is tough right now but luckily for me a degree from Tech really helped. The forester that had my position before me was a Tech grad and left a good impression on my employer so they were looking specifically for someone from Tech. This is not always true of every job but it did help me. Start early looking for a job. I graduated in May and started looking for a job at the beginning of April. I did not get a job until the middle of June. Companies and agencies may put out job notices a month before they close the announcement take a couple of weeks to go through the resumes and schedule interviews. Then after the interviews, they may take another couple of weeks to decide. The process can take some time so do not be afraid to start early in your job search. Also, stay in contact with possible employers. Call them and ask where they are in the process. Be persistent, with a tough job market all you need to be is tougher.

Josh McDonald
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The summer field season has once again ended and Owling in the Gila National Forest was nothing less than amazing. Emerald green cougar eyes shining me down through the reflection of my headlamp, a black bear curiously sniffing my scent off the wind, a Mexican Grey Wolf slowly loping down the Negrito River, Doug Firs too big around for two men to hug and touch fingers, the sweet smell of Ponderosa after a cooling New Mexican rain. Trekking mountain ridges night after night and waking up predawn after a two hour nights rest to run after the cryptic, beautiful, controversial Mexican Spotted Owl. The people I worked with are some of the best people I have known, the vistas I saw were some of the gems of our beautiful country.
I have accepted my next job, which will start in about a week. I will be an environmental educator working just outside of Boulder Colorado. If anyone is interested in more information about what I will be doing feel free to check out the organization www.calwood.org. I will be working with these folks for at least one year so if you're in the Boulder area stop by.

When I started searching for work I was at a loss and needed all kinds of help (provided by MTU resources such as Greg Wright, and Joe Kaplan). If students have specific questions they can send me email and I will do my best to give a hand. levinejonah@hotmail.com. See Jonah's resume (pdf).

 

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My job searching experiences began while I was still attending Tech as an undergrad in the forestry department. I wanted to start gaining experience in the forestry field early on so that I'd be more competitive once I had completed my education. One of my professors, Dr. Glenn Mroz, helped me get my first forestry job after my sophomore year - I became a forest technician for the Forest Service on the Huron-Manistee National Forest (lower Michigan). This included marking timber for sales along with other miscellaneous forest jobs and even led to me being trained to fight forest fires and then doing so. I kept this job (seasonally) until I was done with my undergrad degree and began graduate school. I stayed at MTU and began my Master of Science Degree in Forestry focusing on Silviculture and Inventory. Halfway through my degree, my advisor, Dr. David Reed, introduced me to my next boss, Dr. David Cleland, who worked for the North Central Research Station of the Forest Service. I started my job with him by doing analyses on Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data that I had been working with while pursuing my degree. Once I completed my schooling, I moved to Rhinelander, WI where my boss is located and continued on with the same job. However, because I had taken many GIs (Geographic Information Systems) classes, I began working on projects using this technology along with completing analyses on the data. I am currently still in a similar position with the same boss, however, I am now employed by Michigan Tech with my position being funded by Forest Service money. Overall, I have had great work experiences and have had lots of help from the faculty and staff in the forestry department in finding good jobs.

Alyssa Sloan

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Hello,

Well here I am! It's been 16 + months after graduating with a Bachelor's in Forestry and I find myself working in Northern Minnesota as a County Forester. I truly have found a job I love and am enjoying every bit of it.

While the road I took to get here may not have been "rough" so to speak, it did take some hard work and dedication.

I began MTU as a transfer in '00 and worked summer internships throughout my schooling to obtain more knowledge and experience along the way. This is important!

I graduated in December of '02 and took a position as a Procurement Forester with Biewer Sawmill in Lower MI. While at this position I worked with loggers, landowners, and state foresters in buying wood for the mill.

With gained knowledge and experience from the position, I soon realized I wanted to do more lands management as a forester and began looking for other opportunities.

And here I am! I started working with the Koochiching County Lands and Forestry Dept. in January of '04.

My advice to students and graduates is to get as much experience as possible. Internships are crucial in any field!

Part of being a student and a professional is to keep good communication, with employees, employers, faculty, friends, the public, etc.

While looking for employment, I sent out endless emails and résumés. And take my advice; send out the applications even if you feel you don't have a shot. I nearly didn't mail the application to my current job due to my insecurities.

Also, be willing to move to a new location, forestry jobs rarely come to you... you go to them!

Another key is to be patient. Finding a job is a job; it takes a lot of time, patience, and determination.

Patience is also a virtue even after finding your full-time job after graduation. Many jobs soon after graduation aren't perfect, yet they do give you much needed experience, which is crucial for future prospects.

So with those few tidbits, I wish everyone good luck in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
Jason Caron
Class of '02
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Spring of 2001: A few months before graduation I worked as a bartender and continued with that job while looking for employment in my field

Winter of 2002: Substitute teacher for the local school districts. Taught K-12 and special needs children.

Summer of 2002: Moved to Marquette and worked as a Pre-school teacher and continued to look for employment in my field.

Summer of 2003: Gained temporary employment with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division located in Marquette. I was responsible for marking fish for research, vaccinations, and cleaning. Finally something in my field!

Fall of 2003: Employed by Kennecott Exploration. Duties include core sampling and logging, endangered species research and report writing, water sampling and water quality issues, ambient air monitoring, and soil studies. Basically a lot of research and report writing on various environmental issues.

Current status still employed by Kennecott as an environmental technician.

My advice: Take the first job in your field you can and gain some experience. Without it, it's a tough road ahead.

Alicia Duex
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