Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Forestry Inspector- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working Life
Forestry Inspectors’ duties can vary depending on where they are working. They are typically employed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and their core duties include:
- Inspections of forestry work and control of felling
- Collecting and disseminating statistics about Ireland’s forest estate
- Measuring and recording of data for the National Forest Inventory
- Implementation in a forestry context of EU and National legislation
- Evaluation, monitoring and verification of progress on forest research projects.
In some positions, forestry inspectors have an Input into policy regarding climate change, forest genetic resources, bioenergy, international forestry and forest sector development related matters.
Some Forestry Inspectors work at Border Control or Inspection Centres at sea and air ports. Their day-today responsibilities involve planning and inspection of imports of regulated wood and wood products into Ireland. They liaise with Customs Officials, importers and their agents.
Many forestry Inspectors travel to various parts of the country on official duties and spend time both in an office and outdoors.
The use of specialised equipment may be required for the completion of some duties, such as GPS or clinometers. Personal protective equipment is also worn.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.
- Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.
- Gather, package, or deliver forest products to buyers.
- Sow or harvest cover crops, such as alfalfa.
- Spray or inject vegetation with insecticides to kill insects or to protect against disease or with herbicides to reduce competing vegetation.
- Maintain tallies of trees examined and counted during tree marking or measuring efforts.
- Identify diseased or undesirable trees and remove them, using power saws or hand saws.
- Drag cut trees from cutting areas and load trees onto trucks.
- Sort tree seedlings, discarding substandard seedlings, according to standard charts or verbal instructions.
- Operate skidders, bulldosers, or other prime movers to pull a variety of scarification or site preparation equipment over areas to be regenerated.
Qualities - Forestry Inspector
As a forestry inspector, you need excellent interpersonal and communications skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.
You may be working to rigid timelines so you will need to be able to perform under pressure and always pay attention to detail and maintain standards.
Interests - Forestry Inspector
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Forestry Inspector
A Forestry Inspector typically needs to have a degree with Forestry as a major subject. You can develop your skills, qualifications, and experience.
However, you can also enter the profession from a broader range of degree subjects, such as civil engineering, agricultural and environmental science.
Inspectors may also need experience of working in the forestry sector or a related area.
A full driving licence and access to a car is typically required as you may travel to different sites.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: forestry, environmental health science.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: forestry, environmental health science.
Search for PLC Courses
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: forestry, agricultural science, environmental health, environmental science, land management in agriculture, land management in horticulture.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: environmental resource management.
You can develop your expertise in the field, as well as improving your chances of progressing in your career, by undertaking a relevant postgraduate qualification. Both UCD and WIT offer postgraduate forestry and wood-energy related research programmes for example.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Forestry Inspector
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €72k
Salaries vary by Inspector Grade, in line with role, duties, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Agriculture.gov.ie/ PAS/ Teagasc/ Forsa
Last Updated: July, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Forestry Inspector
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: National government administrative occupations, Local government administrative occupations, Officers of non-governmental organisations.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
The strong employment growth rate for this occupation relates mainly to growth between 2020 and 2021, with employment levels falling by 7,000 since 2022. Despite this there was a relatively high level of recent job hires for this occupation in 2023, and it also featured strongly in online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) data. At 59%, this occupation had the highest share with third level qualifications across the group potentially leading to a level of skills mismatches.
Job openings are likely to continue, particularly given the size of the occupation and the slightly higher than average share of older workers. Upskilling and reskilling may also be required for those already employed in these occupations in order to reach targets set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan 2024 in areas such as in digital skills.
Useful Contacts - Forestry Inspector
-
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
-
COFORD
- Research Division, Department Agriculture, Food & Marine, Kildare St., Dublin, 2
- (01) 607 2487
- [email protected]
- Click Here
