CAREERS IN FORESTRY 7 



proper handling of the forests. He must not only show a thorough- 

 ness in details but also considerable foresight and breadth of vision. 

 Modern conveniences and techniques often stem from the painstaking 

 search of scientists for basic truths. Others find the practical solutions. 



Many foresters must also have the qualities needed by a successful 

 teacher. In their efforts to develop better public understanding of 

 forest conservation problems, they perform the functions of educators. 

 Such work is part of the forester's regular duties in many positions. 

 Nearly every forester, whether consciously or not, is helping to mold 

 public sentiment. Hence his job requires ability to meet people and 

 gain the confidence of the public. 



In public forestry the spirit of service is a most important requisite 

 for success. It is the spirit that causes men to place the interests of 

 society and of the group at large above the interests of one's self or 

 of the few. It is exemplified in the policy that governs the admin- 

 istration of the National Forests — of so managing the forests as to 

 promote the greatest good for the greatest number of our people in 

 the long run. 



Conservation of our natural resources is still one of our Nation's 

 greatest tasks. Conservation or wise use is the essence of forestry. 

 The forest is a resource that must be protected against waste; it is 

 also a precious storehouse of other vital natural resources such as soil, 

 water, wildlife, and forage. The work done in forest conservation in 

 this country has been accomplished by men imbued with the spirit of 

 service, believing wholeheartedly in what they do. The task of carry- 

 ing this work forward demands men capable of overcoming great 

 obstacles, and often the ability to get along with many different kinds 

 of people. 



THE FIELD OF WORK 



Foresters are now employed by the Federal Government; the States, 

 most of which have forestry departments; municipalities; lumber com- 

 panies and private owners of timberland; wood-using industries; edu- 

 cational institutions; and organizations conducting research or 

 promotional work in forestry. 



Up to the close of the first decade of this century, the United States 

 Government was the principal employer of American foresters. In 

 1912 it was officially estimated that 60 percent of the foresters in this 

 country were in Federal Government work and that fully 95 percent 

 had been so engaged at one time or another. Since then the States, 

 municipalities, educational institutions, and private corporations have 

 absorbed large numbers of graduating foresters. However, with the 

 expansion of the Federal Government's forestry activities in recent 

 years, it still remains the largest employer of trained foresters. 



Although the majority of professional foresters now in Federal Gov- 

 ernment employ are in the United States Forest Service, foresters are 

 also employed in the management of forest lands on Indian reserva- 

 tions under the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the 

 Interior. Foresters are also employed in the National Park Service, 

 the Bureau of Land Management, and Fish and Wildlife Service of 

 the same Department; in the Income Tax Unit of the Treasury; in 

 the Tennessee Valley Authority; in the Department of Commerce; 

 and in the Soil Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture. 



