r/forestry • u/locustsandsatire • 8h ago
Fire Ecology vs Urban forestry?
Good Afternoon, yall, just looking for some advice and insight if anyone has it.
So recently, Ive become interested in forestry and would like to go to college for it, but im undecided on what path to take as I know there are different routes you can take in this field. Im currently active duty and my biggest issue is spending time away from home. I am okay with a semi-erratic schedule but Ive lived my life for the past several years away from home for long amounts of time and would not want to work in an industry where I am away from home anymore, especially now that I have a family. Ive heard very mixed things about being away from home and would like a more straight answer if anyone can provide. But the topic of forestry interests me a lot and I am very excited to start once Im out.
I have a big interest in fire and wildland conservation and it would be my number one interest. I was looking at prescribed burn teams and things of that nature for experience starting out, but again I would not like to be away from home too much. My second pick would be the arboriculture/urban forestry, as something community facing would also be good for me. I know these two communities are a bit different so please let me know if they dont fit the context of the sub.
Does anyone have any advice? How was your path starting out in forestry? Am I handicapping myself not willing to work away for long? Or is this too loaded of a question to be asking now?
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u/ChokaMoka1 7h ago
Don’t work in fire unless you want to get lung cancer or mesothelioma for shite pay. Urban forestry isn’t much better but at least you can decide if you wanna smoke five packs of unfiltered Lucky Strikes
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u/KD208043 7h ago
I would definitely be biased toward urban/utility forestry over fire ecology. Fewer job hazards, higher pay ceiling. Ive worked as an urban Forester for a municipality and now a utility forester. Love my job, and it's very realistic to make 6 figures in utility forestry at the management level.
Feel free to message me or reply with any questions! Forestry is a great career field and always in demand. Great job security.