Any registered NC foresters on the forum?

[Riles]

When I started this thread I had neither ulterior motives nor even career plans. I went to forestry school because the subject interested me and Uncle Sam was paying. One of my primary goals after retiring from the Air Force was NOT to have a 9-5 desk job. Being a semi-retired self-employed businessman appeals to me; I don't really need the money.

I understand professional standards (BS Electrical Engineering). I understand marketing (MS Management). I understand my own limitations (zero practical experience).

What I don't understand are the subtle nuances of being a registered NC forester. If I show up with my diploma and charge somebody to mark their timber, am I going to jail? Or should I start my own logging company and just cut the trees down?

[Ron Scott]

I don't think that you would go to jail, especially if you practice and apply good forestry with good ethics. I wouldn't worry about being registered until you can meet the specific requirements. You have the BS degree as your base and have met the education requirements to be called a forester. You just need to "intern" for awhile if you want to meet the registration requirements to aquire the credentials of a regesterd forester.

Become associated with other registered foresters in Consulting Forester Associations etc. in your area and you will find out that you will have a lot of help and advice to get you "on your way".





 

[Wudman]

I can't answer all of the nuances about the law.  Your request for information from the State Board of Registration is on target there.  With that said, from my interpretation, the status of "Forester in Training" is the appropriate first step for you, or pursue registration in another state that is honored in NC. 

The purpose of the registration law is to protect the public from unscrupulous operators.  This normally centers around unscrupulous timber buyers....and yes, the Board has become pretty protective of the use of the term "Forester".  Each year, there are a number of cases brought before the board for individuals using the term illegally (according to NC law).  Most of these cases simply result in a letter to the offender to stop using the title.  End of issue.

When I graduated from school, I had to serve my two years of experience prior to being registered.  Upon satisfaction of that requirement, I received my registration.  One thing that requirement does, is allows for peer review.  Ethics are paramount.  References are checked.  Through the years, I have provided references for a number of people that I knew.

To expand on Tom's comments....I, for one, support registration.  I now live in Virginia, and we have attempted, unsuccessfully, to gain registration here.  I think it adds credibility to the profession.  Most other professionals are licensed (doctors, lawyers, contractors, etc.)  One little quirk, without some type of licensing, a forester's ability to testify as an "expert witness" in a trial court has come into question.  With that said, there needs to be provisions for individuals without a BS degree to become licensed.....In my opinion, a BS degree is good for one thing.  It opens a door for someone to train you to real world experience. 

I had several friends in the last few years that were laid off jobs they had worked for 20+ years.  They were caught in one of the numerous merger / buyouts recently in the industry.  Under the new parent, the positions they occupied required a four year degree.  One was close to retirement age, and they let him stay on for about 12 months so he would receive full retirement benefits.  He went to work for himself and is now a contractor for the company....doing the same things he did as an employee.  For anyone to say these guys weren't qualified to do their jobs is ridiculous.

Wudman

[Riles]

So how did you gain your two years experience? Were you a forester-in-training? Was there any scenario in that two years where your signature wouldn't be acceptable and had to go to a supervisor who was an RF?

[Wudman]

The laws concerning the use of the term "Forester" were amended in NC in 1999.  I predated that by about 10 years.  During my 2 year training period, I was working in wood procurement.  I started consulting / land management in 1994. 

If you still have not received a response to your e-mail, try giving them a call.  The number is 919-847-5441.  Sorry I'm not more help.

Wudman

[Don P]

Not knowing more, do make contact and resolve it before going in, they don't play with my profession  .

[SwampDonkey]

If it's like the association here, those folks have regular day jobs and may not get back to you in a timely manner unless the association has a secretary who may or may not be able to reply. Some of the secretaries are quite knowledgeable and on the ball even if they aren't a forester.

[Riles]

For the curious among you, here is what I eventually found out:

There are no restrictions from performing any duties a forester performs. Whether a fresh graduate of a certified forestry school, or Joe Blow off the street, you can hire yourself out to perform "forestry." The only thing one cannot do is call oneself a forester, unless the test(s) is/are taken and passed, the appropriate experience recorded, and 5 upright citizens who are already registered foresters vouch for your integrity.

Guess I better try a little harder to find a job, I would starve trying to mark timber as a "forester trainee."