Also called: Cruiser, Forest Inventory Forester
Hikes through forests measuring trees to estimate how much timber a stand contains and what it is worth.
A timber cruiser walks GPS-located plots, measuring tree diameters and heights with lasers and tape, and grading log quality. Days are long, steep, and wet, and the data sets the price of timber sales.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in forestry or forest technology.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Forest Technology, Forestry.
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years). BLS 2025-35 projection band for SOC 19-4071: Decline (-1% or lower).
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Lidar, drone and phone scanning estimate timber volume; fewer cruisers walking plots by 2036.
Classes: Algebra I, Biology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4071.
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