Looking for a career that helps tackle climate change and offers plenty of variety? Here’s why you should consider forestry.
For Lily Marshall, the path to becoming a forester was anything but straightforward. Originally from New Zealand, she grew up surrounded by trees, thanks to her family’s horticulture business, but she initially studied biomedical science, fascinated by genetics and pharmacology.
After some globe-trotting, a stint as a sky-diving instructor in Sweden, and a return home just in time for the COVID-19 lockdown, Lily was rethinking her career.
“I came across an ad on Facebook encouraging more women to join forestry,” she says. “I did some research, talked to people, and soon enough, I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
From biomedical science to the forest floor
After completing a two-year Diploma in Forest Management, Lily joined OneFortyOne in 2022 as a Value Optimisation Forester, based out of Mount Gambier. OneFortyOne manages the largest softwood plantation in the Green Triangle, which covers over 80,000 hectares of south east South Australia and south west Victoria. Lily’s role is to maximise the value from every tree harvested so nothing’s wasted.
“Once a tree is cut down, we determine its value based on its end use—whether it’s structural timber, industrial products or pulp. The goal is to get the most out of each part,” she says.
Her days are a blend of office work, data analysis, and forest field visits. For Lily, this balance is one of the best parts of her job.
“I love the problem-solving side of it. Each day is dynamic, and there’s always something new to learn,” she says. “I get to analyse data, work with harvesting teams, and even lend a hand during prescribed burns. It’s a perfect mix.”
Forestry: the ultimate sustainable industry
As the world seeks greener solutions to fight climate change, forestry stands out as an industry that’s truly sustainable—and Lily is passionate about its role in tackling the climate crisis.
“We’re planting trees that sequester carbon, and every harvested tree is replaced.
Plus, timber can be a substitute for materials like steel and concrete, which have much higher emissions,” she says, adding that there are now entire skyscrapers made of engineered wood around the world.
Forests, she says, aren’t just rows of trees; they’re complex ecosystems supporting a wide range of plants and animals.
“Forests support biodiversity, and as foresters, we work hard to protect native areas within our estates,” Lily says.
South Australian plantation estates protect over 40,000 hectares of high-value habitats. This is something Lily is especially passionate about, describing foresters as “tree huggers” who genuinely care about sustainability and conservation.
How forestry fuels SA’s economy
Forestry isn’t just good for the environment—it’s also massive for our state’s economy. The sector contributes $3 billion annually, employs 18,000 South Australians and is a key driver for construction, manufacturing, tourism, and regional communities.
South Australia produces 35 per cent of Australia’s housing timber, 25 per cent of Australia’s locally produced particleboard (think flat-packed furniture), as well as 60 per cent of Australia’s agricultural timbers—that’s poles, posts and fencing for farms. We’re also the nation’s biggest producer of domestic-use wood products.
So many roles, so many skills needed
One of the big myths about forestry, Lily says, is that you need a forestry degree to get a job in the industry.
“Forestry is incredibly varied. We need environmental scientists, engineers, heavy machinery operators, data analysts—you name it,” she says.
The Green Triangle region alone supports a wide range of roles, from mill workers to field foresters, and companies like OneFortyOne employ a range of people without formal qualifications in forestry.
And, Lily says, you don’t have to be outdoors all day. “You can be in an office, out in the field, or both. For anyone who wants variety and a chance to constantly learn, forestry is perfect,” she says.
This year’s This is Wood Work campaign, run by the South Australian Government in partnership with the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA), promotes the many career opportunities available in the forest and timber industries. With a $250,000 investment, the campaign aims to attract more young people to this sustainable and growing sector.
Lily’s advice for a career in forestry
For young people wondering if forestry could be for them, Lily’s advice is simple: get out there and explore.
“Go talk to people. There are so many passionate individuals in this industry who love to share what they do,” she says.
She recalls a recent young visitor who spent a few days shadowing different foresters, learning the ins and outs of their jobs to help decide what aspect of forestry was right for them.
“There are tons of jobs available,” she says, adding that forestry companies are always looking for new talent.
“Whether you’re fresh out of school, or thinking of a career switch, there’s likely a place for you in forestry. And with the industry growing, the timing couldn’t be better.”
For more information on careers in forestry, click here.
