Forestry
In forestry, foresters and forestry workers look after the forest, plant climate-resilient trees and provide wood as a raw material. Much of the work happens outdoors, in all weathers.
Typical tasks
- planting young trees and tending the forest
- felling trees and preparing timber for transport
- monitoring the state of the forest, for example damage from pests or storms
- maintaining forest roads and protective structures
- planning which tree species should grow where
Where people work
People in forestry work for forestry companies, on large forest estates, for municipalities and regional governments, in torrent and avalanche control, or in research.
A good fit if
- you love nature and like working outdoors
- you are physically resilient
- you can work calmly and carefully
- you are interested in biology and the environment
Education pathways in Austria
In Austria there are three paths: a Lehre (apprenticeship) as a forestry worker, an HBLA (higher college) for forestry, which ends with the Matura (school-leaving exam) and is the usual route to becoming a forester, or a forestry degree at a university. In Germany the equivalent is the Duale Ausbildung, the Fachoberschule Agrarwirtschaft or a university, in Switzerland the Berufslehre (EFZ), the Berufslehre Landwirtschaft (EFZ) or a degree at a university or ETH.
- Lehre
- Training in a company and at vocational school. With 'Lehre mit Matura' it can also lead to university entrance. 2 to 4 years
- HBLA
- Matura focused on agriculture, environment or food. 5 years
- Universität
- Academic degree: bachelor, master or diploma. 3 to 6 years
Matching schools in Austria
A selection from our school list. Not every school of this type offers every specialisation, so ask the school directly.
- HBLA PitzelstättenHBLA, 9061 Klagenfurt, KärntenCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HBLFA Francisco JosephinumHBLA, 3250 Wieselburg, NiederösterreichCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HBLA UrsprungHBLA, 5161 Elixhausen, SalzburgCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
- HBLFA Raumberg-GumpensteinHBLA, 8952 Irdning, SteiermarkCollected automaticallySource: initial collection from public information, as of Oktober 2026
Frequently asked questions
Isn't working with a chainsaw dangerous?
It can be. That is why protective clothing and thorough training in safe working are part of the job.
What is the difference between a forestry worker and a forester?
Forestry workers mainly do the practical work in the forest. Foresters plan and manage how the forest is used.
Do I have to live in the countryside?
Usually yes, or at least near forests. Some jobs in planning and research are also in towns.
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