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Halli Hemingway, Forestry/GIS Analyst�Bennett Lumber Products, Inc. & East Fork Forestry LLC

What I Do

I use maps, computer models, and forestry data to figure out how much wood is growing in the forests and how to take care of those forests for the long term. On the side, I also run my own small business helping private landowners create forest management plans.

How I Got Here

Growing up in Idaho, I spent a lot of time outdoors, which is what first got me curious about how land and natural resources actually work. I was also an athlete in three sports growing up and went on to play basketball in college.

Education

I earned a B.S. in Geography with a GIS option, and later an M.S. in Natural Resources. That combination gave me the science and mapping background I use every day, from measuring trees to working with satellite and LiDAR data.

What I Love

I've worked in the forest industry for 20 years, and I still love it. Just the other day I was out gathering forestry data in the woods and thought, it's pretty amazing that I get paid to go on a hike.

Advice

If you like being outside and like solving puzzles, forestry might surprise you. In addition to chainsaws and logging, there's a ton of science, technology, and math involved, and there's room for all kinds of interests in this field.

What I Do

I use maps, computer models, and forestry data to figure out how much wood is growing in the forests and how to take care of those forests for the long term. On the side, I also run my own small business helping private landowners create forest management plans.

How I Got Here

Growing up in Idaho, I spent a lot of time outdoors, which is what first got me curious about how land and natural resources actually work. I was also an athlete in three sports growing up and went on to play basketball in college.

Education

I earned a B.S. in Geography with a GIS option, and later an M.S. in Natural Resources. That combination gave me the science and mapping background I use every day, from measuring trees to working with satellite and LiDAR data.

What I Love

I've worked in the forest industry for 20 years, and I still love it. Just the other day I was out gathering forestry data in the woods and thought, it's pretty amazing that I get paid to go on a hike.

Advice

If you like being outside and like solving puzzles, forestry might surprise you. In addition to chainsaws and logging, there's a ton of science, technology, and math involved, and there's room for all kinds of interests in this field.

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Sam Berglund, Interpretive Specialist�U.S. Forest Service

What I Do

Day to day is always different in my work as an Interpretive Specialist. There’s a lot of different work being done in order to successfully manage a large national forest like ours, it’s my job to help connect the public to the work we do and the land we manage. This includes everything from working in classrooms, presenting at career fairs, creating public programs and interpretive signage to help explain important topics, assist Public Affairs with fire information, and work with local Native American Tribes to make sure we’re presenting the correct historical information in various media and museums. This year I’m also one of the three in charge of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree!

How I Got Here

As a student I was always interested in stories, histories and spending as much time as I could outdoors. In high school and into college I worked a lot with kids at local community events and summer camps, I found I really enjoyed outdoor education and teaching things that really mattered to me in creative ways. As a student, I really struggled with the classroom setting and being able to concentrate. In an outdoor setting it was always easier for me to learn and engage, so as I got older, I was naturally drawn to work that would help me facilitate that kind of learning for other kids (and adults) like me.

Education

I went to the University of Montana and got a degree in both Cultural Anthropology and Native American Studies. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as a career for a long time in college, but I followed my interests and fell in love with the study of people and Native American History. Though these degrees weren’t required to have the job I have now, they were a huge asset to a National Forest looking to connect all types of people to the work they do and help showcase the histories of and work closely with the Nez Perce Tribe.

What I Love

I get to work with all types of people and be a part of connecting them to their local landscape. Every day on my job is completely different and keeps me busy with a wide variety of projects that are really important to me and uses my creative/artistic side in ways that keep me engaged and always learning something new.

Advice

Ask questions and never be afraid to deep dive on the subjects that really light you up. Some people know exactly what they want to do from an early age and that’s fantastic, but sometimes people like me aren’t quite sure what they want to do or have a lot of things that they’re interested in and that’s okay too! Stay curious, follow what lights you up and interests you and the right job will find you.

What I Do

I use maps, computer models, and forestry data to figure out how much wood is growing in the forests and how to take care of those forests for the long term. On the side, I also run my own small business helping private landowners create forest management plans.

How I Got Here

Growing up in Idaho, I spent a lot of time outdoors, which is what first got me curious about how land and natural resources actually work. I was also an athlete in three sports growing up and went on to play basketball in college.

Education

I earned a B.S. in Geography with a GIS option, and later an M.S. in Natural Resources. That combination gave me the science and mapping background I use every day, from measuring trees to working with satellite and LiDAR data.

What I Love

I've worked in the forest industry for 20 years, and I still love it. Just the other day I was out gathering forestry data in the woods and thought, it's pretty amazing that I get paid to go on a hike.

Advice

If you like being outside and like solving puzzles, forestry might surprise you. In addition to chainsaws and logging, there's a ton of science, technology, and math involved, and there's room for all kinds of interests in this field.

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Doug Bradetich, Forester�Idaho Forest Group

What I Do

My current duties mostly involve timber sale appraisals, sawmill optimization studies, and a small amount of log purchases from small private owners. I retired from full-time duties in 2023 and now work as needed on specific projects.

How I Got Here

I was born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho. My three daughters are the fifth generation of my family to live in North Idaho. I started in the industry with the Pack River Company in 1977 while still in school and stayed through several ownership changes, holding positions as Field Forester, Government Affairs Director, Area Resource Manager, and Division Operations Planning Manager. In 2002 I joined Riley Creek Lumber, which later merged into Idaho Forest Group. I am a past President of the Intermountain Logging Conference and the Idaho Tree Farm Program. My interests have always centered on outside activities, and my parents strongly urged me to continue my education. Forestry was a good way to combine a professional degree with being outdoors.

Education

University of Idaho, 1981, degree in Forest Resource Management. Most companies require a bachelor's degree in forestry for hiring, though some lower-level state and federal positions are open with an associate's degree.

What I Love

The varied nature of the work. Every company I worked for sourced logs from a mix of private land, company-owned land, and state or federal timber sales, so each day could be something different.

Advice

Forestry can go in many directions, including timber management, milling operations and finance, wildlife and fisheries, rangeland management, and wildland fire. Most first- and second-year classes are similar, so keep an open mind about where you want to end up and what you are naturally good at.

What I Do

My current duties mostly involve timber sale appraisals, sawmill optimization studies, and a small amount of log purchases from small private owners. I retired from full-time duties in 2023 and now work as needed on specific projects.

How I Got Here

I was born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho. My three daughters are the fifth generation of my family to live in North Idaho. I started in the industry with the Pack River Company in 1977 while still in school and stayed through several ownership changes, holding positions as Field Forester, Government Affairs Director, Area Resource Manager, and Division Operations Planning Manager. In 2002 I joined Riley Creek Lumber, which later merged into Idaho Forest Group. I am a past President of the Intermountain Logging Conference and the Idaho Tree Farm Program. My interests have always centered on outside activities, and my parents strongly urged me to continue my education. Forestry was a good way to combine a professional degree with being outdoors.

Education

University of Idaho, 1981, degree in Forest Resource Management. Most companies require a bachelor's degree in forestry for hiring, though some lower-level state and federal positions are open with an associate's degree.

What I Love

The varied nature of the work. Every company I worked for sourced logs from a mix of private land, company-owned land, and state or federal timber sales, so each day could be something different.

Advice

Forestry can go in many directions, including timber management, milling operations and finance, wildlife and fisheries, rangeland management, and wildland fire. Most first- and second-year classes are similar, so keep an open mind about where you want to end up and what you are naturally good at.

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Erin Roos, Forester�Idaho Forest Group

What I Do

I work with private landowners to develop management plans for their timber, help them get it harvested, and buy the logs to supply our sawmills.

How I Got Here

I am from Sandpoint, Idaho, and I am a third-generation forester. Growing up, I was not sure what I wanted to do, only that I did not want a desk job. My dad and grandpa were foresters, and several other family members work in the timber industry. Once I got to college, I realized I wanted to work in the woods. After graduating, I worked for the Idaho Department of Lands on timber sale preparation and wildland firefighting, then spent two years as a fee land forester for Stimson administering logging jobs. I joined Idaho Forest Group in 2016 as a log buyer in Laclede, where I still work. Outside work, I enjoy time with my family on our cattle ranch, riding horses, running, and gardening.

Education

University of Idaho, 2012, bachelor's degree in Forest Resources.

What I Love

I get to work outside, and every day is different. I work with all kinds of landowners and loggers on varying types of ground, so the work stays challenging.

Advice

Network with industry professionals as much as you can. Try an internship or summer job with a timber company or government agency to find out what you are drawn to. Forestry is a broad job title, and a career can go many different directions.

What I Do

I work with private landowners to develop management plans for their timber, help them get it harvested, and buy the logs to supply our sawmills.

How I Got Here

I am from Sandpoint, Idaho, and I am a third-generation forester. Growing up, I was not sure what I wanted to do, only that I did not want a desk job. My dad and grandpa were foresters, and several other family members work in the timber industry. Once I got to college, I realized I wanted to work in the woods. After graduating, I worked for the Idaho Department of Lands on timber sale preparation and wildland firefighting, then spent two years as a fee land forester for Stimson administering logging jobs. I joined Idaho Forest Group in 2016 as a log buyer in Laclede, where I still work. Outside work, I enjoy time with my family on our cattle ranch, riding horses, running, and gardening.

Education

University of Idaho, 2012, bachelor's degree in Forest Resources.

What I Love

I get to work outside, and every day is different. I work with all kinds of landowners and loggers on varying types of ground, so the work stays challenging.

Advice

Network with industry professionals as much as you can. Try an internship or summer job with a timber company or government agency to find out what you are drawn to. Forestry is a broad job title, and a career can go many different directions.

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Preston Primmer, Project Engineer �Idaho Forest Group

What I Do

I work with private landowners to develop management plans for their timber, help them get it harvested, and buy the logs to supply our sawmills.

How I Got Here

I am from Sandpoint, Idaho, and I am a third-generation forester. Growing up, I was not sure what I wanted to do, only that I did not want a desk job. My dad and grandpa were foresters, and several other family members work in the timber industry. Once I got to college, I realized I wanted to work in the woods. After graduating, I worked for the Idaho Department of Lands on timber sale preparation and wildland firefighting, then spent two years as a fee land forester for Stimson administering logging jobs. I joined Idaho Forest Group in 2016 as a log buyer in Laclede, where I still work. Outside work, I enjoy time with my family on our cattle ranch, riding horses, running, and gardening.

Education

University of Idaho, 2012, bachelor's degree in Forest Resources.

What I Love

I get to work outside, and every day is different. I work with all kinds of landowners and loggers on varying types of ground, so the work stays challenging.

Advice

Network with industry professionals as much as you can. Try an internship or summer job with a timber company or government agency to find out what you are drawn to. Forestry is a broad job title, and a career can go many different directions.