Institute of Foresters of Australia

Membership

The Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA) is a professional body with over 1200 members engaged in all branches of forest management and conservation in Australia. The Institute is strongly committed to the principles of sustainable forest management and the processes and practices which translate these principles into outcomes.

The membership represents all segments of the forestry profession, including public and private practitioners engaged in many aspects of forestry, nature conservation, resource and land management, research, administration and education.
 

Membership is not restricted to professional Foresters. Other persons associated with or interested in the area of forests are welcome to join IFA.

Membership benefits

The many benefits of being a Member of the IFA include:
 

• email advice of current employment vacancies

• regular email Bulletin advising members of current events and encouraging an exchange of information in forestry

• a quarterly newsletter, including news amongst members, letters to the editor, members views and events

• a quarterly scientific peer reviewed journal – Australian Forestry

• opportunity for accreditation as a Registered Professional Forester

• field days focusing on forestry issues

• a biennial technical conference

• professional development awards

• locally based meetings and activities (State divisions and regional branches)

• the potential to contribute to the advancement of forestry in Australia through submissions and policy statements

• access to website (with special members only access to some information)

• a Membership Certificate confirming your professional membership

• a tax deduction for your membership subscription

• professional recognition, including honours and awards

Membership Grades

The admission membership grades of the IFA are:

Voting Member

Associate Member

Student Member

Voting Member (professional level)
 

You are eligible for Voting membership if you:
 

1. hold a tertiary degree qualification in forestry together with at least two years appropriate forest management or forest science experience and can demonstrate knowledge of and/or skills in the core subjects of Australian forestry

or
 

2. hold any other tertiary qualification or other relevant experience together with at least four years appropriate forest management or forest science experience and can demonstrate knowledge of and/or skills in the core subjects of Australian forestry.

Associate Member
 

You are eligible for Associate membership if you:
 

1. are interested in the objects of the Institute

or
 

3. are employed and have experience in the forestry industry.

Note: Note: Membership is open to all persons who work in forestry and not just professional foresters. Practitioners engaged in many aspects of forestry, nature conservation, resource and land management, research, administration and education are welcome as members.

A member is eligible for a heavily discounted Young Professional rate for the first three years following graduation from his/her first undergraduate forestry or forestry related degree.

Any person holding forestry qualifications of Diploma, Associate Diploma and Certificate IV will be acceptable for the Voting Membership level, providing applicants meet all other requirements of Voting Membership and have the following minimal experience in forest management or forest science:

Diploma - 6 years
Associate Diploma - 8 years
Certificate IV - 10 years

Student Member
 

You are eligible for Student Membership if you are attending as a full time student a course of forester related study at any University or tertiary institution. Voting and Associate Members returning to full-time study may apply for a concession on the standard subscription fee.

Membership subscriptions

Members are welcome to join at any time of the year. Half fees apply for half year or less.
 

How to Join the IFA

Just run off the attached membership pamphlet, complete the form and send it to the IFA National Office together with the required information and your Subscription payment. It’s a simple as that!!!

Join today !!!

Students

The IFA encourages students to join the IFA at the time of commencing study at University. The courses eligible for Student Membership is any forestry, or any forestry related Degree or technical courses.

The 80% subscription discount for students recognises the burden students have in meeting expenses while attending University or Technical education.

Students receive Bulletins by email keeping them up to date with activities and facilitating their networking.

The IFA has also assisted students communicate with students at other Universities and to communicate amongst each other. Students are also encouraged to participate in IFA functions and field days where they get the opportunity to learn and be mentored by experienced foresters and forest managers.

The IFA monitors government and other organisations awards for younger members, including the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) program which is a Commonwealth Government initiative to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and the countries in the Asia pacific and make a positive contribution to development.

The Institute encourages its younger members to participate in AYAD and gain a wonderful professional experience in a developing country.

Students and younger members of the Institute are also informed of the developments and awards in the Youth And Rural Network (YARN).

The IFA also informs students if employers ask for students during for vocational training. Other employment opportunities are also posted - only for IFA members - in the ‘Members Only Zone’.