WEBINAR | Careers in Forestry: Seeing the Forests for the Trees

Forestry Australia and the Future Foresters Initiative (FFI) Committee invite you to join our upcoming webinar, Careers in Forestry: Seeing the Forests for the Trees.

Date: Thursday 20 August 2026 | Time: 1.00 pm –2.30 pm AEST
RFP CPD points: 1.5

Forestry careers are about more than trees. They contribute to climate action, sustainability, innovation, strong communities and the long-term care of our landscapes. Designed especially for university students and young professionals studying forestry or related disciplines, this webinar will showcase the diverse and rewarding career pathways available across the forestry sector.

Featuring early-career and mid-career professionals, the session will explore what it is like to work in forestry, the qualifications and skills that can lead to a career in the sector, and how forestry careers can contribute to sustainability, climate change mitigation, health and wellbeing, work–life balance and meaningful work.

Presenters will share their study and career journeys, the roles they have held, the skills they use in their work, and their advice for those considering a career in forestry.

The webinar will be facilitated by Tara Pedersen from Forestry Australia’s Future Foresters Initiative and will include a panel discussion and audience Q&A. This will provide participants with the opportunity to hear directly from professionals working across the forestry sector.

Registration
Forestry Australia Members and Non-members: $0
Registrations close: 10.00 am AEST, Wednesday 19 August 2026
Please note that this event is free to attend. Registration is required to receive the webinar link and instructions on how to join.

Everyone who registers will:

• receive the webinar link and joining instructions approximately 24 hours before the session
• receive access to the webinar recording, so you can watch it later if you are unable to attend live

Dr Tom Fairman

Dr Fairman is a forest and fire scientist at the University of Melbourne. His research explores changing disturbance regimes (including fire and storms) and their effects on forest health and resilience. He has experience in forest ecology, fire ecology, forest policy and ecological consulting. His is very interested in how forest and fire science and forest management can be integrated to achieve positive outcomes for ecosystem health.

Emily Post

Emily is the Silviculture Manager for Forestry Corporation of NSW in Tumut. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Southern Cross University and has developed broad experience across native and plantation forestry on both private and public land.

As an advocate for the development of early-career professionals, Emily looks forward to sharing her experiences and highlighting the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available across the sector.

Shannon Devenish

Shannon Devenish has more than 15 years’ experience in bushfire, emergency and forest management, including serving as Deputy Chief Fire Officer for DEECA’s Port Phillip Region. She brings strong technical and operational expertise through qualifications in science, environmental science and forestry, field-based roles, and firefighting experience. She is currently Director, Planning and Authorisations in the Bushfire and Forest Services Group at DEECA.