Summary
Forestry and Environmental Managers (KeSCO 1312) supports outcomes in the Management & Leadership (Cross-sector) sector by applying job-specific knowledge, standards, and tools to deliver quality services or outputs. Duties and complexity vary by employer, work setting, and seniority level, but the occupation generally requires reliability, competence, and continuous learning.
Minimum entry
Bachelor’s degree or higher
Future outlook
Future trends such as digital transformation, automation, climate resilience, and changing consumer needs are shaping most occupations. Workers who continuously upskill (digital literacy, quality standards, safety, customer service, and modern tools) are more resilient and competitive.
Sectors
Management & Leadership (Cross-sector)ManagementPublic AdministrationCorporate LeadershipNGO/DevelopmentCross-sector
Description
Forestry and Environmental Managers (KeSCO 1312) supports outcomes in the Management & Leadership (Cross-sector) sector by applying job-specific knowledge, standards, and tools to deliver quality services or outputs. Duties and complexity vary by employer, work setting, and seniority level, but the occupation generally requires reliability, competence, and continuous learning.
Employment prospects
Prospects depend on national and county demand, sector investment, policy priorities, and supply of trained workers. Job seekers improve prospects by gaining practical experience, building a portfolio or track record, earning relevant certifications, and being flexible on location and sub-sector.
Tasks
- Set goals, plans, and performance targets aligned to organisational strategy
- Develop budgets, allocate resources, and monitor utilisation
- Supervise staff: assign duties, coach performance, and conduct appraisals
- Coordinate inter-departmental work and manage stakeholder expectations
- Oversee policy implementation, governance, and compliance requirements
- Manage projects and programmes: planning, execution, monitoring, reporting
- Monitor risks, implement controls, and respond to incidents or crises
- Strengthen service delivery through process improvement and innovation
- Oversee procurement/contract management and vendor performance
- Represent the organisation in meetings, negotiations, and public engagements
- Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and accountability requirements
- Promote ethical conduct, transparency, and a results-oriented culture
Skills
Communication (verbal and written) | Teamwork and collaboration | Problem-solving and critical thinking | Time management and prioritisation | Attention to detail and accuracy | Customer service orientation | Integrity and ethical conduct | Adaptability and continuous learning | Decision-making and judgement | Documentation and record-keeping | Digital literacy (basic) | Safety awareness and compliance mindset
Core skills
- Communication (verbal and written)
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and prioritisation
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Customer service orientation
- Integrity and ethical conduct
- Adaptability and continuous learning
- Decision-making and judgement
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Digital literacy (basic)
- Safety awareness and compliance mindset
Technical skills
- Use of hand and power tools safely
- Installation, maintenance, and repair procedures
- Reading drawings/specifications and measurements
- Troubleshooting and fault diagnosis
- Quality control and workmanship standards
- Equipment handling and preventive maintenance
- Workplace safety and PPE usage
- Basic electrical/mechanical principles (as relevant)
- Material handling and storage
- Site readiness and task planning
- Compliance with standards and inspections
Transferable skills
- Leadership and supervision (as one progresses)
- Negotiation and stakeholder management
- Conflict resolution
- Presentation and public speaking
- Creativity and innovation
- Emotional intelligence
- Planning and organisation
- Resilience and stress management
- Service mindset and empathy
- Networking and relationship building
- Analytical thinking
- Professionalism and work discipline
Certifications
- Trade test / competency certification (where applicable)
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) certification (strongly recommended)
- Equipment-specific operator certification (where applicable)
- First Aid certification (recommended in many workplaces)
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (business, law, economics, public administration, sector field) | Entry through junior professional roles → supervisory roles → middle management | Leadership and governance training (ethics, public finance, strategy, performance management) | Continuous development (executive education, postgraduate studies, sector certifications)
Pathways
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (business, law, economics, public administration, sector field)
- Entry through junior professional roles → supervisory roles → middle management
- Leadership and governance training (ethics, public finance, strategy, performance management)
- Continuous development (executive education, postgraduate studies, sector certifications)
Relevant courses
- Business Administration
- Accounting and Finance
- Economics
- Human Resource Management
- Procurement and Supply Chain
- Project Management fundamentals
- Marketing and Sales
- Public Administration / Governance
- Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) fundamentals
- Customer Service / Service Excellence
Institutions
- Universities (accredited public and private universities offering relevant programmes)
- National Polytechnics and TVET institutions (diploma, certificate, artisan programmes)
- Technical Training Institutes and Vocational Centres
- Professional Colleges and Accredited Training Academies
- Sector Training Authorities and Recognised Centres of Excellence
- Employer-based Academies and Apprenticeship Programmes
- Online Learning Platforms (supplementary; verify recognition for regulated fields)
- Industry Associations and Professional Bodies (short courses/CPD)
Minimum requirements
- Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Basic literacy and numeracy (reading, writing, and basic calculations)
- Good conduct, reliability, and professional behaviour
- Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and workplace rules
- Basic digital literacy where the role uses computers/phones
- Physical/medical fitness where the role is physically demanding or safety-sensitive
- Regulatory registration/licensing where required (profession-dependent)
- Background checks/clearance for sensitive roles where applicable
Work context
Workplace policies | Team collaboration | Quality standards | Office-based | Meetings | Stakeholder engagement | Decision-making | Travel/field visits
Where they work
- Public sector institutions, private companies, NGOs and community-based organisations depending on the sector.
Work setting
Not specified.
Schedule
Full-time commonDaytime hours commonDeadlines possible
Employment type
Formal employment possiblePublic sector leadership rolesCorporate executive rolesBoard/committee engagements possible
Earnings
Entry level
KES 80,000 – 150,000
Mid level
KES 150,000 – 300,000
Entry-level typical range (illustrative): KES 80,000 – 150,000 | Mid-level typical range (illustrative): KES 150,000 – 300,000 | Senior/experienced typical range (illustrative): KES 300,000+ | Earnings vary by employer (public/private), location, allowances, commissions, overtime, risk factors, and scarcity of skills
How to become one
Gain a relevant degree, build experience in the sector, move into supervisory roles and develop leadership, financial and people-management skills.
Career progression
- Assistant/Officer roles → Supervisor → Manager → Senior Manager/Director → Executive/CEO
- Possible movement into board/committee leadership and high-level advisory roles
Related occupations
- Other occupations within the same KeSCO major group
- Support roles in the same sector/industry
- Supervisory roles related to this occupation’s work area
- Specialist variants of the same occupation (where they exist)
Occupation titles
1312-12 — Manager, Environment
Manager, Environment is responsible for develop and implement environmental policies and programs to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations conduct audits and risk assessments to identify environmental hazards and recommend solutions for minimizing or eliminating risks prepare and submit environmental reports required by regulatory agencies monitor compliance with environmental regulations through review of internal documents and on site inspections investigate complaints alleging violations of environmental regulations and take appropriate corrective action educate employees on environmental regulations and best practices for minimizing waste and reducing pollution manage the development and implementation of environmental management systems oversee the disposal of hazardous waste in accordance with regulations within their professional field.
1312-11 — Manager, Forestry
Manager, Forestry is responsible for develop and implement long term forest management plans conduct regular field inspections to assess the condition of the forest and identify areas in need of improvement work with other departments to develop and implement land use plans that are compatible with the goals of the forest management plan develop and oversee the implementation of silvicultural prescriptions for the regeneration, growth, and yield of the forest monitor compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations prepare reports on the status of the forest and submit them to the appropriate authorities keep abreast of new developments in forestry and related fields and incorporate them into the management of the forest supervise the work of forest technicians, foresters, and other employees plan and oversee the budget for the forest management program negotiate contracts with logging companies, contractors, and other entities engaged in activities on the forest within their professional field.
1312-16 — Manager, Hunting
Manager, Hunting is responsible for manage all aspects of hunting operations develop and implement wildlife management lands to ensure sustainable hunting practices establishes and enforce safety protocols to ensure well being of hunter, staff and wildlife provide guidance on hunting rules and regulations and ensure positive customer experience ensure hunting practices adhere to ethical standards and comply with local regulations develop and manage budgets for hunting operations within their professional field.
1312-13 — Manager, Park
Manager, Park is responsible for maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming park environment for all visitors develop and implement short and long term plans for the care and use of park resources manage staff, volunteers, and contractors to ensure efficient and effective operations prepare and administer budgets for park operations and capital improvements monitor compliance with park rules and regulations, and take appropriate action to resolve violations serve as liaison between the park and local community, government agencies, and other stakeholders plan and coordinate special events, programs, and public outreach initiatives conduct regular inspections of park facilities and grounds, and develop and implement plans for maintenance and repairs oversee the development and implementation of interpretive and educational programs within their professional field.
1312-15 — Manager, Wildlife Conservancy
Manager, Wildlife Conservancy is responsible for overseeing all conservancy activities such as wildlife conservation, livestock programs, security operations and other community development programs; managing community relations, to ensure long term self sustainability, strong conservation and benefits to communities developing appropriate attitudes to working with all staff and stakeholders and building community ownership managing, training and mentoring conservancy staff and appraising their performance to ensure motivation and high productivity oversee management of all conservancy budgets, expenses and revenue, ensure clear record keeping, accurate budgeting and compliance with nrt and donor financial procedures; planning and implementing efficient operating procedures for the conservancy manage all conservancy logistics to ensure compliance with conservancy regulations and efficiencies within their professional field.
1312-14 — Manager, Wildlife Services
Manager, Wildlife Services is responsible for develop and implement annual wildlife management plans in consultation with property owners, taking into account the unique characteristics of each piece of land oversee the implementation of wildlife management activities, including but not limited to habitat improvement projects, game species stocking, hunting program administration, and predator control monitor and evaluate the results of management activities, making necessary adjustments to ensure desired outcomes are achieved keep accurate records of all wildlife management activities, including gps coordinates, maps, photographs, and written reports within their professional field.