Graduates qualify for such positions as: forester, environmental planner and assessor, natural resource manager, urban forester, park administrator, watershed manager, hydrologist, fire and fuels manager, and many other related environmental career areas. Cal Poly graduates are employed throughout the world: establishing, managing and sustaining forests and urban wildland areas; providing opportunities for a full range of uses; teaching; extension; research; and protecting and managing the environment.

Students can complete an internship equivalent to half-time work. Paid internships are available at Swanton Pacific Ranch, or the student may choose to pursue a seasonal job, volunteer work, or a cooperative education program. Work experience for academic credit must be documented by a work supervisor and approved by the student's academic advisor.

Students are required to purchase 8-inch+ high field boots, hard-hats (OSHA approved), hand calculator capable of linear regression, 10X hand lens, and an engineers scale ruler prior to taking 200- or 300-level major courses. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase a laptop before beginning 300-level major courses.