Forest Worker Spotlight: Trey Stoudenmier

Office life not for you? It wasn't for Trey either. See how his career as a Forest Manager has allowed him to make his office in the woods.

Trey is a 22 year old from Camden, AL and works for Smith Forestry LLC as a Timber Buyer and Forest Manager. Both of Trey’s parents worked in a paper mill throughout his childhood so he was knowledgeable about the industry from a young age and was inclined to choose forestry as a career. The opportunity to have a career close to home that allows him to be outside in the woods was a no-brainer.

Trey attended Southern Union State Community College before transferring to Auburn University to finish his Bachelor of Forestry in 2022. He is a Registered Forester (RF) candidate and is working to obtain his two required years of work experience in order to become a RF.

Although every day in the woods is different, Trey’s main job duties include communicating with landowners, developing management plans, cruising timber and assisting in the timber sale process. Critical thinking and communication skills are the two most important qualities Trey believes someone in his profession need to have. Trey was able to gain valuable work experience during college by working part time with Smith Forestry LLC during college.

Trey’s advice to any young people wanting to work as a forester in any capacity is to understand that building and maintaining relationships is the key to success in the forestry industry.

To find out more about careers in the forest industry, click here #ForestryWorks