CFChooseField
Science

Forest and Conservation Technicians

Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Forest and Conservation Technicians
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Median pay

$54,310
Median annual pay for Forest and Conservation Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-3.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

3,900
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

33,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Forest and Conservation Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Associate's degree
Typical education needed to enter Forest and Conservation Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Public Safety and Security
  2. 2English Language
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Law and Government
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Geography

Abilities

  1. 1Information Ordering
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Deductive Reasoning
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cooperation
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Attention to Detail
  6. 6Cautiousness

Work activities

  1. 1Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  6. 6Getting Information

Work context

  1. 1Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  2. 2Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  3. 3E-Mail
  4. 4Telephone Conversations
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

Representative tasks

  • Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
  • Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
  • Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
  • Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
  • Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.
  • Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
  • Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
  • Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandESRI ArcGIS software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandGeographic information system GIS systems · in demandMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASP · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyFacebook · hot technologyLJI Technologies LumberjackLoggerPC software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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