Forest and conservation technicians

SOC Code: 19-4071
Also known as:
Biological Science Aide, Conservation Agent, Conservation Officer, Conservation Technician, Field Technician (Field Tech)
Median Annual Salary
$54,310
-3.2% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
34K
Current Jobs

What Forest and conservation technicians Do

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.

💰 Salary

$54,310
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-3.2%
Decline

🎓 Education

Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

4K
Projected average per year

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

33,800

Projected Employment (2034)

32,700

Related Careers

Conservation scientists

$67,950 • +3.4% growth
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Foresters

$70,660 • +1.2% growth
View →

Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists

$52,380 • +14.6% growth
View →

Forest and conservation workers

$43,680 • -4.7% growth
View →

Top Skills Required

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Judgment and Decision Making

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • 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.

Technology & Tools

ESRI ArcGIS software Facebook Microsoft Access Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word

📚 Entry-Level Education

Associate's degree
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for Forest and conservation technicians

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a forest and conservation technicians:

Environmental Science

10,679 degrees awarded • 619 colleges offer this program
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Natural Resources/Conservation, General

2,739 degrees awarded • 122 colleges offer this program
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Forestry, General

1,181 degrees awarded • 44 colleges offer this program
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Forest Technology/Technician

327 degrees awarded • 32 colleges offer this program
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Forestry, Other

75 degrees awarded • 8 colleges offer this program
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Forest Resources Production and Management

48 degrees awarded • 5 colleges offer this program
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Best Colleges for Becoming a Forest and conservation technicians

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become forest and conservation technicians.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 224 A+
2 University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 130 A+
3 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 225 A
4 University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA 204 A
5 Duke University Durham, NC 140 A
6 Cornell University Ithaca, NY 116 A
7 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 113 A
8 University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA 99 A
9 University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 82 A
10 University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 57 A
11 Yale University New Haven, CT 34 A
12 North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC 201 B+
13 University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA 198 B+
14 Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH 194 B+
15 University of California-Davis Davis, CA 184 B+
16 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA 170 B+
17 University of South Florida Tampa, FL 168 B+
18 Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, TX 161 B+
19 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN 159 B+
20 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL 155 B+

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do forest and conservation technicians make?
The median annual salary for forest and conservation technicians is $54,310.
What education do forest and conservation technicians need?
Most forest and conservation technicians positions require a associate's degree. Common degree programs include Environmental Science, Natural Resources/Conservation, General, Forestry, General.
Is becoming forest and conservation technicians a good career choice?
Forest and conservation technicians is projected to see -3.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 3,900 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for forest and conservation technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring forest and conservation technicians include University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Florida, University of California-Berkeley, Duke University. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to forest and conservation technicians?
Forest and conservation technicians may also be known as: Biological Science Aide, Conservation Agent, Conservation Officer, Conservation Technician, Field Technician (Field Tech), Forest Technician, Forester Aide, Forestry Aid Technician, Forestry Aide, Forestry Aide Technician, Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech), Grazing Aide, Grazing Examiner, Natural Resources Technician, Park Technician (Park Tech), Range Technician, Resource Technician, Timber Appraiser, Timber Management Technician, Timber Sale Preparation Forestry Technician (Timber Sale Preparation Forestry Tech). These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.