Forest and conservation workers

SOC Code: 45-4011
Also known as:
Blister Rust Eradicator, Box Chipper, Box Cutter, Brusher, Chemical Sprayer
Median Annual Salary
$43,680
-4.7% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
11K
Current Jobs

What Forest and conservation workers Do

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.

💰 Salary

$43,680
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

-4.7%
Decline

🎓 Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

2K
Projected average per year

📚 On-the-Job Training

Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

10,800

Projected Employment (2034)

10,300

Related Careers

Conservation scientists

$67,950 • +3.4% growth
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Foresters

$70,660 • +1.2% growth
View →

Forest and conservation technicians

$54,310 • -3.2% growth
View →

Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists

$52,380 • +14.6% growth
View →

Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse

$35,690 • -3.3% growth
View →

Top Skills Required

Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.
  • Fight forest fires or perform prescribed burning tasks under the direction of fire suppression officers or forestry technicians.
  • Perform fire protection or suppression duties, such as constructing fire breaks or disposing of brush.
  • Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.

Technology & Tools

ESRI ArcGIS software Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word

📚 Entry-Level Education

High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for Forest and conservation workers

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

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
View Colleges →

Plant Nursery Operations and Management

131 degrees awarded • 24 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Forestry, Other

75 degrees awarded • 8 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Best Colleges for Becoming a Forest and conservation workers

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

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 178 A
2 Duke University Durham, NC 13 A
3 University of Georgia Athens, GA 10 A
4 University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA 8 A
5 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA 99 B+
6 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA 40 B+
7 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN 36 B+
8 North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC 18 B+
9 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN 18 B+
10 Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN 11 B+
11 Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, TX 6 B+
12 SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NY 41 B
13 Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, IL 35 B
14 Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LA 33 B
15 Auburn University Auburn, AL 31 B
16 Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO 30 B
17 Michigan Technological University Houghton, MI 27 B
18 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 27 B
19 University of Vermont Burlington, VT 26 B
20 University of Idaho Moscow, ID 19 B

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do forest and conservation workers make?
The median annual salary for forest and conservation workers is $43,680.
What education do forest and conservation workers need?
Most forest and conservation workers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. Common degree programs include Forestry, General, Forest Technology/Technician, Plant Nursery Operations and Management.
Is becoming forest and conservation workers a good career choice?
Forest and conservation workers is projected to see -4.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,000 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for forest and conservation workers?
Top colleges for aspiring forest and conservation workers include University of Florida, Duke University, University of Georgia, University of California-Berkeley, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 workers?
Forest and conservation workers may also be known as: Blister Rust Eradicator, Box Chipper, Box Cutter, Brusher, Chemical Sprayer, Chopper, Christmas Tree Farm Worker, Christmas Tree Farmer, Christmas Tree Grader, Christmas Tree Grower, Cone Picker, Conservation Coordinator, Conservation Officer, Conservation Specialist, Conservation Worker, Dipper, Environmental Field Laborer, Fern Cutter, Fern Gatherer, Fern Picker. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.