Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Forest Technician
- Forestry Aide
- Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech)
- Resource Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- 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)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Develop contracts related to operations.
- Monitor environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity.
- Operate and manage drone technology for aerial surveys and mapping, wildlife monitoring, and forest health assessments.
- Write reports on forestry or conservation activities.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Far Vision
- Near Vision
- Visualization
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Attention to Detail
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Aerial bucket trucks
- Airboats
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Altimeters
- Amphibious excavators
- Aquatic weed harvesters
- Axes
- Backhoes
- Basal area factor BAF prisms
- Boats
- Brush hooks
- Brush trucks
- Bulldozers
- Calipers
- Chain saws
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Telephone Conversations
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,190 |
| Median | $54,310 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $80,790 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 31,080
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Foresters
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $70,660
Range Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $67,950
Forest and Conservation Workers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $43,680
Conservation Scientists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $67,950
Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $52,380
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.