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Career overview · SOC 19-4071

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.

Also called: Biological Science Aide · Forest Technician · Forestry Aide · Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech) · Resource Technician · Timber Appraiser

Median pay (national)
$54,310
$36,190–$80,790 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
31,080
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-3.2%
~3,900 openings/yr
Typical entry
Associate's degree

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for forest and conservation technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $80,790 versus $36,190 at the bottom 10% — 2.2x. The median of $54,310 leaves roughly 49% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -3.2% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 3,900 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 44 states with released data, Maryland pays the most for this role (median $67,450, +24% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $34,670 — a 95% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags ESRI ArcGIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
  • 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.
  • Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
  • Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.
  • Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
  • Select and mark trees for thinning or logging, drawing detailed plans that include access roads.
  • Supervise forest nursery operations, timber harvesting, land use activities such as livestock grazing, and disease or insect control programs.
  • Inspect trees and collect samples of plants, seeds, foliage, bark, and roots to locate insect and disease damage.
  • Issue fire permits, timber permits, and other forest use licenses.

Tools & technology

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Allegro Landmark
  • Assisi Compiler
  • Assisi Forest
  • Assisi Inventory
  • Atterbury Consultants SuperAce
  • Autodesk AutoCAD LT
  • Ben Meadows Yeoman Expedition
  • Computer graphics software
  • Corel Presentation
  • Database software

Knowledge areas

  • Public Safety and Security
  • English Language
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Law and Government
  • Administration and Management
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Education and Training