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.
Median pay
$54,560
Growth to 2035
−2%
declining
Openings a year
3,800
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Forest and conservation technicians
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to forest and conservation technicians
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Forest and conservation technicians: 47% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core 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.
Also called: Biological Science Aide · Forest Technician · Forestry Aide · Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech) · Resource Technician · Timber Appraiser
Outlook and AI
Forest and conservation technicians held 32,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 32,200 by 2035 (−2%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Forest and conservation technicians vs. Forester
- Forest and conservation technicians vs. Conservation scientist
- Forest and conservation technicians vs. Forest and conservation workers
- Forest and conservation technicians vs. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists
- Forest and conservation technicians vs. First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
- Forest and conservation technicians vs. Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
- Forest and conservation technicians vs. Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
- Forest and conservation technicians vs. Agricultural technician