What Do Forest and Conservation Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

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, fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats. They also thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.

Other tasks include:

• Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
• Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
• Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
• Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
• Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
• Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads.

We asked Forest and Conservation Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

69% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 65% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Forest and Conservation Technicians supervise forest nursery operations, timber harvesting, land use activities such as livestock grazing, and disease or insect control programs. They develop and maintain computer databases.

A typical day for a Forest and Conservation Technician will also include:

• Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
• Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
• Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
• Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
• Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.

We asked some Forest and Conservation Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Forest and Conservation Technicians also map forest tract data using digital mapping systems. They may also develop and maintain computer databases.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Forest and Conservation Technicians Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage. They might also Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads.

In addition, they Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.

To some Forest and Conservation Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Survey, measure, and map access roads and forest areas such as burns, cut-over areas, experimental plots, and timber sales sections.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Forest and Conservation Technician, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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