Forest and Conservation Technicians: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

Forest and Conservation Technicians

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.

Salary
$42780
Becoming One
Medium
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



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.

  • Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
  • 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.
Read more about what does a Forest and Conservation Technician really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$40110 per year

Average hourly wage
$19 per hour


Forest and Conservation Technicians with little to no experience tend to make between $26600 and $29840 while the more experienced ones can earn over $48460 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
PA $24 $49,170
AK $23 $47,830
MA $23 $47,530
MS $23 $47,400
ME $23 $47,270

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Forest and Conservation Technician is to move to a higher paying state like PA. Right now, the highest paying states for Forest and Conservation Technicians are PA, AK, MA, MS and ME.

However, a higher pay at PA doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at PA might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Forest and Conservation Technician is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
No degree required

We asked other Forest and Conservation Technicians what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by an Associate’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Forest Technology/Technician
Forestry, Other
Read more about how to become a Forest and Conservation Technician and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Forest and Conservation Technician.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants independence and likes to work on their own and make decisions
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to work with designs
Salary is below average
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
69%

Is this job meaningful
65%


69% of Forest and Conservation Technicians said they were satisfied with their job and 65% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Thinkers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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.



Learn more about Forest and Conservation Technicians

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

Forest and Conservation Technicians job description, Forest and Conservation Technicians salary, Forest and Conservation Technicians information, what is the job of a Forest and Conservation Technician like, pros and cons about Forest and Conservation Technicians, colleges and universities for Forest and Conservation Technicians, is Forest and Conservation Technicians the right career for me, careers in Social Science and Humanities

Similar careers

Conservation Agent, Conservation Officer, Conservation Specialist, Conservationist, Fire Engine Operator, Fire Management Officer, Fire Technician, Firefighter, Forest Ranger, Forest Technician

Additional resources