How much does a forest and conservation technician make?

The median pay is $26.23 per hour — roughly $54,500 a year, with the real range running from about $19.39/hr (10th percentile) to $40.21/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a forest and conservation technician?

The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a forest and conservation technician actually do all day?

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.

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.

What it pays
Forest and Conservation Technicians earn a median of $26.23/hr — about $54,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $19.39/hr; the top 10% earn $40.21/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.
Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.7% of forest and conservation technicians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

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Quick questions

How much does a forest and conservation technician make?: The median pay is $26.23 per hour — roughly $54,500 a year, with the real range running from about $19.39/hr (10th percentile) to $40.21/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a forest and conservation technician?: The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).
What does a forest and conservation technician actually do all day?: 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.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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