Forest and Conservation Technicians
Forest and Conservation Technicians provide hands-on technical support for managing forests, soil, water, and other natural resources. They work under the direction of foresters, collecting data about forest conditions, training workers in forest care and fire prevention, and conducting field surveys. Most positions are with government agencies, private forestry companies, or conservation organizations.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against forest and conservation technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves fieldwork measuring trees, assessing forest health, and documenting environmental conditions. Technicians may collect soil or water samples, plant seedlings, maintain trails, or prepare equipment for controlled burns. Office time includes recording data, creating reports, and preparing training materials. Work varies by season and location, with some weeks focused on prevention tasks and others on emergency response during fire season.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel in this work if you prefer hands-on outdoor tasks with clear procedures and measurable results. People who do well here are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable following established guidelines while working independently in the field. Realistic interests combined with conventional values make you well-suited to the structured, rule-based nature of conservation work.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $53,360 | $68,600 | $68,600 | 160 |
| Alaska | $56,800 | $68,160 | $81,720 | 500 |
| Maryland | $56,960 | $64,980 | $74,920 | 130 |
| Wisconsin | $48,510 | $62,700 | $71,930 | 620 |
| Louisiana | $49,910 | $59,370 | $73,630 | 210 |
| Minnesota | $50,630 | $58,990 | $70,160 | 580 |
| California | $48,550 | $58,120 | $75,280 | 6,640 |
| New York | $50,480 | $58,030 | $70,310 | 190 |
| Colorado | $49,520 | $57,550 | $71,410 | 1,040 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,750 | $57,370 | $67,370 | 420 |
| Alabama | $50,240 | $56,720 | $62,590 | 180 |
| Arizona | $47,940 | $56,660 | $69,120 | 1,310 |
All 45 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Forester (CF) — Society of American Foresters
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against forest and conservation technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-4071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.