Forest and Conservation Technicians

Biological Science Aide
Forest Technician
Forestry Aide
Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech)
Resource Technician
Timber Appraiser

What is a Forest and Conservation Technicians?

Forest and conservation technicians play a critical role in the management and preservation of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. They assist foresters and conservation scientists in planning and implementing programs that ensure sustainable management and conservation of these vital ecosystems. Technicians conduct field surveys and assessments to gather data on forest health, wildlife habitats, and land-use patterns. They are responsible for monitoring vegetation, soil moisture, and other environmental conditions, as well as maintaining records and reports on their findings. Additionally, they may assist in implementing conservation projects, such as reforestation, wildfire prevention, and habitat restoration. With a focus on environmental stewardship, forest and conservation technicians contribute to the protection of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable land practices for future generations.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

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.

Technology Skills

  • Data base user interface and query software
    • Assisi Compiler
    • Forest EcoSurvey
    • Microsoft Access
    • PhoenixPRO Forest Activity Tracking
  • Presentation software
    • Corel Presentation
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Map creation software
    • Allegro Landmark
    • Ben Meadows Yeoman Expedition
    • Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
    • Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE
  • Analytical or scientific software
    • Assisi Forest
    • HARVEST
    • LoggerPC software
    • USDA Forest Vegetation Simulator FVS
  • Geographic information system
    • ESRI ArcGIS software
    • ESRI ArcView
    • Geographic information system GIS systems

Knowledge

  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • Law and Government

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Administration and Management

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Skills

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

  • Information Ordering

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • Oral Comprehension

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Problem Sensitivity

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Deductive Reasoning

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    35 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Associate's degree
    35 %
  • Bachelor's degree
    14 %

Work Activities

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Record research or operational data.
  • Cultivate land.
  • Manage agricultural or forestry operations.
  • Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
  • Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Work Interests

  • Realistic

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Investigative

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$34570.0 - $78420.0

New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

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