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Forest and Conservation Technicians

Also called: Forest Technician, Forestry Aide, Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech), Resource Technician

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security
  • law and government

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Math and Science

  • geography

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Attention

  • pay attention to something without being distracted

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Integrity
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence

Data base user interface and query software

  • Assisi Compiler
  • Microsoft Access

Presentation software

  • Corel Presentation
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Map creation software

  • Ben Meadows Yeoman Expedition
  • Leica Geosystems ERDAS IMAGINE

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $41,520

Education

High school diploma/GED or associate's degree is usually needed.

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