Forest and Conservation Technician

The Forest and Conservation Technician at Course Advisor in Orlando, FL, provides technical assistance in conserving natural resources. Responsibilities include data compilation, reforestation, patrolling forest areas, and supporting forestry research. Key skills required are critical thinking, active listening, and time management. The job outlook shows a growth rate of 3.9%, with an annual salary range between $26,600 and $57,700.
What Do Forest and Conservation Technicians Do?

Occupation Description:
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.
• Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
• Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
• Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
• Provide technical support to forestry research programs in areas such as tree improvement, seed orchard operations, insect and disease surveys, or experimental forestry and forest engineering research.
• Inspect trees and collect samples of plants, seeds, foliage, bark, and roots to locate insect and disease damage.
• Provide forestry education and general information, advice, and recommendations to woodlot owners, community organizations, and the general public.
What Every Conservation Technician Should Know

Forest and Conservation Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work:

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

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.

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.

Time Management:
Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
Job Outlook for Forest and Conservation Technicians

In the United States, there were 33,200 jobs for Forest and Conservation Technicians in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,300 new jobs for Forest and Conservation Technicians by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 4,000 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Conservation Technicians are Nevada, Florida, and Louisiana.

Salary Range: Forest and Conservation Technicians make between $26,600 and $57,700 a year.

Those who work in Kansas, Pennsylvania, or Mississippi make the highest salaries.
Tools & Technology

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Forest and Conservation Technicians:
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Power Point
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Access
• Word processing software
• Spreadsheet software
• Database software
• ESRI Arc View
• ESRI ArcGIS software
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