Forest and Conservation Technicians
O*NET 19-4071.00 · SOC 19-4071
Forest and Conservation Technician is a risky career choice. Median pay is $55k a year with -2.1% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 3,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Plant seedlings and maintain nursery stock in forest areas
- →Measure tree heights and diameters during timber cruising surveys
- →Mark trees for thinning or harvesting according to management plans
- →Monitor forest areas for signs of disease, pests, or fire
- →Operate chainsaws and brush cutters during vegetation management projects
Education & How to Get In
Most Forest and Conservation Technician positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Forest and Conservation Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Forest and Conservation Technician?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Forest and Conservation Technician Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Forest and Conservation Technicians is projected to decline 2.1% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·35% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Forest and Conservation Technician make?
The median Forest and Conservation Technician earns $55k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Forest and Conservation Technician jobs?
Our model puts Forest and Conservation Technician at 41 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 35% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Forest and Conservation Technician a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 2.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 3,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Forest and Conservation Technician?
Most Forest and Conservation Technician roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Forest and Conservation Technician?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Forest and Conservation Technician career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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