Forest and Conservation Technicians
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.
Also called: Biological Science Aide, Conservation Agent, Conservation Officer, Conservation Technician, Field Technician (Field Tech), Forest Technician
Median pay
$54,560
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$40,330 – $83,630
People employed
30,410
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Forest and Conservation Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What forest and conservation technicians do
- 01Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
- 02Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
- 03Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
- 04Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
- 05Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
- 06Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from forest and conservation technicians
- Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists90% · +4%
- Forest and Conservation Workers80% · −20%
- Foresters78% · +40%
- Fish and Game Wardens77% · +36%
- Conservation Scientists76% · +34%
Change into forest and conservation technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists90% · $56,870
- Forest and Conservation Workers84% · $43,680
- Fish and Game Wardens77% · $74,060
- Airfield Operations Specialists74% · $56,850
- Police Identification and Records Officers74% · $93,790
Majors that lead here
- Natural Resources/Conservation, General
- Environmental Science
- Forestry, General
- Forest Resources Production and Management
- Forest Technology/Technician
- Forestry, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.