How to become forest and conservation technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$54,560
25th–75th pct. $47,360–$68,600
Top pay (est.)
$108,700
Top 10% $83,630
Pay in 5 years
$62,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$71,800est.
$61,700–$83,300
Outlook score
49/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−2.1%
3,800 openings / yr

How to become forest and conservation technicians

Typical education
Associate's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
3.8
Active Listening
3.8
Monitoring
3.6
Speaking
3.5
Judgment and Decision Making
3.4
Critical Thinking
3.4
Time Management
3.2
Coordination
3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Geography
4.1
Customer and Personal Service
4.0
English Language
3.9
Mathematics
3.8
Public Safety and Security
3.7
Computers and Electronics
3.6
Education and Training
3.4
Mechanical
3.4

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkHandling and Moving ObjectsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeIdentifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionFar VisionNear VisionDeductive ReasoningProblem Sensitivity

Education of workers

High school diploma
35%
Associate's degree
35%
Bachelor's degree
14%
Some college
10%
Post-secondary certificate
5%

Training before entry

6–12 months
25%
Up to 1 month
17%
1–3 months
15%
2–4 years
14%
4–10 years
11%
3–6 months
9%
1–2 years
8%

Related work experience

6–12 months
25%
1–2 years
18%
3–6 months
15%
8–10 years
12%
None
11%
Over 10 years
8%
2–4 years
4%
4–6 years
3%
6–8 years
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as forest and conservation technicians

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.