Forest Technician

Explore This Path

Ideal for nature lovers passionate about conserving forests and natural resources.
Play a vital role in protecting ecosystems and ensuring sustainable forest management.
Unique chance to lead teams in fire prevention and forest restoration efforts.

💰 Earn $49K-$73K

📚 Associate Degree

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 1.7% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll 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.

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.
Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Associate Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

4,000 Annually

Median Earnings

$58,510 in California

$51,880 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

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$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Speaking
Writing

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Forest Technician

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years