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AgricultureGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.Climate CriticalOne of the 20 occupation classifications Colorado identified as essential to meeting the state's climate goals and needing focused workforce investment.

Forest and Conservation Worker

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.

Annual openings

61

Median wage

$37,690

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+20%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED)

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

No previous work experience is required.

Employer competency information

  • Refer above to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities information. Good communication and teamwork skills are important for most Natural Resources jobs.
There are entry-level opportunities for this job that include volunteering or getting a seasonal job such as on a trail crew, in campground maintenance or as a wildland firefighter. This experience is valued when looking for a permanent job.
A lot more information, including opportunities to explore jobs and gain experience, are at Green Pathways under "The Field of Forestry".
Visit the Society of American Foresters for a listing of forestry jobs available at private companies and USAJOBS.gov for federal government jobs.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.
  2. Fight forest fires or perform prescribed burning tasks under the direction of fire suppression officers or forestry technicians.
  3. Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.
  4. Perform fire protection or suppression duties, such as constructing fire breaks or disposing of brush.
  5. Maintain tallies of trees examined and counted during tree marking or measuring efforts.
  6. Spray or inject vegetation with insecticides to kill insects or to protect against disease or with herbicides to reduce competing vegetation.
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