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Agriculture

Forest and Conservation Technician

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.

Annual openings

162

Median wage

$57,550

Typical education

Associate's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+4%

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

Associate's degree

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

No previous work experience is required, though similar experience is valued, such as on a trail crew, campground maintenance or as a wildland firefighter.

Employer competency information

  • Refer above to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities information. Good communication and teamwork skills are important for most Natural Resources jobs.
You can prepare for this job by volunteering or getting a summer job on a trail crew, in campground maintenance, as a wildland firefighter, or with the Conservation Corps.
Forestry jobs include recreation specialists, fire and fuels managers, environmental/land use planners, and conservation, watershed, and wildlife managers.
A lot more information, including opportunities to explore jobs and gain experience, are at Green Pathways under "The Field of Forestry" and "The Field of Land Management".

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.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Agriculture and Sustainability
  • Forestry

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
  2. Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
  3. Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
  4. Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
  5. Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.
  6. Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
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