Forestry and Conservation

Work Characteristics

Checking soil erosion, maintenance, protection and development of forests, fighting disease and insects and planting new trees all fall under the responsibility of conservation and forest workers. They also maintain campsites and roads that lead to the forest. Painting boundaries and keeping record of trees and their characteristics is also within the scope of work carried out by these individuals. People in this profession also find employment in forest nurseries, tree farms and the timber industry. They also collect pine cones, decorative evergreens, moss, barks and other kinds of wild plant life.

Work Environment

The work is difficult and physically demanding and the work that involves logging can be dangerous as well. Most work is carried out outdoors under varying climatic conditions. Those who are directly involved with working within forest areas have to go out for long walks which are tiring.

Educational Requirements

Mostly, skills are acquired on the job within supervision of experienced workers. Many logging companies and trade organizations offer training for workers. Several community colleges provide a 2 year certificate course in forestry, conservation, wild life management and forest harvesting. Previous work experience in nurseries is usually preferred. Physical strength, stamina and team work are qualities that people opting for this career must possess.

Job prospects and Salary

Most workers in this field are employed by local and state government. Some are employed by private companies that operate tree farms or provide services to forestry and agriculture industries. Others find employment in planing and sawmills. Mostly employment is concentrated in Southeast United States and the Western States where there are plenty of forest reserves and parks. Overall job opportunities are expected to grow less than in most other professions. This is mostly because the work can get dangerous and very tiring. Also most of the workers are young people who are not interested in pursuing this career for long. There are going to be opportunities in privately owned tree farms and forests.

Salary range starts as low as $9.51 per hour goes up as high as $25.46

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.