Forest and Conservation Workers
Forest and conservation workers, under supervision, perform manual labour 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. This includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.
To be eligible to be a forest technician, one usually should complete high school and get a valid driver's license before they begin working. An aspiring candidate can go for a two-year technical degree in forestry offered by some technical and vocational schools. If interested in becoming a forest ranger, one can acquire a degree in natural sciences, geology, statistics, natural sciences, mechanical/civil/chemical engineering, or agriculture. Choosing the right major is always an important criterion when researching how to become a forest and conservation worker.
The main task of a forest technician is to deal with issues of deforestation, global warming, water scarcity, and natural disasters. If one has the urge to protect the natural forestry, birds, and animals then a forest ranger is most suitable for them. A forest worker's job is not only in charge of the forest but also to accomplish executive, supervisory, and protective functions of the forest area.
For a successful career as a forest technician, workers should possess specific qualities of communication, decision making, listening and a great amount of physical stamina and be a stickler for detail.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Forestry
- M.Sc. Forestry
- B.Sc. Botany
Tasks
- Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.
- Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.
- Fight forest fires or perform prescribed burning tasks under the direction of fire suppression officers or forestry technicians.
- Perform fire protection or suppression duties, such as constructing fire breaks or disposing of brush.
- Select or cut trees according to markings or sizes, types, or grades.
- Identify diseased or undesirable trees and remove them, using power saws or hand saws.
- Spray or inject vegetation with insecticides to kill insects or to protect against disease or with herbicides to reduce competing vegetation.
- Drag cut trees from cutting areas and load trees onto trucks.
- Thin or space trees, using power thinning saws.
- Maintain tallies of trees examined and counted during tree marking or measuring efforts.
Progression Routes
READY FOR MORE?
Subscribe to our Premium package and you'll unlock a wealth of extra information about your favourite careers and gain access our library of immersive 360° VR careers experience.
As a Premium user you'll find out more about the day-to-day demands of any career, what you could earn and, importantly, receive expert advice on study routes, preparation expenses, and where & what to study to fulfil your potential.