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Forest & Conservation Workers

Also called: Field Laborer, Forest Resource Specialist, Forestry Support Specialist, Tree Planter

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.
  • Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.
  • Gather, package, or deliver forest products to buyers.

Knowledge

Math and Science
  • geography
  • biology
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Safety and Government
  • public safety and security
  • law and government
Business
  • administrative services

Skills

Basic Skills
  • talking to others
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal
  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
  • notice when problems happen
  • order or arrange things
Hand and Finger Use
  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady
Endurance
  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Independence
  • Attention to Detail
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Achievement/Effort

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Geographic information system
  • ESRI ArcGIS software Hot Technology
  • Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • IBM Lotus 1-2-3
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
associate's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Certifications Find Licenses Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$30,550
$25,850
$47,090
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Explore More

See more details at O*NET OnLine about forest and conservation workers.