How to become a 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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What forest and conservation workers do
- Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.
- Fight forest fires or perform prescribed burning tasks under the direction of fire suppression officers or forestry technicians.
- Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.
- Perform fire protection or suppression duties, such as constructing fire breaks or disposing of brush.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Learning Strategies
Is forest and conservation worker a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 14% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Hawaii $56,330
- Massachusetts $51,890
- Pennsylvania $50,250
- Ohio $48,470
- Arkansas $47,310
Forest and Conservation Workers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.