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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Forest and Conservation Workers

Median Salary
33,940
Job Outlook
-4%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

46%

State and local government

26%

Self-employed

10%

Federal Government

9%

Private not for profit

7%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of forest and conservation workers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 2,100 openings for forest and conservation workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$28,460

10%

$33,940

Median

$54,330

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    43%

  • Bachelor's degree

    22%

  • Master's degree

    20%

  • Some college

    6%

  • Less than high school

    3%

  • Associate's degree

    1%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Forestry, Other
  • Forest Technology/Technician
  • Forestry, General
  • Plant Nursery Operations and Management

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Education and Training
  • Transportation

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.