Forest and Conservation Technicians

Compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts, under direction of foresters; train and lead forest workers in forest propagation, fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats, and help provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources.

Job Task

• Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
• Perform reforestation (forest renewal), including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
• Select and mark trees for thinning or logging, drawing detailed plans that include access roads.
• Supervise forest nursery operations, timber harvesting, land use activities such as livestock grazing, and disease or insect control programs.
• Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
• Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires and maintaining recreational facilities.
• Conduct laboratory or field experiments with plants, animals, insects, diseases and soils.
• Install gauges, stream flow recorders, and soil moisture measuring instruments, and collect and record data from them to assist with watershed analysis.
• Issue fire permits, timber permits and other forest use licenses.
• Measure distances, clean site-lines, and record data to help survey crews.
• Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
• Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads.
• Provide forestry education and general information, advice, and recommendations to woodlot owners, community organizations, and the general public.
• Provide information about, and enforce, regulations such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety and accident prevention.
• Provide technical support to forestry research programs in areas such as tree improvement, seed orchard operations, insect and disease surveys, or experimental forestry and forest engineering research.
• Survey, measure, and map access roads and forest areas such as burns, cut-over areas, experimental plots, and timber sales sections.
• Develop and maintain computer databases.
• Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
• Inspect trees and collect samples of plants, seeds, foliage, bark and roots to locate insect and disease damage.
• Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.

Looking for a job in Forest and Conservation Technicians? Check out these great job search websites. Thousands of job opportunities and reseach for a new career! Includes job search websites from Australia and internationally