How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in Colorado

Forest and conservation workers play an important role in keeping woodlands healthy and thriving. They work under forestry technicians and foresters to maintain forests, improve forest quality and help conserve woodland ecosystems.

In Colorado there are plenty of forests and a greater need for skilled workers than in other states. If you enjoy being outside and physically active, this could be a great career for you. The education requirements are minimal, so you can get started quickly.

As a forest and conservation worker in the state, some of your regular duties may include planting seedlings for reforesting, assessing the health of trees and administering treatments, thinning out diseased trees, and keeping trails and campgrounds clear.

Requirements to Be a Forest and Conservation Worker

There are no statewide requirements for getting into this career in Colorado. However, most employers will look for candidates who have at least a high school diploma or a GED. You can expect to get trained on the job, but you may also want to consider a certificate or degree in forestry or a related subject. This will give you the foundational knowledge needed to do the job.

Academic Programs in Colorado for Forestry

To work as a forest and conservation worker in the state you do not need to have a post-secondary education. There are some benefits to completing a related program, though, including having a better understanding of forest ecology and conservation strategies and being a more desirable job candidate for employers.

• Colorado Mountain College, Glenwood Springs. This college offers an associate’s degree in natural resources management, a good foundation for working in forestry. In addition to coursework and lab learning, this program includes paid internships through the Natural Resource Management Field Institute. If you don’t want to earn a two-year degree, you can choose instead to complete the field technician certificate program, which includes just 25 credit hours.
• Front Range Community College, Westminster. At Front Range, you can earn a two-year associate’s degree in Forestry Technology. This program includes 60 to 62 credits of coursework. You’ll learn the basics of forestry and even get practice using the equipment necessary to do forestry work. Other related options include degrees in natural resources or wildlife technology.

Salaries and Job Growth in Colorado

Across the country the job market for forest and conservation workers is actually shrinking, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But in Colorado, a state that is home to many important forests, the number of jobs available is increasing by 2.5 percent. You can expect there to be nearly 150 new jobs available each year in the state.

The average annual salary for a forest worker in Colorado is $28,830. This is a little higher than the national average of $27,460. With experience, more responsibilities or a leadership role, you could earn upwards of $40,000 per year.

Forestry Work in Colorado

Many forest and conservation workers are employed by the state government, managing state-owned lands and forests. You may also be hired by the federal government or local governments. Other potential employers include private owners of forest land, orchards and tree farms or nurseries. Working in this career is physically demanding, and the risk of injury is high. Be prepared to work hard every day, to be on your feet all the time and to use heavy equipment.