How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in New Mexico

Do you enjoy hiking, camping and working outdoors in the forests of New Mexico? Then you might consider a job as a forest and conservation worker. Conservation workers in New Mexico provide critical support for environmental projects across the region. They work under the supervision of a head forester, researcher or forest and conservation technician to help protect and maintain the wild lands of New Mexico.

Forest and conservation workers provide the physical support for projects like watershed restoration, wildfire prevention and forest management. They may remove trees from burned areas or help spray herbicides or fungicides to protect the forests from pests and disease. As a conservation worker, you can have the satisfaction of knowing your work is helping to preserve the natural resources of New Mexico and the entire Southwest region.

Requirements for Forest and Conservation Workers in New Mexico

Forest and conservation workers must be at least 18 years old and have their high school diploma or GED. Some positions may also require a valid driver’s license. The work is often physically strenuous, so you should be in good shape and have the stamina to work outside in all conditions.

Educational Programs in New Mexico

While forest and conservation technicians usually have at least an associate’s degree, there are no post-secondary education requirements for becoming a forest and conservation worker. Taking a course in forestry, resource management or wildfire prevention may help secure you a position as an entry-level worker, however, and will improve your chances of advancing to a technician position in the future.

Some programs in New Mexico include:

• Santa Fe Community College (SFCC). SFCC has multiple degree and certificate programs suitable for forest and conservation workers. Depending on your area of interest, you may specialize in water and wastewater operations, controlled environment agriculture, or multiple scientific disciplines including forestry, ecology, botany, scientific research and wildlife biology. Upon completion of the program, you will have earned your certificate or associate’s degree and be ready for entry-level employment as a forest and conservation worker, or you may opt to continue your education and pursue a bachelor’s degree.
• Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). CNM has several campuses in Albuquerque and Rio Ranch, and offers multiple degree and certificate programs for forest and conservation workers. You can choose to focus on general biology or chemistry, or specialize in fire science, environmental planning and design or surveying technology. When you complete your course of study, you will have your certificate or associate’s degree and may use the job placement services at CNM to find entry-level work. You may also transfer your credits to a four-year program if you want to continue with your education.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, there were approximately 60 forest conservation workers in New Mexico in 2016, and demand for these positions is expected to remain about the same through 2026.

There are only about 10 openings for forest and conservation workers in New Mexico every year, but there are more positions available throughout the Southwest region. Many forest and conservation workers in New Mexico find seasonal positions in neighboring Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma or Nevada.

While the BLS does not provide salary data for these workers in New Mexico, they do list the statistics for forest and conservation technicians. In 2018, technicians in New Mexico made an average of $18.02 per hour, or approximately $37,480 per year. Conservation workers across the country reported a mean hourly wage of $13.20 over the same time period.

Working as a Forest and Conservation Worker in New Mexico

Forest and conservation workers in New Mexico have many opportunities for employment. They may be employed with local or state governments and agencies, or find work in the private sector or with a non-profit. Conservation workers also find jobs with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Forest Service (FS). Businesses in New Mexico that often hire forest conservation workers include farmers, land developers, mining companies and nurseries.