Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Alaska

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors and wish to be involved in forestry conservation efforts? Do you excel in math and science, especially environmental sciences?If so, you might want to consider a career as a forest and conservation technician.

Forest and conservation technicians assist foresters and scientists with the protection and preservation of forests and other natural resources. Some possible activities might include, preventing and suppressing forest fires, enforcing rules and regulations, participating in reforestation efforts, surveying and mapping natural ecosystems, collecting specimens, planting seedlings for reforestation and providing education to both the general public and to private industries.

Regulations for Forest and Conservation Technician in Alaska

An Associate in Applied Science degree is generally preferred for anyone working as a forest and conservation technician. For those wishing to advance their educations, additional credentialing might be pursued as a Certified Forester through the Society of American Foresters (SAF). SAF requires a baccalaureate level education at minimum, preferably through an SAF certified education program. SAF certification is recognized by forest management professionals as a gold standard and can greatly increase potential for career opportunities, for those who have completed the credential.

Universities Offering Programs for Forest and Conservation Technician Programs in Alaska

There are no associate degree programs in Alaska for forest and conservation technicians;however, University of Alaska offers programs suitable for a career in forestry at two locations:

• University of Alaska Southeast offers a Bachelor of Science at three locations: Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka. The unique location of UAS allows students to participate in leading climate change research, including monitoring the rapid warming, deglaciation and ecosystem changes occurring in northern polar regions. Laboratory time will be spent doing hands-on learning in real-life environments such as the Juneau Icefield, The Spatial Ecosystem Analysis Lab, The Alaska Coastal Rainforest Center and Eaglecrest Ski Area. Students will have opportunities to participate in ongoing, impactful research studies, notably The Icefield to Estuary Project with UAS Assistant Professor of Geology Sonia Nagorski.
• University of Alaska Fairbanks’ (UAF) School of Natural Resources and Extension offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management. Students will receive a broad interdisciplinary education with focus on making and implementing natural resource decisions. Students will study in Alaska’s 360 million acres of natural environment, working with experienced researchers. Real-world internships are also offered for ongoing hands-on experience. Upon completion students may choose to continue their education as UAF offers both master and Ph.D. level degrees in Natural resources.

Salary and Job Growth Projections in Alaska

in 2016 Alaska employed 41 forest and conservation technicians with a zero percent projected growth rate by the year 2026 and 50 expected job openings yearly. The nationwide projected growth rate in the same period is 3.9 percent.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forest and conservation technicians made an annual mean income of $47,830 in 2018 with a mean hourly wage of $15.93.

Opportunities in Alaska for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Alaska’s extreme climate produces a unique environment for tree growth with a coastal rainforest in the southern southeast and boreal forests in the interior. The interior is know for its cottage logging industries which produce both jobs and money and contribute heavily to the Alaskan economy.

Forest and conservation technicians might potentially find employment with The Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Bureau of Land Management, The nature Conservancy, The U. S. Forest Service, The Sate forest Service, The National Park Service, The State of Alaska, The Bureau of Land Management and The Department of Agriculture as well as with many private logging and timber companies.