Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Alabama

Forest and conservation technicians work with foresters and scientists to protect and preserve forests and related natural environments and resources. If you are interested in working in a conservation field, have a strong affinity for math and science and are able to be outdoors on a regular basis, a career as a forest and conservation technician might fit you well.

Forest and conservation technicians, or forestry technicians, work in many different industries, including public organizations like parks and recreation departments, research organizations and for logging and timber harvesting operations. Possible job duties are many and varied but may include permit regulation, reforestation efforts, fire prevention and suppression and education of the general public.

Featured School

Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Diploma

this info

Start turning your passion for the outdoors into a career at Penn Foster Career School.

  • Jumpstart your career path with affordable, online, accredited training
  • Learn about important aspects of managing wildlife, parks and forests
  • Learn about important aspects of managing wildlife, parks and forests
  • Understand safety in nature, conservation issues, and wildlife law enforcement
  • Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
More Information

How Forest and Conservation Technicians are Regulated in Alabama

Forest and conservation technicians generally require an Associate in Applied Science degree with the option for career advancement if desired. Those wishing to pursue a higher level of education might consider a bachelor’s, master’s or even doctorate-level degree. Working as a forest and conservation technician could be a good jumping off point for anyone considering this career path.

In Alabama, licensing is not required for technicians;however, those who do want to advance their careers as forester do require a professional license, which can be obtained through the Alabama State Board for Registered Foresters after completion of a Bachelor of Science degree. Additional credentials as a Certified Forester can be applied for through the Society of American Foresters (SAF).

Training Programs for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Alabama

Universities offering forest and conservation programs at an associate’s degree level are not available in Alabama; however, forestry and related programs are offered at a baccalaureate level at the following schools:

  • Alabama A&M University in Huntsville offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. They boast the only professionally accredited program in forestry at an HBCU and a close partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. Students may also choose to minor in Wildlife, Biology or Fisheries. Alabama A&M is home to the Fire Dawgs, a student-led forest fighting team in which students may participate in rescue efforts, forest fire fighting and controlled burns.
  • Auburn University in Auburn also offers a bachelor’s degree in Forestry. Students attending Auburn’s Forestry program will choose among 10 emphases for their senior year. These include forest biology, land management, forest operations, forest products, urban forestry, business, wildlife management, spatial analysis, policy and a scholar’s option. The program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
  • Tuskagee University in Tuskagee, Alabama, offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Natural Resource and Plant Sciences. Students in this program can choose from six options including environmental sciences, environmental health, natural resources, forestry, wildlife and fisheries, plant and soil sciences and horticulture. Students in the forestry, wildlife and fisheries option are offered collaboration with other universities in a three-plus-one option where the student will complete three years at Tuskagee and an additional year at a partner institution.

Salary and Job Growth Projections

In 2016, Alabama employed 240 forest and conservation technicians with no projected growth by the year 2026. Nationwide, the projected growth for the same timeframe is 3.9 percent. Around 30 job openings in this field are expected each year.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, forest and conservation technicians in Alabama made an annual mean income of $43.970 in 2018, with a mean hourly wage of $21.14.

Opportunities for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Alabama

Possible employers in Alabama include The USDA Forestry service, The Department of Agriculture, The State Forest Service, Vermeer Southeast Service and Sales , Inc., Trinity ADC and Rayonier Inc.