Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Arkansas

Forest and conservation technicians work under foresters and environmental scientists to maintain and protect forests, forest resources and other related natural environments. For those interested in becoming a forest and conservation technician, it would be advisable to have a strong background in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects.

Due to the nature of their work, a love of nature is a prerequisite for anyone considering this career path. Job duties could include surveying and mapping forestland, grading lumber, assisting in timber harvesting operations, issuing and regulating permits, and preventing and suppressing forest fires.

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Regulations for Forest and Conservation Technician in Arkansas

Forest and conservation technicians usually obtain an Associate in Applied Science degree at minimum. Arkansas does not require licensure for technicians but does offer registry for foresters. To qualify as a registered forester, you must have a either a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree with six years subsequent experience. You will also need to pass a written exam. Registry may be pursued through the State of Arkansas Board of Registered Foresters. Additional credentialing as a Certified Forester is available for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher through the Society of America Foresters (SAF).

Arkansas Programs for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Within the state, two programs offer suitable training opportunities for those wishing to pursue a career as a forest and conservation technician, at both the associate degree and bachelor degree levels:

  • Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas in De Queen offers an Associate of Science degree in Natural Resources. The program is designed for students wishing to transfer to another university for a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry or Wildlife Management.
  • The University of Arkansas at Monticello(UAM) in Monticello offers an Associate of Applied Science in Forest Technology. Coursework will prepare students for a career assisting foresters in the management and production of forest resources. Students will receive instruction in woods and field skills, tree identification, forest measurement, propagation and regeneration, forest fire fighting, resource management and personnel supervision. UAM also offers a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management, which students may choose to transfer into after completion of the two-year Forest Technology program. The program promises a balance between professional and general coursework. Students may choose options in Forestry, Wildlife Management and Conservation, Geospatial Science, Communications in Natural Resources or Environmental Science. The Forestry option is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. The Geospatial Science option gives students experience with Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems and remote sensing technology, along with natural resources management. Communications in Natural Resources gives students a solid background in both communication and resources management. The Environmental Science option is the most flexible, with an individualized selection of environmental and natural resource management courses.

Salary Expectations and Career Growth in Arkansas

According to 2018 data from the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual income for forest and conservation technicians that year was $46,020, with a mean hourly income of $22.13.

Arkansas employed 270 forest and conservation technicians in 2016 with a projected 280 employed in 2026, for a projected job growth rate of 3.7 percent, which is nearly on par with the national projected growth rate of 3.9 percent for this occupation.

Job Opportunities for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Arkansas

Forest and conservation technicians are employed in a myriad of industries in both the public and private sector. Technicians can be found in parks and recreation services, logging and timber industries, agricultural industries, animal control agencies and research organizations. Potential employers in Arkansas include the Department of Agriculture, the State Forest Service and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.