Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in California

California offers a lot of opportunities for forest and conservation technicians. As a conservation technician, you’ll work alongside foresters, researchers and conservation workers to help maintain and protect the natural resources across the state. If you enjoy working outdoors and have a strong background in math and science, you should consider becoming a forest conservation technician.

California is an especially good place for forest and conservation technicians, because the environment is so diverse. You might carry out projects in the rainforests in Northern California or help restore the dry desert habitats around Joshua Tree National Park. Conservation technician positions are found throughout the state and in both urban and rural areas. As a conservation tech, you can help with wetlands restoration, forest fire prevention and recovery and managing invasive species.

Requirements for Forest and Conservation Technicians in California

California does not have any formal requirements for becoming a forest and conservation technician. However, many forest technician positions in the state require a combination of higher education and job experience. Prospective technicians are usually encouraged to complete a minimum of a two-year program in forestry and obtain their Associate of Science (AS) degree before beginning entry-level work. It may be easier to advance to higher positions if you have your Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Educational Programs in California

While an AS degree isn’t a requirement to become a forest and conservation technician, you do need to have a strong foundation in forestry and field research techniques to begin entry-level work. Taking a course in forestry or resource management at a technical school or community college can help you create this foundation, and may allow you to transfer to a four-year program if you opt to pursue your BS degree.

Some forestry programs in California you might consider include:

• College of the Redwoods (CR). With several locations across Northern California, CR offers an AS degree in Forestry Technology that is perfect for aspiring forest and conservation technicians. You will learn about forest ecology, fire management practices and wildlife biology and get hands-on experience with field work techniques. CR’s program will prepare you for work in the public and private sector, or will provide you with knowledge you need to pursue your BS degree in forest resources management, conservation, engineering or urban forestry.
• Columbia College. Located in Sonora, Columbia College offers AS degrees in Forestry and Natural Resources. Their programs use leading-edge technology to help develop your skills with forest surveying, mapping and managing wildlife, watersheds and habitats across the state. You will participate in field research activities at sites like Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest, and gain valuable hands-on experience. Upon graduation you will be ready for entry-level work as a conservation technician, or you may choose to transfer to a four-year program and complete your BS degree.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that there were 6,770 forest and conservation technicians in California in 2018. They made an average of $19.71 per hour or about $41,010 annually. This is slightly above the national average of $18.84 per hour for this job.

The Projections Managing Partnership has projected that forest and conservation technician positions in California are expected to grow another 8.2 percent in the ten years to 2026. There are more than 900 openings a year in the state, so conservation technicians are in high demand.

Working as a Forest and Conservation Technician in California

Forest and conservation technicians may find positions in a wide variety of sectors across California. The majority of technicians work for their local, state or federal agencies such as the Forest Service (FS) or Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Others are hired by environmental consulting firms, non-profit conservation organizations or work in industries like agriculture, aquaculture, logging, mining or ecotourism. California has the highest employment rate in the country for forest and conservation technicians, so you’ll have many opportunities for advancement.