Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Indiana

Are you a nature lover? Do you wish you could contribute to the preservation of environmental resources? Do you have a strong background in math and science, especially biological sciences? If so, a career as a forest and conservation technician might be for you.

Forest and conservation technicians work alongside (and under the supervision of) foresters and environmental scientists to protect and preserve forests and other natural environments. Some examples of potential responsibilities might include the surveying and mapping of protected lands, the collection and compilation of specimens and subsequent laboratory data, the prevention and suppression of forest fires and the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.

Requirements for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Indiana

Forest and conservation technicians usually possess an associate-level education at minimum; however, many do choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher to accelerate their careers. In Indiana, licensure is not required for forest and conservation technicians or for foresters. Those wishing to acquire accreditation for additional opportunities in the field might seek the Certified Forester designation through the Society of America Foresters (SAF). Certified foresters are required to have a baccalaureate-level education, preferably from an SAF-certified forestry program. As the gold standard within the forestry community, certified foresters have more opportunities available for employment and advancement.

Indiana Programs for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Both two-year and four-year educational programs are available in Indiana for those wishing to pursue employment as a forest and conservation technician. Programs include:

• Ancilla College in Donaldson offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Environmental Technology. Ancilla’s program stresses a basic understanding of science and application of scientific knowledge to the real world. Students will acquire the basics needed for transfer to a senior institution.
• University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne offers an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. Students in the program will choose from one of three concentrations: Sustainable Food Systems, Conservation Biology and Liberal Arts. Students in the Conservation Biology concentration will have access to hands-on learning through outdoor labs and classes and will learn to identify plant and animal species, analyze water management practices and plan for endangered species conservation.
• Purdue University’s College of Agriculture in West Lafayette offers a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Natural Resources. Their Department of Forestry and Natural Resources boasts partnerships with federal, state and private organizations to give students the necessary knowledge to succeed in environmental management. Graduates of the program will have a good understanding of the protection, management and sustainable use of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Students may also choose to pursue post-graduate work at Purdue in one of the following:Master of Science, Master of Science in Forestry or Doctor of Philosophy.

Career Growth and Salary Potential in Indiana

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics listed the mean hourly income in 2018 for forest and conservation technicians in Indiana as $18.26, with a mean annual income of $37,890 that same year.

In 2016, Indiana employed a total of 90 forest and conservation technicians with a projected 100 to be employed in 2026, for an 11.1 percent projected job growth rate. This compares very favorably to the national projected growth rate of 3.9 percent for this occupation. Indiana has an estimated 10 forest and conservation technician positions open each year.

Opportunities in Indiana for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Potential employers for forest and conservation technicians in Indiana include the U.S. Forest Service, Integrity Tree Services, O’Neal Manufacturing Services, the State of Indiana, the City of Bloomington, ArborMetrics Solutions, LLC, the City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Cardno and Environmental Consultants.