Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Maine

As of 2017, Maine was estimated to encompass 17.6 million acres of forest land in need of protection and maintenance. Forest and conservation technicians work to assist foresters and scientists in environmental conservation efforts in Maine’s forests, as well as assist harvesters in meeting the required regulations for sustainable timber harvest.

Potential job duties for forest and conservations technicians might include preventing and fighting forest fires, collecting data, enforcing regulations, clearing downed trees and branches, planting seedlings and educating the public. Forest and conservation technicians may work in either the public or private sectors and often work outdoors. Job duties might also include operating heavy equipment, issuing permits or performing patrols.

Guidelines for Becoming a Technician in Maine

Candidates for careers in forest and conservation should have a comfortable understanding of math and science and enjoy spending time in nature. In Maine, forest and conservation technicians require an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at minimum. Once completed, a candidate will work under the supervision of a licensed forester. Forest and conservation technicians may eventually pursue licensure as a forester, if career advancement is desired. This path would require passing an examination.

Educational Programs for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Maine

In Maine, forestry degrees are available at both the associate’s level and the bachelor’s level. Educational programs where a degree in forestry can be earned include the following:

• The University of Maine‘s Fort Kent campus offers an A.A.S. degree and is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). They boast a great placement rate for graduating students. Hands-on fieldwork is conducted at their Violette Wilderness Camp located near the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Field experience includes aquatics, winter ecology, wilderness ethics and forestry.
• The University of Maine, Orono offers a bachelor’s degree in forestry. Coursework includes biology, soil science, mapping, ecology, tree culture and administration. Field experience is extensive and includes navigation, trail maintenance, first aid, firefighting and forest operation. Students will have access to hundreds of internships and summer employment experiences.
• Unity College in Unity, Maine, offers a bachelor’s degree program in Parks and Forest Resources. Students will participate in frequent field experiences in forests, lakes and the ocean. The curriculum includes sciences, resources, policy, planning and administration.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

In Maine, the mean hourly wage for forest and conservation technicians in 2018 was $22.73, and the mean annual salary was $47,270.

The Projections Managing Partnership predicts a zero percent job growth rate for forest and conversation technicians between 2016 and 2026. In 2018, 40 of these technicians were employed throughout the state of Maine, with an average of 10 openings per year.

Where Do Forest and Conservation Technicians Work in Maine?

According to The University of Maine, federal agencies maintain 20 percent of U.S. forests, while seven percent are maintained by state resources and 13 percent are owned by private industry. Forest and conservation technicians might find employment with a variety of state, local and private agencies. Some possibilities include but aren’t limited to Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Maine’s Natural Resources Service Center, Maine Land Trust Network, National Park Service in Maine and The U.S. Department of Agriculture.