Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in North Carolina

Forest and conservation technicians assist foresters and scientists in protecting and maintaining forests and other ecosystems. If you enjoy spending time outdoors and have an ability for science and math, a career as a forest and conservation technician might be a good fit.

Forest and conservation technicians work in both public and private sector jobs, helping to ensure appropriate use and preservation of forested land. This might be achieved through a myriad of duties including but not limited to preventing and suppressing forest fires, mapping and patrolling protected lands, upholding and enforcing regulations, tracking wildlife, collecting and compiling data and educating the public.

North Carolina Forest and Conservation Technician Regulations

Forest and conservation technicians require an Associate in Applied Science Degree at minimum. Though licensing is not required in North Carolina, those wishing to advance their career might wish to register as a forester with North Carolina State board of Registration for Foresters after completing six years of forestry work or receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from a university certified by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Additionally, anyone with a related bachelor’s degree may apply to the SAF to become a Certified Forester.

Forest and Conservation Technicians Training Programs in North Carolina

Several Schools within North Carolina offer opportunities for those wishing to pursue a career as a forest and conservation technician. Some options include:

• Wayne Community College in Goldsboro offers an Associate in Applied Science in Forest Management Technology. The college boasts small class sizes of 10-20 students and promises to prepare students for employment through a variety of class and laboratory activities. The university is a candidate for accreditation through the Society of American Foresters and offers students opportunities to certify for a North Carolina Pesticide License and for National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group Training.
• Haywood Community College in Clyde offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Forestry. Students will learn technical and conservation skills including developing competencies in the production, utilization and conservation of natural resources. Coursework includes instruction in woods and field skills, tree identification, timber measurement, logging and timber harvesting, forest propagation and regeneration, forest fire-fighting, resource management, equipment operation and maintenance, record keeping, sales and purchasing, operations and personnel supervision.
• North Carolina State University’s College of Natural Resources in Raleigh offers a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Environmental Resources. The university claims students will graduate with leadership skills as well as knowledge of environmental science. Their practical approach combines classroom instruction, theory, hands-on learning and real-world research. Graduates will understand the interplay between science, people, industry and the use of planetary resources and typically go on to enjoy successful careers as forest managers, fisheries or wildlife professionals, hydrologists, air or water quality specialists, environmental compliance officers, urban foresters and more.

Job Growth Projections and Salary Expectations

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ compiled data from 2018 show the mean hourly wage for forestry and conservation technicians in North Carolina is $19.57, with a mean yearly wage of $40,700.

The projected growth rate for jobs in North Carolina from 2016-2026 is 1.6 percent, with 620 forest and conservation technicians employed in 2016 and a projected 630 by 2026. This is below the national projected growth rate for this field of 3.9 percent.

Employment Opportunities for Forest and Conservation Technician in North Carolina

Forest and conservation technicians are employed in a large variety of jobs in both public and private sectors. Possible employers include but aren’t limited to North Carolina Parks and Recreation, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Diné Development Corporation, ACRT, USDA Forest Service and Environmental Consultants.