Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in North Dakota

Are you passionate about preserving natural resources? Do you enjoy spending time in nature and want a career that makes a difference? Do you enjoy math and science and feel like you have an aptitude for both? If so, you might be interested in a career as a forest and conservation technician.

Forest and conservation technicians work with foresters and scientists to conserve and protect forest environments and other natural resources. Work in the field might involve tasks such as the prevention and suppression of forest fires, the issuance and enforcement of permits, education of the public and industry leaders and enforcement of regulation compliance.

Requirements in North Dakota for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Forest and conservation technicians generally seek an Associate of Applied Science degree, although it is not required. In North Dakota, there is also no current requirement for licensing for forest and conservation technicians or for foresters. Those looking to advance their careers, however, might seek accreditation through the Society of America Foresters (SAF).

Certified foresters must possess a Bachelor of Science degree at minimum, preferably from an SAF-certified forestry program. Certified Forester designation is considered an industry gold standard, allowing those who posses it to enjoy a greater possibility for career advancement.

University Programs for Forest and Conservation Technicians In North Dakota

Educational programs are available in North Dakota for those interested in a career as a forest and conservation technician, at both an associate’s degree level and bachelor’s degree level. Some of your options include:

• Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten offers an Associate of Science in Natural Resource Management. The program builds on a solid foundation, with coursework in communications, social sciences, mathematics, science, computer science and Dakota studies. Students will gain a broad focus on the physical aspects of the environment and factors that affect it, such as, policy, society and economics. Graduates will have the ability to transfer to a four-year program in a related field of study.
• Dakota College at Bottineau in Bottineau offers and Associate of Applied Science in Natural Resource Management. Students will be prepared to perform tasks related to environmental management and protection of natural resources, such as data collection, inventory of natural resources, providing conservation recommendations and implementing natural resource management plans. Graduates from the program will be able to apply principles of agronomy, soil science, forestry, agriculture and economics.
• North Dakota State University in Fargo offers a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management. This is a management-oriented, interdisciplinary program that draws from the university’s broad range of courses. Students will complete core courses in Natural Resources Management along with emphasis courses chosen from among the following: Biotic Resources Science, Environmental Communication, Natural Resources Economics, Physical/Earth Sciences Resources, Pollution Control, Social Sciences or Sustainability and Resiliency. Graduates will be prepared with the skills and knowledge needed to troubleshoot complex, interdisciplinary and international environmental problems.

Career Growth Potential and Salary

Data from the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a mean hourly income of $21.38 and a mean annual income of $40,700 in 2018.

In 2016, North Dakota employed a total of 140 forest and conservation technicians, with a projected 150 in 2026 for a 7.1 percent projected growth rate. This compares favorably to a national projected growth rate of 3.9 percent for forest technicians.

Forest and Conservation Technician jobs in North Dakota

Forest and conservation technicians enjoy a varied career outlook with employment available in a myriad of industries both public and private. Some potential employers in North Dakota include Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.