Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in New Jersey

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, have a natural ability for math and science and want to make a difference in a world facing numerous environmental issues, a career as a forest and conservation technician might be a good fit for you. Forest and conservation technicians work in a large variety of jobs, on both public and private lands, encompassing a broad spectrum of skills. They work closely with both foresters and scientists, assisting in studying and protecting forest ecosystems and other related environments. Some potential job duties might include, surveying and mapping natural areas, issuing permits and enforcing regulations, planting seedlings and other plants for reforesting, patrolling a designated wildlife area, collecting and compiling scientific data, preventing and suppressing forest fires and educating both industries and the general public on regulations and techniques to ensure sustainability.

New Jersey Forest and Conservation Technician Regulations

An Associate in Applied Science Degree is required at minimum for all forest and conservation technicians. In the state of New Jersey, licensing is not required; however, a person wishing to advance their education might pursue a Certified Forester designation from the Society of American Foresters (SAF). SAF requires baccalaureate level or higher degree in an SAF-accredited forestry program or related field, plus an additional five years of field experience in a qualified service area. Certification is recognized by forestry professionals as a gold standard in the industry and a mark of professionalism, and may help boost an individual’s career success.

New Jersey Universities Offering Forest and Conservation Technician Programs

In New Jersey, those interested in a career as a forest and conservation technician might pursue higher education at one of a few institutions, including the following:

• Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg offers an associate’s degree in Environmental Science and allows students to transfer into a Bachelor of Science degree program in Environmental Science. The program places focus on the potentially threatening effects of human interaction with the functions of the local and global ecosystem. Students are expected to examine environmental problems through a sociological, political and economic viewpoint and apply critical thinking to solving them. Graduates of the program should be able to apply skills in research and data analysis as well as prepare and present reports related to environmental problems.
• Montclair Sate University in Montclair, New Jersey, offers a bachelor’s degree in Earth and Environmental Science. Important program focal points include the impact of climate change, environmental contaminates, the human impact on coastal zones, systems for the responsible use of resources and deep understanding all the workings of the planet. Montclair also offers a Master’s of Science degree in Earth and Environmental Science for those who wish to continue to a higher level of education. Students who complete a master’s degree should be prepared for employment in the environmental sector or for continuing education at a doctoral level.

Job Growth Projections and Salaries in New Jersey

Salary data is unavailable for forest and conservation workers in New Jersey at this time.

State-specific job projection data for New Jersey is also unavailable;however, the national projected growth rate for forest and conservation technicians is 3.9 percent, with jobs growing from 33,200 people employed in in the field 2016 to a projected 34,500 in 2026.

Employment Opportunities for Forest and Conservation Technicians in New Jersey

Forest and conservation technicians work in a wide variety of industries, both in the public and private sectors. Possible employers include state parks and forests, the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, The Watershed Institute and Raritan Valley Community College.