Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in New York

Becoming a forest and conservation technician might be a good career choice for you if you enjoy spending time outdoors and have a good understanding of science and math. Forest and conservation technicians assist foresters and scientists with data collection and various environmental experiments in order to maintain and protect the forest ecosystem. They also may work as consultants in the private sector, ensuring environmental laws and regulations are maintained during tree harvesting. Other possible duties include mapping, planting seedlings, preventing and suppressing forest fires, issuing permits, enforcing laws and managing and improving wildlife habitats.

Requirements for Forest and Conservation Technicians in New York

A forest and conservation technician must have an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at minimum. Once completed, candidates may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in forestry.

Although, there is no licensing requirement for forest and conservation technicians or foresters in New York, those interested in career advancement may choose to become certified through the Society of American Foresters (SAF) after completing either a baccalaureate or master’s degree. SAF requires completion of five or more years of qualifying experience prior to issuing certification.

Colleges offering Forestry Programs in New York

In New York, there are several colleges that offer degree programs compatible with a career in forest and conservation technology, many within the State University of New York system. Both Associate in Applied Science and bachelor’s degrees are available and reasonably well-dispersed throughout Upstate New York.

• Paul Smith’s College in Paul Smiths, New York, is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and offers either an associate’s degree in forest technology or bachelor’s degree in forestry. Paul Smiths, located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, equips students with hands-on, field-based technical education. The college allows baccalaureate candidates to choose a concentration in either ecological forest management, forestry operations or forest biology. All students will complete a well-rounded curriculum aimed at creating marketable professional skills for graduates.
• The State University of New York (SUNY) network offers associate-level degree programs throughout New York. An associate’s degree in forest technology is offered at the following SUNY schools: Adirondack Community College in Glens Falls, Alfred State College in Alfred, SUNY Canton in Canton, Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh, Duchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, SUNY Morrisville in Morrisville and Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden. All nine colleges are dispersed throughout New York’s upstate region, making a commute possible from nearly every portion of the state. Additionally, The College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers a bachelor’s degree in Forest Ecosystem Science.

Salary and Job Outlook

In 2018, salary data show an average hourly wage of $20.22 and average yearly wage of $42,070 for forest and conservation technicians in the state of New York.

Job outlook data within the sate of New York compare very favorably to the national average. In 2016, data show 440 forest and conservation technicians employed in New York with a projected 490 by 2026, for an 11.4 percent growth rate, with 60 jobs opening on average each year. In comparison, the national growth rate for this field is estimated at 3.9 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Potential Employers in New York for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Forest and conservation technicians have a variety of options for employment in New York in both private and public sectors. Possible employers include Department of Environmental Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, Adirondack Land Trust, North Shore Land Alliance, NYC Parks and Recreation, Environment America and Global Foundries.