Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Ohio

Forest and conservation technicians are an integral part of forestry management and work to assist scientists and foresters in the protection of forests and other natural resources. They work in a large variety of industries, both public and private, including parks and recreation departments, logging companies, research organizations and universities. A strong background in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is encouraged, as well as a love for the natural environment.

Forest and conservation technicians may be required to perform many varied tasks on a regular basis including prevention and suppression of forest fires, collection and testing of specimens, public education, and enforcement of environmental regulations.

Regulations for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Ohio

An Associate in Applied Science degree is the minimum requirement for forest and conservation technicians. There is no licensing requirement in Ohio; however, those wishing to pursue higher education and credentialing could pursue a Certified Forester designation from the Society of America Foresters (SAF). Certified foresters are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite to application.

Ohio Universities Offering Coursework for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Many colleges in the state offer environmental programs suitable for those interested in a career as a forest and conservation technician. A few possibilities include:

• Hocking College in Nelsonville offers an Associate in Applied Science in Forest Management and is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Students will be trained in many aspects of forest management and be eligible for many possible careers post-graduation, including nursery operator, timber cruiser, restoration and reforestation specialist, fire prevention and suppression worker, insect or disease control technician, silviculture worker and log scaler. Graduates will gain proficiency in tree species identification, understanding of forest ecology, reforestation techniques, fire use and control, insect, disease and animal control, related equipment use, mapping techniques and supervision and management.
• Kent State University in Warren offers an associate’s degree in Environmental Health and Safety. Students will be provided with a working knowledge of the various aspects of hazardous environmental conditions including toxic waste, occupational safety, pollution and industrial hygiene. The curriculum includes selected science and liberal arts courses, and graduates are encouraged to continue study at a baccalaureate level.
• Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources in Wooster offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife and is certified by the SAF. Students will be required to choose to follow one of two forestry tracks in either Forest Ecosystem Science Management or Forestry and Wildlife. Either curriculum will prepare students with the necessary coursework for Certified Forester credentialing through the SAF, including coursework in fisheries and aquatic science and wildlife. The fisheries and aquatic science curriculum will allow students to study aquatic organisms and ecosystems and apply scientific techniques to protect and sustain them. The wildlife curriculum emphasizes components of healthy and balanced ecosystems.

Salary and Career Information

In 2018, the mean hourly wage for forest and conservation technicians reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics was $19.32, with a mean annual income of $40,190.

In 2016, Ohio employed 250 forest and conservation technicians, with 260 expected to be employed by the year 2026, for a four percent job growth projection. The job growth projection for forest and conservation workers nationally is 3.9 percent for the years 2016 to 2026. Thirty new openings are expected in Ohio annually.

Possible Opportunities for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Ohio

Jobs are available in a variety of industries for forest and conservation technicians. Some possible employers in Ohio include Five Rivers Metro Park Rangers, Department of Agriculture, Phillips and Jordan, Inc., Environmental Consultants, National Wild Turkey Foundation, CN Utility Consulting and U.S. Department of Agriculture.