Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Puerto Rico

Are you interested in a career as a forest and conservation technician and wondering where to get started? Do you think you would like to be on the forefront of conservation efforts in Puerto Rico? Are you good at math and science and find spending time in nature a pleasurable activity? If so, a career as a forest and conservation technician might be a good fit for you.

Forest and conservation technicians work under the supervision of foresters and scientists. In Puerto Rico, the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria left considerable damage in forested areas, leaving trees, soil, vegetation and overall ecosystems drastically changed. Current focus in the area is on reforestation and restoration efforts, meaning those seeking a career in forest and conservation technology in the territory are likely to be involved in recovery efforts and significant new research.

Puerto Rican Regulations for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Most forest and conservation technicians possess an Associate of Applied Science degree, at minimum. For those wishing to advance their educations, the job might be a good jumping off point to gain experience prior to seeking a bachelor’s or higher level degree.

In Puerto Rico, no licensure is required for either forest and conservation technicians or foresters. Credentialing can be sought for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher through the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Certified Forester’s, as the recognized industry gold standard, enjoy a higher degree of career mobility and advancement.

Puerto Rico Programs for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Although, there are no schools offering an associate-level degree in Puerto Rico, there are bachelor’s and master’s degree offerings at two universities:

• University of Puerto Rico, Humacao offers a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management. Building on a strong background of basic biology, chemistry and math, as well as humanities courses, the program emphasizes Puerto Rico’s specific flora and fauna and their ongoing protection through scientific measures. Students will learn through an interdisciplinary, holistic approach with many opportunities for hands-on field experiences. Graduates will have the necessary knowledge to develop management plans to support conservation efforts both in Puerto Rico and abroad.
• University Anna G. Mendez in San Juan offers a Master’s in Natural Resources Management and Policy. The program prepares students to interpret, design and participate in environmental planning and conservation efforts. Graduates work in many industries, including state-run organizations and private institutions as advisors and consultants, helping organizations meet environmental regulations. Those who complete the program will be eligible to take the exam granted by the Planning License under Puerto Rico Planners Examining Board of the State Department.

Salary and Job Growth Projections

Although, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have specific information available about forest and conservation technicians in Puerto Rico, there is general data for environmental science and protection technicians, which are defined as “those performing laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist.” According to the BLS data for these technicians, the annual mean hourly wage in Puerto Rico in 2018 was $13.72, with an annual mean salary of $28,540, and an estimated 110 people employed in the field.

Opportunities in Puerto Rico Forest and Conservation Technicians

Forest and conservation technicians work in a myriad of industries in the public and private sectors. In Puerto Rico, some possible employers might include Amgen, Kelly Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. National Park Service and Battelle.