Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Rhode Island

Forest and conservation technicians assist foresters and scientists in protecting, conserving and managing forests, natural resources and related ecosystems. Those interested in this career path should have a strong affinity for math and science and a general love of natural environments.

Forest and conservation technicians work in a myriad of environments in both the private and public sectors, allowing for a variety of possible job duties depending on employment. Some possible tasks might include prevention and suppression of forest fires, education of the public and industry leaders, issuance and enforcement of permits and assurance of regulation compliance.

Rhode Island Requirements for Forest and Conservation Technicians

An Associate of Applied Science degree is the generally-accepted level of education for forest and conservation technicians. In Rhode Island, licensing is not required for either forest and conservation technicians or foresters; however, those wishing to advance their career might apply for Certified Forester designation through the Society of America Foresters (SAF). Certified foresters must have obtained a baccalaureate-level education at minimum, with preference given to those who have attended an SAF-certified forestry program. This accreditation allows for an increased career potential for those who are eligible.

University Programs for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Rhode Island

Although, there are no associate-level programs available in Rhode Island for forest and conservation technicians, several bachelor’s degree-level programs do exist.

• Brown University in Providence offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science. Students will choose from five tracks of study: Air, Climate and Energy; Conservation Science and Policy; Environment and Inequality;Land, Water and Food Security; and Sustainability in Development. Graduates will be able to make meaningful contributions to the field of environmental science due to Brown’s well-rounded interdisciplinary approach to learning.
• The University of Rhode Island in Kingston offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Management. Students may choose from Geographic Information System (GIS)/Remote Sensing; Soil-Environmental and Wildlife; and Conservation Biology. The program incorporates coursework in water resources, wetland ecology, wildlife biology, soil science, forestry and land use with a solid background in basic sciences. Students will be well placed to pursue a higher level of education, if desired.
• Salve Regina University in Newport offers a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. The proximity of the university to freshwater and saltwater bodies, forests and farmlands, along with local collaborations with groups such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Aquidneck Land Trust allows students to gain hands-on field experience in a variety of ways. Graduates will receive a strong background in both problem solving and policy, making them ideal candidates for many organizations including, federal, state and local governments, corporations and nonprofit organizations.

Career Growth and Salary Potential

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have information regarding income for forest and conservation technicians in Rhode Island. Data specific to Rhode Island was also not available for career growth; however, the national projected growth rate for forest and conservation technicians is 3.9 percent with a projected 4,000 new jobs opening annually.

Jobs for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Rhode Island

Forest and conservation technicians work in many varied industries including wildlife management agencies, logging and timber harvesting operations, national, state and local parks and protected areas, land trusts and research organizations.

Potential employers in and near Rhode Island might include Lucas Tree Experts, ACRT, Inc., City of Providence Parks, Modern Machinery Co., Inc., Rhode Island State Parks, Bartlett Tree Experts and DCR-Urban Parks and Recreation.