Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Texas

In Texas, the U.S. Forest Service manages about 675,000 acres of public land. Forest resources such as timber, soil and water, fish and wildlife are monitored and studied to maximize benefits for everyone. The people who perform a majority of the technical work involved with protecting and restoring forest land are called forest and conservation technicians.

Working under the direction of foresters and conservation scientists, forest technicians perform tasks such as tree measurement, soil analysis and leading forest workers in tree clearing or planting efforts. Some forest technicians prevent and fight wildfires. Forest and conservation technicians generally train at least two years in forestry, natural resources, conservation, horticulture or another related field. An understanding of these topics is necessary to learn the technical skills required on the job.

The Career Path of Forest and Conservation Technicians

This is a career that generally requires a two-year technical associate’s degree in the forestry field. To prepare early while in high school, it’s helpful to focus on science classes and forestry-related volunteer activities. Some forest and conservation technicians enroll in bachelor’s degree programs with goals of advancing to higher positions in their careers. When you’re ready to find a job, you should check with the U.S. Forest Service and state and local government forest agencies. Most colleges will also help students find jobs after graduation.

Forestry Programs in Texas

In Texas, it’s much easier to find four-year forestry programs than two-year programs. Once you gain enough knowledge in your program of study, you can start working part-time while you finish your bachelor’s degree. Here are some forestry study options within Texas:

• Stephen F. Austin State University. On the east side of Texas, this school offers multiple four-year forestry programs including Forest Management, Forest Wildlife Management and Forest Business. These are all offered by the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. The Forest Management program emphasizes forest wood management, wildlife habitats and water quality. Field work is a requirement during the first summer of enrollment in the program.
• Texas A & M University. At the College Station campus, this school grants a bachelor’s degree in Forestry offered by the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. The program runs 120 credit hours in length, and students learn about topics including ecology, trees, soil quality and natural resources. The main goal of the Forestry program is to ensure students understand the scientific management of forest systems.

Forest Technician Employment and Income

In 2016, the Projections Managing Partnership reported that 400 forest and conservation technicians were employed in Texas. That number is predicted to increase 10 percent by 2026, meaning the number of jobs for these professionals is growing steadily in Texas.

The median income of Texas forest technicians in 2018 was $20.16 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Compared with the nationwide median income of $17.37 per hour that same year, Texas forest technicians were paid well.

Work Opportunities across the State

BLS statistics show that forest and conservation technicians are equally distributed around the state of Texas. However, the best rate of employment per 1,000 jobs is in the Big Thicket region nonmetropolitan area. The highest paid forest technicians in Texas are in the Austin area, and they make a median income of $22.12 per hour. The second-highest paid are in the Big Thicket region as well, being paid $21.47 per hour. No matter where you choose to begin your career, Texas is a great state for forest and conservation technicians. If you envision yourself working in an outdoors job, this is a great career route to take.