Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Virginia

Forest and conservation technician jobs require strong skills in math and science and a love of the outdoors. If this describes you and you would like to make a difference in our planet’s environmental health, it might be a good career choice.

Forest and conservation technicians make a difference through assisting foresters and scientists in conserving and protecting forestland and other natural environments. Jobs are varied, and duties performed will depend on the industry, but typical duties could include preventing and suppressing wildfires, issuing permits, ensuring proper adherence to environmental regulations, patrolling protected areas, collecting and compiling experimental data, mapping and surveying natural lands and training both industrial representatives and the public.

Virginia Requirements for Forest and Conservation Technicians

An Associate in Applied Science Degree is necessary to become a forest and conservation technician, at minimum. Though licensing is not required in Virginia, a person wishing to advance in their career might apply to become a Certified Forester through the Society of American Foresters (SAF). A baccalaureate degree or higher is needed to meet the SAF’s requirements for this distinction.

Virginia Universities for Forest and Conservation Technicians

In Virginia, those interested in a career as a forest and conservation technician might pursue higher education at several institutions throughout the state. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Environmental Science. The program uses an array of natural resources to train and prepare students for careers in environmental science-related fields. Students will learn the interrelationship between the environment and human communities, use facts and problem-solving skills to assist in the abatement of environmental issues, and understand and implement scientific research strategies, technologies and methods for environmental maintenance and sustainability.
• Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in Clifton Forge offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Forest Management Technology. The college allows students to complete general education courses on the main campus at Rockbridge Regional Center in Buena Vista or through other formats offered by the college, possibly easing the commute for distant students. The program is specifically designed for those who seek employment in forestry careers and couples classroom instruction with hands-on experience. Practical experience is gained through regional summer internships with public and private agencies.
• Virginia Tech in Blacksburg offers a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. The program addresses the scientific and human elements of the forest ecosystem with special focus on learning about the many tree species that live within it. Students can choose between three major options: forest operations and business, forest resource management and urban forestry. When completed, career options will include consulting forester, extension agent, forest biologist, forest entomologist, forest manager, forest technician, government forester and landowner assistance forester, among others.

Salary and Job Growth Expectations in Virginia

Data compiled in 2018 show the mean hourly wage for forest and conservation technicians in Virginia is $20.23, with a mean yearly wage of $42,080

In 2016, 20 forest and conservation technicians were employed in Virginia, with a zero percent projected growth rate through 2026. Since the national projected growth rate is 3.9 percent, this compares unfavorably to the U.S. as a whole for this field.

Employment Opportunities for Forest and Conservation Technicians in Virginia

In Virginia, forest and conservation technicians are employed in a variety of jobs encompassing both public and private industries. Potential employers in Virginia include Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Conservation Services, Inc., Virginia Recreation and Park Society, Virginia Tech, Richmond International Forest Products, Fairfax County Government, Virginia New Kent and Virginia Fauquier, among others.