Becoming a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Technician in Wyoming

Forest and conservation technicians in Wyoming play an important role in protecting the natural resources of the state. There are over46 million acres of public lands in Wyoming that provide opportunities for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities. These lands also provide economic benefits through logging, cattle ranching and mining operations. Forest and conservation technicians work under head foresters and other researchers to maintain the productivity of these lands for the future.

Forest and conservation technicians have a diverse variety of skills and may do many types of work over the course of their careers. Some technicians begin in seasonal fire prevention positions aimed at removing dangerous vegetation or dead and diseased trees from overgrown forests. They may also work alongside firefighting crews in the field or help replant a burned area after a big fire. Other technicians specialize in watersheds or hydrology and help maintain the health of the waterways across the state. As a technician, you will be using scientific techniques to measure forests and vegetation, survey wildlife and gather information on the health of the rivers, rangelands and riparian areas.

Requirements for Forest and Conservation Technicians

Most forest and conservation technicians receive on the job training, but hiring managers usually prefer candidates that have at least an associate’s(AS) degree in forestry, conservation or natural resources management. Many technicians complete their bachelor’s (BS) degree and move on to higher positions.

Educational Programs in Wyoming

Taking a two-year course in forestry or a related subject will give you the foundation you need to begin work as an entry-level forest and conservation technician. Some programs in Wyoming include:

• Laramie County Community College (LCCC). With campuses conveniently located in Laramie, Cheyenne and Pine Bluff, LCCC offers many programs suitable for forest and conservation techs. You could focus on agriculture and rangeland management, natural science, wildlife biology or fire sciences technology, to name a few options. At LCCC you will get hands-on experience in the field, and the school offers job placement services to their graduates.
• Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC). Located in Rock Springs, WWCC offers a natural resources program perfect for future forest and conservation technicians. The focus of their program is on the relationship between humans and the environment. Their coursework is quite broad and covers everything from food production to conservation and environmental policy. Your studies will prepare you for entry-level work as a technician, or you may transfer your credits to a four-year program if you wish to pursue your BS degree.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, there were 650 forest and conservation technicians in Wyoming in 2016. They reported a mean hourly wage of $17.51 per hour or approximately $36,430 per year. This is below the national average of $18.84 per hour for this occupation.

While Wyoming may not offer the highest salaries for technicians, it does have other advantages. Wyoming has the third-highest concentration of jobs for forest and conservation technicians in the nation. The field is expected to expand by a modest 3.3 percent in the next seven years, and there are around 70 job openings a year. You have a good chance at securing an entry-level position, and there are many seasonal openings each year.

Finding Positions as a Forest and Conservation Technician in Wyoming

Wyoming is a great place to be a forest and conservation technician. The state is the home of six national parks, including Yellowstone and Grande Teton, and is also crossed by the routes of the famous Pony Express and Oregon Trails. As a forest and conservation tech, you may work for your local or state governments or with a federal agency. Many technicians find employment in the private sector working in the logging, ranching or tourism industries. You may also look to the neighboring states of Colorado, Montana or Idaho for opportunities if you live near a border.