How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in Arizona

Forest and conservation workers help maintain the health of forests and trees. They can work in rural or urban areas for state or national forests, landscapers, arborists, orchards and farms. The work is physically demanding but ideal for those who enjoy working with their hands and spending the majority of their time outdoors.

As a forest and conservation worker, you’ll be responsible for identifying, treating and removing diseased trees, clearing campgrounds and trails, preventing forest fires and using equipment to maintain outdoor areas. Most forest and conservation employees work under the supervision of a forest technician or forester. You can progress to one of these roles with additional education.

Becoming a Forest and Conservation Worker

You do not need any specific education or certification to become a forest and conservation worker beyond a high school diploma or GED. Employees are typically trained on the job, though formal education regarding forests and natural resources may be helpful in finding a role. These programs may also qualify you for higher-paying forestry technician roles.

Forestry and Conservation Programs

While formal training is not required, a two-year degree or certificate in forestry, natural resources or conservation can make you a more competitive applicant for jobs. The following Arizona programs can prepare you for a job in this field:

• Northern Arizona University. Northern Arizona’s School of Forestry is one of the most widely respected programs in the nation. It offers seven certificate programs, including fire ecology and management, forest health and ecological restoration and wildlife ecology and management. The school also offers bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programs for those interested in additional education.
• Phoenix College. Students at Phoenix College can choose a certificate or associate’s degree program in environmental and natural resource sustainability, stewardship or conservation. The program is funded in part by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which helps connect students with internship opportunities to give them practical experience before graduation.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Growth in forestry jobs is expected to decline nationwide by about 2 percent during the 10 years to 2026, according to the Projections Managing Partnership. In Arizona, jobs will likely remain stable during the same time period, with no measurable growth expected. At current rates, there are about 50 forestry and conservation jobs available in the state each year. Work for forest technicians, meanwhile, is expected to grow by about 0.8 percent. While the field is small, dedicated professionals should be able to find work.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average annual salary of a forest and conservation worker to be $27,330 in Arizona. By receiving your associate’s degree in a related field, you will qualify for jobs as a forestry technician, which offers an average annual salary of $38,270 to compensate for the additional responsibilities this role entails.

Finding a Forestry Job in Arizona

You can find jobs as a forest and conservation worker on land owned by state, federal and local governments, tree farms and orchards. In urban areas, many workers find jobs with landscapers and tree removal services. In Arizona, most jobs are available in Tucson and Phoenix, though areas with large amounts of trees, such as the ponderosa pine forests of Northern Arizona, will also likely have roles available. Be prepared to spend the majority of your workday outdoors in various weather conditions, and make sure you feel comfortable using heavy machinery and equipment.