How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in Delaware

If you enjoy physical work and spending most of your time outdoors, you may want to consider a career as a forest and conservation worker. Under the supervision of forestry technicians, forest and conservation workers treat diseased trees, help prevent forest fires, maintain campgrounds and trails, and trim trees with special equipment.

Forest and conservation workers can find jobs maintaining public lands such as state forests, in urban areas as landscapers and arborists, or on farms and orchards. While formal training is not required to begin working, your job as a forest and conservation worker can lead to higher-paying technician jobs in the future.

How to Begin Working in Delaware

Before beginning work as a forest and conservation worker in Delaware, you must obtain your high school diploma or GED. No additional certification or formal education is required, as most employers will train new workers on the job. If you choose to receive a certificate or associate’s degree in forestry or a related field, you can make your application stand out when looking for new jobs or become a forest technician.

Formal Training Programs

Those interested in receiving more training before beginning their forest and conservation work can enroll in a certificate or associate’s degree program. Delaware schools do not offer certificates or two-year degree programs in this field, but the following schools in nearby states do:

• Garrett College. Based in Maryland, Garrett College offers an associate’s degree in Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology. In this program, students will learn about ecosystems and the socioeconomic and political factors impacting resource management decisions. Small classes ensure personalized attention both in the classroom and while on trips.
• Penn State – DuBois. Penn State’s Wildlife Technology degree program highlights field research and hands-on learning. Students can transfer their credits to a four-year program in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Studies and Wildlife and Fisheries Science.

Salary and Job Growth Estimates

Job growth for forest and conservation workers has been slow across the country. In the 10 years to 2026, the Delaware Department of Labor anticipates a decline of 2.6 percent within the state. However, neighboring states may offer additional jobs for Delaware-based forest and conservation workers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forestry, fishing and farm workers in Delaware make an average annual salary of $35,910. Forest technicians, who have associate’s degrees and can therefore take on additional work responsibilities, typically receive higher salaries to account for the additional, specialized work required in this role.

Finding a Forestry Job in Delaware

Forest and conservation workers can be employed by state, local and federal governments and work in public parks, or they can find work in the private sector as farm workers, arborists and landscapers. Most forest-related jobs in Delaware are located in Newark and Wilmington, though jobs can be found throughout the state and in nearby states depending on your career goals. For those seeking a challenging, rewarding career that benefits the environment, forest and conservation work can be a fulfilling option that allows them to spend time outdoors and in the community.