How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in Indiana

A forest and conservation worker is someone who does hands-on work in forests and with trees, either in rural areas or urban landscapes. In this job you may work for a national or state forest, for an urban landscaper or arborist, or for an orchard or tree farm. If you are up for the physically-demanding work and love to be outdoors, this is a great career to look into in Indiana.

Some of the duties of a forest and conservation worker include identifying diseased trees, keeping campground areas and trails clear, treating or removing damaged or diseased trees, prevent forest fires, and use equipment to trim trees. You can expect to work under the supervision of a forest technician or forester.

How to Become an Indiana Forest Worker

There are no education or certification requirements for working as a forest and conservation professional. You just need to have a high school diploma or a GED. Once you land a job in the field, you will be trained on the job. Some employers may want to see that you have some knowledge of forests and natural resources, but it is not strictly required.

Indiana Forestry and Conservation Academic Programs

To be in a better position to land your first job in forestry, consider starting with a post-secondary education. A two-year degree or a certificate in forestry, natural resources or conservation can help you start your career. In Indiana there are just a few options, including a four-year degree that will prepare you to become a forester.

• Vincennes University, Vincennes. A great place to start your education in forestry is at Vincennes. This school offers a two-year associate’s degree program in forestry and conservation. This 60-credit program was developed cooperatively with Purdue University, so if you choose to you can transfer your credits there and earn a four-year forestry degree.
• Purdue University, West Lafayette. If you’re ready to earn a bachelor’s degree in forestry and natural resources, Purdue offers one of the best programs in the state. Here you can major in Forestry and minor in a specialty area like urban forestry or forest ecosystems. This degree will prepare you to work as a forester, supervising technicians and forest workers.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

The growth in jobs for forest and conservation workers in the U.S. has unfortunately flat-lined and even declined. The rate of change in these jobs across all states is negative two percent. But in Indiana there is no decline, and you can still expect between 20 and 30 positions available each year in the state. You can also take your education in forestry and use it in a state with more demand for qualified workers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for forest workers is $13.20 per hour and $27,460 per year. Salaries in Indiana are lower, averaging just $11.70 per hour and $24,340 per year. However, if you earn that two-year degree in forestry and conservation, you will be qualified to work as a forestry technician. These professionals have more responsibilities and earn an average of $18.26 per hour and $37,980 per year in Indiana.

Finding a Forestry Job in Indiana

Forest and conservation workers and technicians work for state, federal and local governments, for tree farms and orchards, for arborists and for urban landscapers and tree services. You can try any of these employers to land your first forestry job in the state. The area of the state that hires the most forest workers is around Indianapolis. A rewarding and challenging career in forestry could be yours if you plan now to train or learn how to work with trees and in conservation.