How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in Kansas

If you like being and working outdoors, then working as a forest and conservation worker may be the perfect career for you. As a forest and conservation worker, you will help to maintain and develop forests under the supervision of a forester or forest technician. Forest and conservation workers have many duties, including clearing away debris from trails and roads, planting new trees, helping to prevent forest fires and helping to put them out and protecting trees from diseases and insects.

Kansas is an excellent place to work as a forest and conservation worker, as it is the 15^th largest state by area and is one of the most productive agricultural states in the country. One-third of the state is covered in hills and forest area. There are also several historic areas and national parks in the state.

Requirements for Becoming a Forest and Conservation Worker in Kansas

Other than a diploma from high school or a GED, no additional education or training is required to work as a forest and conservation worker in the state of Kansas. Most training necessary for this job can be learned while on the job. Completing a post-secondary program may make you a more sought-after hire and help you with career advancement. You may also be required to have a valid driver’s license to work in this field.

Forestry Training Programs in Kansas

You will receive training on the job when working as a forest and conservation worker, however formal training in forestry or a related field can provide you with valuable background knowledge for working in this field. There are many one- and two-year programs available, but there are also four-year degree programs if you wish to continue your education and become a forest technician or forester. Here are a couple of programs you might consider in Kansas:

• Barton Community College. Barton Community College offers an Associate in Science degree program in Wildlife Sciences. This is a two-year program consisting of 64 credit hours. Coursework is mainly general education courses with an emphasis on science and math. Completing this program also prepares students to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in wildlife sciences.
• Kansas State University. Kansas State University has a Horticulture and Natural Resources department that offers several degree options including Horticulture, Park Management, and Conservation and Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management. These are four-year degree programs. Students will earn a bachelor’s in science degree. They will also have the option of spending some of their time studying abroad.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

Current data provided by the Projections Managing Partnership (PMP) show that the job field for forest and conservation workers is currently experiencing a national decline, but only slightly at two percent. While there is an overall decline, many states are experiencing growth in this field. Since Kansas is a mostly agricultural state, this is positive news.

Forest and conservation workers in Kansas were making $13.64 an hour, and $28,380 annually, in 2018. Forest workers who have had formal training or have more experience can potentially make as much as $35,560.

Working as a Forest and Conservation Worker in Kansas

The career of a forest and conservation worker can be physically challenging. You will be required to do a lot of walking and sometimes climbing. At times you will have to carry heavy equipment, sometimes while walking long distances. You will also have to work outside in various types of weather. You will want to seek work in the part of the state that has the most forest area. Kansas City has the most openings in this field in the state. Other cities to consider working include Park, Topeka and Wichita.