How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in New Jersey
If you’re looking for a new career and love the environment and being outdoors, consider becoming a forest and conservation worker in New Jersey. To get into this career you don’t have to be certified or get a post-secondary education. Just be willing to learn as you go, have a passion for the outdoors and be able and willing to work hard.
Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Diploma
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What is a Forest and Conservation Worker?
Working in forestry and conservation is all about managing forests as a natural resource. Forest and conservation workers are supervised by forest technicians and foresters and do a lot of physically-demanding outdoor work. Some of the duties include measuring and counting trees, identifying diseased trees, cutting down trees, administering treatments to manage pests or disease and keeping trails and campsites clear.
Getting Hired in Forest and Conservation Work
New Jersey has no statewide requirements for being a forest and conservation worker. Employers will want to see at a minimum that you have a high school diploma or a GED. Once hired, you will most likely be trained on the job by a technician or forester.
New Jersey Programs for Forestry and Conservation
A post-secondary education is not required for becoming a forest and conservation worker. However, a degree or a certificate program can help you learn more about managing forests and gain the skills needed to do the job. This can also help you get hired by giving you an advantage over other job candidates. New Jersey does not have many forestry-related programs, but there are a couple of options:
- Montclair State University, Montclair. Montclair’s Department of Earth and Environmental offers a few options for earning degrees or certificates that can prepare you for a career working in forestry. You can earn a four-year degree in sustainability or earth and environmental science. Or earn a certificate, which takes less time, in various areas of environmental science.
- Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick. Another is available at Rutgers. This unique program teaches you about urban forestry, the management of trees, parks and forests in and around cities. You can earn a four-year degree or complete the shorter certificate program.
Salary Expectations and Job Outlook in New Jersey
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a forest and conservation worker is just $27,460 per year. However, the rate of pay in New Jersey is better, at $37,320 per year on average. You can earn more, upwards of $53,000 per year, in the state if you have additional skills, like firefighting, or take on a leadership role.
Unfortunately for future forest workers, the growth in this career area is actually slowing down. Across the U.S. the growth rate is negative two percent. There are still jobs available, though, as people leave the field. Expect there to be about 50 available positions for forest and conservation workers in New Jersey each year.
Working in Forestry in New Jersey
Forestry work is hard work. Be prepared to have to be on your feet all day, to walk a lot, to lift heavy objects and to use equipment. The rewards are great, though, as you will be a part of keeping forests healthy and thriving. Look for work with government agencies, including federal, state and local, that manage forest areas. Also look at private owners of forests, such as tree farms, parks and lumber companies.