How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in Nevada

If you enjoy working outdoors, and have an interest in protecting the natural resources of Nevada, then you are a good candidate for becoming a forest and conservation worker. Conservation workers assist head foresters and conservation technicians in their work in the field. They may remove vegetation that is diseased, invasive or a fire hazard, and help keep the forests of Nevada healthy and productive.

As a forest and conservation worker, you can gain experience in watershed restoration, public land management and the rejuvenation of habitats destroyed by wildfires. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is directly contributing to the health of the forests and wildlife. Forest and conservation workers provide critical support to teams managing the environment of Nevada for future generations.

Requirements for Forest and Conservation Workers

To apply for a position as a forest and conservation worker, you need to be at least 18 year old and have your high school diploma or GED. Many positions may require a valid driver’s license as well. Since the work is physically demanding, you should be in good shape and be comfortable working outside in all sorts of conditions.

Educational Programs in Nevada

While most forest and conservation workers are trained on the job, it may be easier to find an entry-level position if you take a short course in forestry or resources management. Many workers advance to technician positions through a combination of experience and education, so if your goal is to become a forest conservation technician you should consider pursuing your associate’s degree.

Some programs to consider in Nevada include:

• Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). TMCC offers a two-year associate’s degree in environmental studies geared toward preparing students for employment as forest and conservation workers. Your coursework will include a mix of classroom and field work, and provides both theoretical and real-world experience in resources management. Upon graduation, you can seek entry-level work as a forest and conservation worker, or may transfer your credits to a university to pursue your bachelor’s degree.
• College of Southern Nevada (CSN). Offering degree and non-degree programs at several locations around the state, CSN provides multiple paths toward becoming a forest and conservation worker. Depending on your interests, you can choose to focus on ecology or geology, or enter their geological technician or mining technology programs. Upon completion of the program, you will have a certificate or associate’s degree and may pursue higher education or an entry-level position as a conservation worker.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data doesn’t include specific information on how much forest and conservation workers in Nevada earn, but they do report the data for forest conservation technicians. In 2016, there were 560 technicians in the state, and they made an average of $18.73 per hour, or approximately $38,960 a year.

There were 30 forest and conservation workers in Nevada in 2016, and those numbers are expected to remain stable through 2026.

Since the mean hourly wage for forest and conservation workers across the country is $13.20 per hour, you have a lot of room to increase your income as you advance in experience. While there may not be a large number of job openings every year in Nevada, there is a steady demand for new forest and conservation workers.

Working as a Forest and Conservation Worker in Nevada

Forest and conservation workers provide the physical support for environmental restoration and protection projects throughout the state. They may work for their local or state governments or be employed by a federal agency like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Forest Service (FS). Many conservation workers are employed by non-profits or private companies like nurseries, orchards, farms and mining companies. As a forest and conservation worker in Nevada, you can earn a living and contribute to the health and longevity of the natural environment.