How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in Puerto Rico

The island and U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is home to beautiful forests, and workers are needed to manage, conserve and protect this natural resource. If you love being outdoors and a tropical environment, consider becoming a forest and conservation worker in Puerto Rico.

Typical duties for a forest and conservation worker include counting and surveying trees, identifying trees that are damaged or diseased, treating or removing diseased trees and branches, planting seedlings for reforestation efforts, and clearing paths and trails in forests.

Requirements to Be a Forest and Conservation Worker in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico does not require that you hold any particular degree or any licensing or certification to do forest and conservation work. In fact, you don’t need any post-secondary education at all, but you should have a high school diploma or GED. Most employers train new workers on the job. As a forest and conservation worker you will learn as you go, working under foresters and forest technicians.

Post-Secondary Programs in Puerto Rico

You don’t need a college or technical degree or certificate to start working in this field. However, it helps to get some additional education in order to get the best job. While Puerto Rico doesn’t have any degree programs specific to forestry, there are a few available in relevant and transferable subjects:

• Universidad Ana G. Mendez, San Juan. Just outside of San Juan, UAGM is a school that offers several four-year degrees in natural resources and environmental science. If you are prepared to commit to earning a bachelor’s degree, you can major in environmental science or environmental management with a focus on conservation and natural resources. This would prepare you for any job in forestry.
• Humacao Community College, Humacao. This community college offers a shorter but less specialized option. Here you can earn a two-year associate’s degree in environmental science. Situated on the eastern coast of the island, Humacao is a great place to learn and enjoy the natural environment as you prepare for a career in natural resources.

Salary and Employment Outlook for Forest and Conservation Workers

Nationwide there is actually a decline in the job market for forest and conservation workers. However, there are expected to be new jobs each year in all areas, because people will leave their positions. On Puerto Rico there are plenty of forests that need workers to maintain and manage them, such as the El Yunque National Forest, a beautiful tropical forest.

The national average salary for forest and conservation workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $13.20 per hour and $27,460 per year. The best paid workers in the field make up to $48,220 and more. In Puerto Rico, with austerity measures, salaries for forest workers are likely to be lower than the national average.

Working in Forestry and Conservation in Puerto Rico

While the job market is slowing down overall for forest and conservation workers, there will always be a need for people to manage the island’s forests. Employers in this industry include the federal, territorial and local governments. They need workers to manage publicly owned forests and even urban green spaces. You may also find work with private companies that own tree farms, orchards and lumber companies.