How to Become a Forest and Wildlife Conservation Worker in Wyoming

If you are in good physical shape and enjoy working outdoors, you might consider becoming a forest conservation worker in Wyoming. As a conservation worker, you can help protect the forest and rangeland habitats and provide support for their restoration. The work may include soil and water conservation, replanting native grassland species across the range and the removal of invasive species.

As a forest conservation worker you will become familiar with the scientific techniques used to survey plants and animals in the wild. You may assist with the removal of brush to reduce wildfires or help restore an area after a flood. Your labors will help keep Wyoming’s forests and rangelands healthy and productive for years to come.

Requirements for Forest Conservation Workers in Wyoming

To begin work as an entry-level forest conservation worker, you must be at least 18 years old and have your high school diploma or GED. You will need to be in good physical shape and have the strength and stamina to work outdoors in all conditions. Some positions may also require a valid driver’s license. Forest conservation technicians, on the other hand, usually have at least an associate’s degree from an accredited forestry program.

Educational Programs in Wyoming

While an advanced degree is not required to begin work as a forest conservation worker, it may be easier to secure or advance your employment if you have acquired some training first. Most positions will train you on the job, but taking a course at a community college can help prepare you for the work, and you can always transfer the credits if you opt for a higher degree.

Some options in Wyoming include:

• Northern Wyoming Community College District(NWCCD). With multiple locations across the state, NWCCD offers an Associate of Science in Rangelands Management program for students interested in agriculture, ranching and land management. Their program will prepare you to transfer to a four-year degree program or begin work in rangeland ecology and management, ranch land stewardship, wildlife management, restoration ecology and environmental consulting. They offer financial aid to local students and provide internship opportunities and job placement services to their graduates.
• Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC). Located in Rock Springs, WWCC offers an associate’s degree in natural resources, and has other programs for students interested in biology, geology or mining technology. You will learn about the management of wildlife, rangelands, water, soil, energy, and mining technology. This program will prepare you for work in disciplines such as mining, farming, conservation and forestry and environmental policy.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that there were 650 forest conservation technicians in Wyoming in 2016, and the field is expected to grow about 3.3 percent by 2026. There are approximately 70 openings a year for conservation technicians, so while there isn’t a high demand, there are regular opportunities for employment. Wyoming reports the statistics for conservation workers and technicians together, so it is difficult to precisely list the number of workers versus technicians in the state.

Forest conservation technicians in Wyoming make an average of $17.51 per hour, or $36,430 annually. This is a little below the national average, but you have room to improve your earnings as you gain experience.

Working as a Forest Conservation Worker in Wyoming

Forest conservation workers in Wyoming work under a head forester or researcher, and provide the physical support needed to carry out their work. As a forest conservation worker, you may be employed by your state or local government, or you may work with the federal government or a private conservation organization or non-profit. While Wyoming doesn’t have the most conservation workers in the country, they do have the third-largest concentration of jobs, so there should be plenty of opportunities to advance your career.