Forestry Technicians

Career summary

#match with 4128, check 2/23/15 lh

Forestry technicians work under the direction of a forester. They assist foresters with forest management projects. One of their tasks is to collect and record data of the size, content, and health of forests. They travel through forests to gather data about the types of trees and the condition of seedlings.

Technicians look for disease, insect damage, and fire hazards. They may issue controlled fire permits and timber permits. Forestry technicians train workers to fight forest fires. They sometimes cut and remove weak or diseased trees to protect other trees. Technicians may prune tree tops and limbs to control or improve growth. They spray trees, shrubs, and weeds to control insects and diseases.

Technicians also monitor the activities of logging companies and contractors. They keep records of the number of logs removed and taken to mills.

Forestry technicians train and lead conservation workers. They train them to plant tree seedlings to reforest the land. They train them to maintain campsites and recreation areas. For example, workers may restock firewood and supplies. They may clear brush from roadsides and camping areas. They may put up signs and fences where needed. They may also clean bathrooms and kitchens.

Some forestry technicians work in private industry. They assist foresters in both protecting timber and harvesting it. For example, they examine, grade, and mark trees for cutting according to a standard chart. They also help to clear site-lines, set stakes, and cut trees.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agricultural Worker Supervisors
• Conservation Scientists
• Environmental Engineering Technicians
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• Firefighters
• Foresters
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers
• Loggers
• Nursery Workers
• Occupational Health and Safety Technicians
• Park Naturalists
• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Science Technicians
• Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to forestry technicians.

• Assist foresters with other tasks, including clearing site-lines and cutting trees.
• Issue fire, timber, and other related forest permits.
• Gather and record data on forest size, content, and condition.
• Identify and cut weak or diseased trees to protect forest areas. May prune trees to control growth.
• Train and lead conservation workers in planting seedlings, putting out fires, and maintaining recreation facilities.
• Examine and grade trees according to chart and mark with color-coded tags.
• Sort, plant, and cultivate tree seedlings to reforest land.
• Spray trees, brush, and weeds with herbicides to fight insects and harmful diseases.
• Clear and pile brush and limbs from roadsides, fire trails, camping areas, and planting areas.
• Manage various fire control activities, including fire crew training, fire detection, and public education programs.
• Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors. Keep records of logs taken to mills.
• May develop and maintain computer databases to track projects.

Common work activities

Forestry technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Get information needed to do the job
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Schedule work and activities
• Process information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Develop goals and strategies
• Evaluate information against standards
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Use computers
• Handle and move objects
• Develop and build teams
• Teach others
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Document and record information
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Perform for or work with the public
• Analyze data or information
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Control machines and processes
• Think creatively
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Perform administrative tasks
• Assist and care for others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, forestry technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. Working face-to-face with other people on a daily basis.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but less often.
• Work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the outcomes of work performed by others.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work outdoors. Occasionally work indoors.
• Often wear safety attire, such as hard hats and gloves.
• Are often exposed to hazardous situations that could produce cuts, bites, stings, or minor burns.
• Sometimes wear a special uniform.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment such as electric saws.
• Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures when working outdoors.
• May occasionally be exposed to contaminants, such as pesticides.
• Travel to different forests and sites in a truck, van, or car.
• Work somewhat near others, such as when sharing office space.

Work performance

• Must be sure their work is exact. Errors could endanger natural resources.
• Make decisions that affect others on a weekly basis. They make most decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
• Are able to independently set some of their daily tasks and goals, but usually consult a supervisor first.
• May repeat the same mental and physical activities.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work a schedule with irregular hours due to weather conditions and project deadlines.
• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May travel to visit different forests.
• May work seasonal jobs.

Physical demands

Forestry technicians frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for forestry technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for forestry technicians to be able to:

• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very low light.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Forestry technicians need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Teach others how to do something.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Forest Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Forestry
• Natural Resources Conservation

Training

To work as a forestry technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least a two-year degree in a forestry-related field.

Education after high school

Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer programs in forest technology. Programs include courses in forestry and forest resource management. You also study forest technology and environmental studies. Programs also include hands-on experience working in the field or lab.

It is becoming more common for forest technicians to enter the field with a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field.

Work experience

Summer jobs in parks are very helpful if you would like to work as a forestry technician. Many students in forestry programs work for the state and national forests during the summer. Experience working as a wildfire fighter is also helpful.

On-the-job training

Once hired, most forestry technicians learn additional skills on the job from experienced forestry technicians. As a new technician you begin by working as a helper or forest conservation technician. As you get experience, you begin supervising other workers. Training may last up to a year.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Forestry
• Horticulture
• Physical Education
• Plant and Soil Science

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers prefer applicants who have at least an associate degree in forest technology or a related field. Bachelor's degrees are becoming more desirable. Summer work experience in a park, forest, or nursery may also be helpful.

Most employers require applicants to be in good physical condition and able to do strenuous work outdoors. Many employers require applicants to have a valid driver's license and a good driving record. Jobs with public contact may require a criminal background check.

Forestry technicians in state government must pass a civil service exam. Employers look for applicants with good listening, speaking, and writing skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team. Some employers prefer workers who are cross-trained in other areas, such as business, recreation, computers, wildlife, or fisheries.

Costs to workers

Technicians may have to purchase work clothing such as boots and rain gear.

Licensing/certification

Some employers may require first aid and CPR certification. If a forestry technician is going to apply pesticides, they need to obtain a license from the Department of Agriculture.

For information on pesticide application licensing, contact:

Washington State Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Division 
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
877.301.4555

#Infc okay 3/12/14, 4/19/16, 4/2/18 cj. 2/26/19 lh

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Forest and Conservation Workers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer. Starting salaries in private industry are similar to those in the federal government. However, starting salaries in state and local government are usually lower. Wages also vary based on the technician's experience and education.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time, year-round forestry technicians may earn typical benefits, especially in government agencies. Typical benefits include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Jobs for forestry technicians are located in every state. However, employment is concentrated in the western and southeastern states. Many national and private forests and parks, and most of the lumber-producing forests, are located in these states.

Major employers:

• Federal, state, and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing slower than average. Some job openings will occur as technicians are needed to help prevent wildland fires. Increased demand for timber, wood pellets, and biomass may also lead to new jobs. However, this is a small occupation and few job openings are expected.

Other resources

American Forest and Paper Association 
1101 K Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
202.463.2700

American Forests 
1220 L Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20005
202.737.1944

Forest Guild 

Forest Resources Association 
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 303
Washington, DC 20006
202.296.3937

Society for Ecological Restoration 
1133 15th St. NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20005

Society of American Foresters 
10100 Laureate Way
Bethesda, MD 20814
866.897.8720
301.897.8720

Tree Care Industry Association 
136 Harvey Road, Suite 101
Londonderry, NH 03053

USDA Forest Service Research & Development 

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Forest and Conservation Technicians (19-4093.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Christmas-tree Farm Worker (451.687-010) 
• Christmas-tree Grader (451.687-014) 
• Forest Worker (452.687-010) 
• Forest-products Gatherer (453.687-010) 
• Laborer, Tree Tapping (453.687-014) 
• Seedling Puller (451.687-018) 
• Seedling Sorter (451.687-022) 
• Tree Planter (452.687-018) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Enterprising/Investigative
• Realistic/Investigative/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Outdoor