Forestry Technicians

Employers

Approximately 10,900 forest and conservation technicians are employed in the United States. About 41 percent of all technicians work for state and local agencies. Others work for the federal government. In this work setting, most jobs are in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service, while others are in the Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management. Opportunities in the federal government also exist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

State governments also employ forestry technicians to provide services to private forestland owners and to manage state forestlands. Many state cooperative extension services and departments of natural resources have forestry positions. County and municipal governments may also have forestry positions.

There are also a number of employment opportunities in the private sector. Technicians work with companies that manage forestlands for lumber, pulpwood, and other products. Companies that use forest products and suppliers of forestry equipment and materials also hire forestry technicians. Other employers include private estates, tree service companies, and forestry consulting firms.

Starting Out

Graduates of technical forestry programs have the best prospects for entering this profession. Although a two-year degree is not a requirement, you will find it much more difficult to find a job without one.

Technicians who have graduated from a college program usually learn about employment leads from their school's career services office, instructors, or guidance staff members. Students who have worked in forestry part time or during summers may be hired on a permanent basis after graduation. Working seasonally may also be a good way to break into the field.

If you choose to pursue a career in the private sector, you should apply directly to companies that employ forestry technicians.