Employment for forest and conservation technicians is expected to decline through 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, with job opportunities being the strongest at employers that manage state forests. Some tasks are being automated, which is reducing the need for technicians. One example: remote sensing technology is replacing the need for technicians to conduct tree counts and tree identifications.
Most job openings will result from technicians leaving the field or being promoted to other areas. However, competition will be strong; technicians with good preparation in forestry technology and machinery management will have an advantage over less prepared job applicants.
The increased awareness for protecting the environment, preventing forest fires, and restoring land damaged by fire will continue the demand for conservation and forestry workers, especially in state and local governments. Forestry technicians who have knowledge of urban forestry and geographic information systems will have stronger employment opportunities, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Budgetary constraints, however, will affect hiring, particularly at the federal level.
One promising area of future employment for forestry technicians is in the area of forest recreation. Ever-increasing numbers of people are enjoying the forests. These resources must be managed for the protection of the users, as well as of the resources themselves, and such management requires the expertise of foresters and forestry technicians.
In addition, new uses for wood and wood products are continually being found. Meeting this growing demand requires an increasing supply of timber and pulp. Forestry technicians who specialize in land management and the various aspects of logging and sawmill work will play a valuable role in assuring this supply. Research technicians who help find improved methods of planting, growing, and timber and pulp production will be needed in greater numbers.
- Agricultural Scientists
- Air Quality Engineers
- Aquarists
- Arborists
- Archaeologists
- Archivists
- Biochemists
- Bioenergy/Biofuels Workers
- Biofuels Processing Technicians
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Biologists
- Biomass Plant Technicians
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Botanists
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Business Managers
- Chemical Engineers
- Chemical Technicians
- Chemists
- Chief Sustainability Officers
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- Energy Conservation Technicians
- Energy Consultants
- Engineering Technicians
- Engineers
- Environmental Economists
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Lawyers
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Environmental Planners
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- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Technicians
- EPA Special Agents
- Ethical Sourcing Officer
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forensic Meteorologists
- Forest Fire Prevention Specialists
- Foresters
- Geological Technicians
- Geologists
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- Green Builders
- Green Hotel/Resort Ecomanagers
- Green Products Manufacturers
- Green Transportation Careers
- Grounds Managers
- Groundwater Professionals
- Hazardous Waste Management Specialists
- Hazardous Waste Management Technicians
- Historians
- Horticultural Inspectors
- Horticultural Technicians
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- Indoor Environmental Health Specialists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Laboratory Testing Technicians
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Landscape Architects
- Landscapers
- Logging Industry Workers
- Manufacturing Supervisors
- Marine Biologists
- Methane/Landfill Gas Collection System Operators
- Methane/Landfill Gas Generation System Technicians
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Museum Directors and Curators
- National Park Service Employees
- Naturalists
- Occupational Safety and Health Workers
- Oceanographers
- Paper Processing Workers
- Park Rangers
- Product Development Directors
- Product Management Directors
- Product Managers
- Quality Control Engineers
- Quality Control Technicians
- Range Managers
- Recreation Workers
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers
- Recycling Coordinators
- Renewable Energy Careers
- Renewable Energy Engineers
- Rewilders
- Sales Managers
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Technicians
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Wildland Firefighters
- Wood Science and Technology Workers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zoologists