Forestry Technicians

Working hours for forestry technicians are fairly normal. Most technicians work eight-hour days, five days a week. In case of fires or other unusual situations, however, longer hours may be necessary.

Some of the work is physically demanding. In addition, technicians working in the field may occasionally have to deal with hazardous conditions such as forest fires.

For many technicians, most of the working day is spent outdoors, even in unpleasant weather, in settings that are sparsely settled, primitive, and remote. Many forest areas do not have paved roads, and large areas have only a few roads or trails that are passable.

Technicians who work in laboratories or offices generally have well-lit, modern, and comfortable surroundings.

The twin purposes of forestry—protecting natural resources while promoting their use—present challenges to forestry technicians. Many technicians find satisfaction both in assisting in the conservation and improvement of the forest and in providing an essential public service.