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Forest and Conservation Workers

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.

What you’d do

  • Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.
  • Fight forest fires or perform prescribed burning tasks under the direction of fire suppression officers or forestry technicians.
  • Perform fire protection or suppression duties, such as constructing fire breaks or disposing of brush.
  • Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.

Skills that matter

  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Judgment and Decision Making

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Forest Ranger
  • Forestry Support Specialist
  • Tree Farmer
  • Tree Planter
  • Christmas Tree Farmer
  • Conservation Officer

Related careers

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  • Forest and Conservation Technicians

    Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

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    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

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  • Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse

    Manually plant, cultivate, and harvest vegetables, fruits, nuts, horticultural specialties, and field crops.

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    Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment.

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