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Forest/Conservation Worker

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Environmental Service Systems pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

High school preferred, plus moderate length, on-the-job training

Forest and conservation workers typically need a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license before they begin working. Some vocational and technical schools and community colleges offer courses leading to a 2-year technical degree in forestry. The programs typically offer courses in forest management technology, wildlife management, conservation, or timber harvesting. Programs that include field trips to watch and participate in forestry activities provide particularly good background knowledge.

Insider Info

Additional Information

Take as many math, chemistry, biology, physics, earth sciences and natural resources courses as you can.

Many forest technicians have a two-year associate's degree in forestry, wildlife management or conservation. A program that offers a lot of fieldwork can provide valuable experience.

Forest technician Jason W. Hinks says students should try to work in the summers to gain experience.

"By the time they graduate and are able to enter the workforce, I believe this industry will be on the upturn. And the opportunities are only going to increase and the demand for trained technicians and foresters will be ever higher," he says.