HandsOnward
Sign InBuild My Roadmap

Forest and Conservation Workers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $43,680/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$33,780$57,220

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: -4.7% projected growth, 20242034 — declining.

About 2,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Critical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningReading ComprehensionActive LearningCoordinationSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingTime Management
Top knowledge areas
Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementGeographyBiologyCommunications and MediaTransportation
Core tasks

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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Forest and Conservation Workers?

The median pay for Forest and Conservation Workers is $43,680 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Forest and Conservation Workers?

Employment for Forest and Conservation Workers is projected to change -4.7% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.

What education is typically required for Forest and Conservation Workers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Forest and Conservation Workers?

About 2,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.