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.

$43,680

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

-5% projected 2024–2034

High school diploma or equivalent

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Forest and conservation workers spend their days outdoors performing hands-on tasks that protect and improve natural landscapes. They plant seedlings to restore forests, clear trails and remove invasive plant species, and build erosion control structures like retaining walls and water bars. Much of their work involves combating threats to plant health, including monitoring for disease outbreaks, treating infected areas, and managing pest populations that could damage trees and vegetation.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Forestry(bachelors)North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NC

Forestry(masters)University of Florida, FL

Forestry(masters)Oregon State University, OR

Forestry(masters)Oregon State University-Cascades Campus, OR

Forestry(bachelors)California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, CA

Forestry(bachelors)Clemson University, SC

Forestry(bachelors)California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt, CA

Forestry(masters)Mississippi State University, MS

Forestry(masters)Southern University and A & M College, LA

Forestry(masters)Stephen F Austin State University, TX

Forestry(masters)Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science, NY

Forestry(masters)Colorado State University-Fort Collins, CO

Forestry(masters)Michigan State University, MI

Forestry(masters)Duke University, NC

Forestry(masters)Auburn University, AL

Forestry(masters)Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, IL

Forestry(masters)Northern Arizona University, AZ

Forestry(masters)Iowa State University, IA

Forestry(masters)California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, CA

Forestry(masters)Miami University-Oxford, OH

Forestry(masters)Southern University Law Center, LA

Forestry(masters)Clemson University, SC

Forestry(masters)North Carolina State University at Raleigh, NC

Forestry(masters)SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, NY

Forestry(masters)Texas A&M University-College Station, TX

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