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Skilled Trades

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.

Median salary

$43,680

Typical range

$33k – $54k

Job outlook

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Forest and Conservation Workers

    Entry / Junior

    $33,050

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Forest and Conservation Workers

    Established

    $43,680

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Forest and Conservation Workers

    Senior

    $48,935

Key skills

A typical day

  • 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.

Fields of study

Any field

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