Forest and Conservation Technicians in Illinois
Thinking about a career as a Forest and Conservation Technicians in Illinois? Here’s what the data says. Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats. Excludes “Conservation Scientists” (19-1031) and “Foresters” (19-1032).
What do Forest and Conservation Technicians Make in Illinois?
For a forest and conservation technicians working in Illinois, the typical annual salary is $45,570 per year (or about $21.91/hour).Pay can range from $26,390 at the 10th percentile to $70,530 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $26,390 | $12.69 |
| 25th percentile | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| Median (50th) | $45,570 | $21.91 |
| 75th percentile | $63,040 | $30.31 |
| 90th percentile | $70,530 | $33.91 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Illinois nationwide is 0.78, meaning fewer forest and conservation technicians per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, forest and conservation technicians earn a median of $50,097 per year ($24.09/hour), below the Illinois median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 72,716 forest and conservation technicians nationwide. In Illinois alone, approximately 960 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 380 forest and conservation technicians.
Top Illinois Metros for Forest and Conservation Technicians
These are the Illinois metros with the most forest and conservation technicians in Illinois.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 350 | $47,500 |
Top States for Forest and Conservation Technicians Employment
View the states that employ the most forest and conservation technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 6,440 |
| Oregon | 2,750 |
| Idaho | 2,110 |
| Montana | 1,940 |
| Arizona | 1,350 |
| Utah | 1,270 |
| Washington | 1,240 |
| Colorado | 1,230 |
| Illinois | 960 |
| Nevada | 760 |
| North Carolina | 740 |
| Minnesota | 670 |
| Wisconsin | 630 |
| Wyoming | 590 |
| Alaska | 470 |
| Iowa | 440 |
| Tennessee | 430 |
| Texas | 430 |
| Michigan | 400 |
| Pennsylvania | 380 |
Highest-Paying States for Forest and Conservation Technicians
The highest-paying states for forest and conservation technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $67,450 |
| Minnesota | $63,540 |
| California | $60,880 |
| Louisiana | $58,820 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,910 |
| New York | $56,340 |
| Oregon | $55,810 |
| Alaska | $54,810 |
| Washington | $54,310 |
| Colorado | $54,310 |
Skills
The most important forest and conservation technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for forest and conservation technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
- Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
- Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
- Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
- Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems.
- Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
- Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
- Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
- Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
- Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads.
- Select and mark trees for thinning or logging, drawing detailed plans that include access roads.
- Supervise forest nursery operations, timber harvesting, land use activities such as livestock grazing, and disease or insect control programs.
Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Getting Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Scheduling Work and Activities
- Processing Information
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: ESRI ArcGIS software, Facebook In-demand technologies: ESRI ArcGIS software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Forestry
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Related Careers
Other careers like forest and conservation technicians include:
- Water Resource Specialists
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Agricultural Engineers
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Conservation Scientists
Also Known As
Biological Science Aide, Conservation Agent, Conservation Officer, Conservation Technician, Field Technician (Field Tech), Forest Technician, Forester Aide, Forestry Aid Technician, Forestry Aide, Forestry Aide Technician, Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech), Grazing Aide, Grazing Examiner, Natural Resources Technician, Park Technician (Park Tech).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-4071.00