Forest and Conservation Technicians in Washington
Considering working as a Forest and Conservation Technicians in Washington? Below are the key facts. 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 Washington?
For a forest and conservation technicians working in Washington, the typical annual salary is $54,310 per year (or about $26.11/hour).Earnings range from $39,560 at the 10th percentile to $79,710 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,560 | $19.02 |
| 25th percentile | $45,760 | $22.00 |
| Median (50th) | $54,310 | $26.11 |
| 75th percentile | $65,580 | $31.53 |
| 90th percentile | $79,710 | $38.32 |
The job concentration index in Washington relative to the national average — is 1.74, indicating that forest and conservation technicians are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, forest and conservation technicians earn a median of $50,097 per year ($24.09/hour), above the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 72,716 forest and conservation technicians nationwide. In Washington alone, around 1,240 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 380 forest and conservation technicians.
Top Washington Metros for Forest and Conservation Technicians
These are the Washington metros with the most forest and conservation technicians in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 200 | $54,310 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 160 | $50,650 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 110 | $54,310 |
Top States for Forest and Conservation Technicians Employment
The table below shows the states where 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
These states pay the most 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
Key forest and conservation technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important 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
Forest and Conservation Technicians typically:
- 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
Careers similar to 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
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