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Forest and Conservation Technicians - 19-4093.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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, fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Forest Technician
  • Forestry Technician
  • Wildlife Technician
  • Resource Manager
  • Resource Technician
  • Conservationist
  • Fire Technician
  • Forest Ranger
  • Forestry Aide
  • Natural Resources Technician

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Conduct laboratory or field experiments with plants, animals, insects, diseases and soils.
  • Develop and maintain computer databases.
  • Inspect trees and collect samples of plants, seeds, foliage, bark and roots to locate insect and disease damage.
  • Install gauges, stream flow recorders, and soil moisture measuring instruments, and collect and record data from them to assist with watershed analysis.
  • Issue fire permits, timber permits and other forest use licenses.
  • 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.
  • Measure distances, clean site-lines, and record data to help survey crews.
  • Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
  • Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage.
  • 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.
  • Provide forestry education and general information, advice, and recommendations to woodlot owners, community organizations, and the general public.
  • Provide information about, and enforce, regulations such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety and accident prevention.
  • Provide technical support to forestry research programs in areas such as tree improvement, seed orchard operations, insect and disease surveys, or experimental forestry and forest engineering research.
  • 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.
  • Survey, measure, and map access roads and forest areas such as burns, cut-over areas, experimental plots, and timber sales sections.
  • 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • advise clients or customers
  • analyze adaptability of tree species to new environmental conditions
  • analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
  • analyze forest conditions to determine reasons for species prevalence
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
  • collect geographic or physical data
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • collect statistical data
  • communicate technical information
  • compile numerical or statistical data
  • conduct field research or investigative studies
  • conduct laboratory research or experiments
  • conduct land surveys
  • conduct training for personnel
  • control and extinguish municipal or forest fires
  • determine best method for attacking fire
  • determine negligence or violation of laws or regulations
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop tables depicting data
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct and coordinate fire prevention and suppression activities
  • direct construction of recreation facilities or fire safety features
  • direct loading of fire suppression equipment
  • direct workers in planting, irrigating, cultivating, harvesting, or marketing
  • draw maps or charts
  • enforce laws, ordinances, or regulations
  • ensure compliance with government regulations
  • estimate standing timber or future growth
  • explain complex mathematical information
  • explain government laws or regulations
  • follow safe waste disposal procedures
  • give directions to crew on fire line during forest fire
  • identify diseased, weak or undesirable trees
  • identify plant characteristics
  • interpret aerial photographs
  • issue licenses or permits
  • judge soil conditions
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • make presentations
  • observe fire to note changing conditions
  • observe plants, flowers, shrubs or trees to ascertain condition
  • obtain land survey data using surveying instruments
  • obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers
  • operate emergency fire or rescue equipment
  • operate forestry equipment
  • operate land or site surveying instruments
  • oversee work progress to verify safety or conformance to standards
  • patrol or guard area or premises
  • perform safety inspections in agricultural, forestry, or fishing setting
  • perform statistical analysis
  • plan forestation, reforestation, or range revegetation projects
  • plan or organize work
  • plant, cultivate, or harvest crops, including aquaculture
  • prepare reports
  • read maps
  • read measuring or metering devices used in forestry
  • read surveying instruments to measure property
  • recognize plant diseases
  • recognize tree or forest plant species
  • recognize wood species characteristics
  • record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
  • use biological research techniques
  • use biological testing instruments
  • use building or land use regulations
  • use chain saws
  • use chemical testing or analysis procedures
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use fire suppression equipment
  • use fire suppression techniques
  • use forest fire protection methods
  • use forestry, range, or other public land management techniques
  • use government regulations
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products
  • use interpersonal communication techniques
  • use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
  • use laboratory equipment
  • use land surveying techniques
  • use long term forest or range land planning techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use plant disease control techniques
  • use plant or crop transplant techniques
  • use pollution control techniques
  • use public speaking techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use timber grading standards
  • use timber scaling procedures
  • use two-way radio or mobile phone
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • work as a team member

Military Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Forester Aide
  • Soil-Conservation Technician