Forest and Conservation Workers

People in this career spend their days performing physical labor to care for natural areas. Under supervision, they plant trees, transport seedlings, fight pests and plant diseases, and build structures to prevent soil erosion and water leaching. This role includes tasks like gathering pine straw or working on Christmas tree farms.

To do this work successfully, individuals need a realistic interest area, meaning they enjoy hands-on, practical tasks. Daily activities include operating vehicles and mechanized equipment, handling physical objects, and inspecting tools and structures. Workers must monitor their surroundings, make decisions to solve problems, and communicate clearly with supervisors and teammates. Key skills for the job include critical thinking, coordination, active listening, and time management. Workers rely on knowledge of public safety, biology, geography, and customer service. They must also show dependability, perseverance, cooperation, and high stress tolerance while working in outdoor environments.

Entering this field typically requires a high school diploma. Most workers need some on-the-job training or previous experience to become proficient.

Students interested in this path often pursue college majors in forestry or applied horticulture and horticultural business services. While not always required, some states list a license for this profession. Additionally, workers can pursue professional credentials, such as the Certified Range Management Consultant certification offered by the Society for Range Management.

In 2025, the median annual pay for forest and conservation workers was $43,680. The lowest 10% of earners made less than $33,780, while the highest 10% earned more than $57,220.

There are 6,050 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -1.5%. Despite this slight decrease in total jobs, the field is still expected to have 2,200 openings each year.