Forestry Technician

Answer 1

For some people, a job sitting inside at a desk all day is far from ideal. Rugged individuals who like to spend time outdoors would be well suited for a career in forestry.

A forestry technician is a person who works alongside forest rangers in order to ensure that resources are properly managed. Duties are varied and range from building roads through forest lands where logging is done to overseeing crews of firefighters in the event that a forest fire breaks out. Forestry technicians keep track of supplies and write detailed reports, and they may be responsible for marking trees to be cut down.

In order to secure a position as a forestry technician, a person must be a high school graduate, and two additional years of training are required beyond that. Many colleges offer two-year forestry programs, which cover such subjects as wildlife management, forest protection, timber cruising and land surveying. They also continue to learn on the job, improving their skills with time. Those who want to gain a position with the government are required to first take a civil service exam.

Forestry technicians earn an average of about $43,000 a year. It’s also typical for them to receive health insurance and paid vacations. Those who are paid by the hour instead of a yearly salary usually make about $13 an hour. While most work full-time, the hours can vary depending on environmental factors, particularly the weather conditions.

Working as a forestry technician can be hazardous, as it often involves the use of heavy equipment. Spending so much time in logging areas may put one under threat from forest fires as well, and there is always the possibility of facing dangerous wild animals. Another drawback is the fact that this is a very competitive field, with fewer jobs becoming available, so finding a position as a forestry technician may be difficult.

Despite the difficulties, forestry is an important profession that may be just the right fit for someone concerned about proper management of the environment. Working as a forest technician allows a person to be vitally involved in balancing the protection and economic viability of this nation’s resources.