Career Explorer Science
Human edge, steady
Forest and conservation technicians
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.
In the middle of the pack: more resilient than 52% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is moderate (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it moderate), and US jobs are projected to change by -2.1% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on ethical judgement and physical dexterity.
AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.
- Median pay (2025)
- $54,560
- Job growth to 2035
- -2.1%
- Openings a year
- 3,800
- People doing it (2025)
- 32,800
- Usual route in
- Associate's degree
Where people already use AI for this work
- Create visual designs or displays
- Prepare documentation for contracts, applications, or permits
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Manage agricultural or forestry operations
- Perform agricultural activities
- Assess characteristics of land or property
What the work looks like
- Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
- 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.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
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Also known as: Forest Technician, Forestry Aide, Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech), Resource Technician, Biological Science Aide, Timber Appraiser.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.