How To Become A Conservation Technician: What It Is and Career Path

What is a conservation technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Craig Magie Ph.D.

Conservation technicians work towards conserving land as well as air or sea resources. They draw maps, patrol the areas, and record specifics of territories designated for conservation projects. They work closely together with foresters or conservation scientists and take care of the technical aspects of environmental conservation projects.

Working in this position, you will collect data on the size and condition of conservation projects' areas. You will survey and measure land, sample it for pollutants, and record any damage to the vegetation or wildlife. It will also be your job to keep track of any larger-scale activities in the area and train other junior-level technicians to carry out their tasks.

An associate's or bachelor's degree in science or biology is typically required of candidates for this position. You will be provided on-the-job training to understand the characteristics of the specific role. Most of the job will be done outdoors, with a lot of movement involved, sometimes carrying heavy equipment, so physical stamina will be important. Average salaries are around $35,000 a year.

What general advice would you give to a conservation technician?

Craig Magie Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology Quinnipiac University Department of Biological Sciences, Quinnipiac University

Decide what sort of biology you enjoy the most, and pursue a career based on that. For example, some students enjoy laboratory science and would be a good fit for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. Others enjoy being outside in nature and would be better served by a career in the forest service or something similar. The more you enjoy what you do, the more motivated you will be to do it well. Make sure you have marketable skills employers are looking for and play up your critical thinking skills and adaptability. You may not be familiar with the specific technologies used in a particular job, but if you can demonstrate that you are a quick and eager learner you will be a more attractive candidate.

ScoreConservation TechnicianUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $35,950

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.7

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.03%

Asian 7.22%

Black or African American 9.33%

Hispanic or Latino 16.52%

Unknown 5.85%

White 60.05%

Gender

female 42.19%

male 57.81%

Age - 35

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 35

Stress level

6.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a conservation technician

Explore conservation technician education requirements

Most common conservation technician degrees

Bachelor's

75.7 %

Associate

11.9 %

Master's

5.2 %

Start to develop specific conservation technician skills

Skills	Percentages
GRASS	25.40%
Natural Resources	12.55%
Data Entry	5.95%
Hand Tools	5.70%
Cost-Share	4.48%

Complete relevant conservation technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New conservation technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a conservation technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real conservation technician resumes.

Research conservation technician duties and responsibilities

Lead crews to achieve goals of closing and reclaiming illegal ATV trails.
Manage native grass to improve wildlife habitat and reduce woody encroachment.
Survey back-country old-growth timber, fight forest fires, manage brush, and replant forests after harvest.
Develop and conduct shoreline and wetland vegetation assessment methods utilizing GPS.

Prepare your conservation technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your conservation technician resume.

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