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Job outlook for conservation technicians in the United States
Are conservation technician jobs in demand?
Conservation technician job and salary trends over time
Conservation technician jobs over time
Conservation technician job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 223 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 221 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 227 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,625 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,644 | 0.00% |
Average conservation technician salary over time
Conservation technician salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $35,950 | $17.28 | +0.4% |
| 2024 | $35,794 | $17.21 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $34,688 | $16.68 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $33,709 | $16.21 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | $33,177 | $15.95 | +0.4% |
Conservation technician jobs by state
Most common states for conservation technicians
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 349 | 33% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 153 | 26% |
| 3 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 389 | 23% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 109 | 15% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 537 | 13% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 158 | 12% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 614 | 11% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 296 | 10% |
| 9 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 217 | 10% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 90 | 10% |
| 11 | Vermont | 623,657 | 55 | 9% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 537 | 8% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 427 | 8% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 150 | 8% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 102 | 8% |
| 16 | Delaware | 961,939 | 75 | 8% |
| 17 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 677 | 7% |
| 18 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 462 | 7% |
| 19 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 403 | 7% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 234 | 7% |
Most common cities for conservation technicians
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Champaign | 2 | 2% | $30,530 |
| 2 | Fitchburg | 1 | 2% | $40,161 |
Conservation Technician job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of conservation technician experts
University of Northern Iowa
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Lake Superior State University
Coastal Carolina University
Stockton University
Macalester College
Norfolk State University
American University
Quinnipiac University
Maryville University
Paine College
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
William & Mary
Kansas State University
Molloy College
Brigham Young University-Idaho
University of California
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Amy Welsh Ph.D.: I think people like the freedom that the job enables. Many biologists have flexibility with scheduling. In addition, when they are at work they are doing something that really interests them anyway. Wildlife professionals aren't paid as much as some other professions so that would be a negative but there are trade offs that are rewarding.
What will help Conservation Technicians increase their earning potential?
Amy Welsh Ph.D.: Depends on the specific job and the specific day. There are species project leaders (in fish, game, or conservation) that have specific research projects that require field work but also inside data analysis and writing. Most of these people have a M.S. degree. Someone entering the field with a B.S. typically does more outside work. This would depend on their specific job but may be data collection, taking care of wildlife management areas, etc.
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Theresa Spradling: All of the jobs that biologists do help other people, and that brings biologists personal satisfaction with their job.
What will help Conservation Technicians increase their earning potential?
Theresa Spradling: Biology is the study of life, including bacteria, plants, animals, and people, so biology is an incredibly diverse field! What biologists do day to day depends on the area of biology that the biologist works in. Some biologists work in the field of conservation to protect animals and plants, some work in scientific research labs to advance our knowledge of nature and of medicines, some biologists teach, and some biologists specialize in helping people in healthcare settings by serving as doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, physical therapists, genetic counselors, dentists, and more. Each of these people have jobs that differ day to day and hour to hour.
Scott Henke PhD
Regents ProfessorTexas A&M University - Kingsville
Wildlife And Wildlands Science And Management
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Scott Henke PhD: Be an active listener. Often new graduates what to show their knowledge, but being too eager to demonstrate what you know can be misunderstood as an attempt into being superior. If you are a new biologist in the area, research what issues face the citizens of the area first so you become aware of what may be needed. Then arrange a meeting with the key people or local groups and ask questions as to what they believe are their most important questions and concerns. During this meeting, only listen. Do not offer suggestions unless specifically asked to do so. Often people want to be heard so actively listen to their concerns. Get to know the locals as individuals. They will be more receptive to you as the ‘new’ person, if they feel respected by you first.
Also learn the local customs. People from different areas other than from where you grew up may do things differently. Don’t be judgmental as how things are done in the new area. Different is not necessarily wrong, its just a different way from what you may be accustomed to doing.
What Conservation Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Henke PhD: This answer will age me, but I think today’s generation relies too heavily on technology. Old school ‘hands-on’ training is becoming a lost art. New students, for the most part, seem to have spent little time outdoors and do not seem capable of recognizing animal signs (i.e. tracks, scat, feather, scraps, dens, fur, etc.). I think some of these “lost art” skills will be needed, and up-and-coming students who have such skills will be sought by agencies.
People skills will always be needed. Most kids get into wildlife management because they desire to work with animals, but quickly find out that much of wildlife jobs entail dealing with people. Being able to converse with kids to adults, from lay people to businessmen to scientists is always useful Get as much experience with people as you can. It will pay off. As a student, volunteer to give presentations to school classes, to Rotary Clubs, to Garden Clubs, and give scientific presentations at science-based conferences.
Also, learn how to identify plants. Plants are often thought of as the boring part for wildlife students; however, plants are habitat. Much of wildlife management is habitat management. Do not lessen the importance of this skill.
What will help Conservation Technicians increase their earning potential?
Scott Henke PhD: The trend in the wildlife field is to seek employees with higher degrees (i.e., MS degrees +), especially when seeking middle management or higher levels (research type job) or supervisory level positions. Therefore to ensure your competitiveness as you develop in your career, seek at least a MS level education. True story: I had a student (let’s call him Bill) who was not interested in a higher education nor did he take his coursework during his BS degree too seriously. Bill graduated from our wildlife program with a satisfactory GPA (~2.75, which is a C+ level). Not stellar, but good to graduate. Bill interviewed well and got a job with the state wildlife agency. After a year of working Bill was asked to train a new employee (who had a MS degree). That new employee eventually became Bill’s boss because the new employee held an advanced degree. Again, Bill was asked to train another student (again with a MS degree) and the same outcome happened again. This time Bill decided to never let it happen again and he desired to earn a MS degree. Unfortunately, Bill’s GPA from his BS degree (2.75) was insufficient to get accepted into a graduate level program. Bill is most likely as high a level as possible in his career, even though he is at best considered mid-career. The moral of this story is to make sure you do as well as possible in your BS program. Stay in school and retake classes if you must, but do not graduate with a BS degree unless you have at least a 3.0 GPA (3.25+ is better). You may not have a desire to ever get a graduate degree (MS or PhD); however, if the opportunity arises or if your job situation changes where a higher degree is needed, at least that door is still available to you. Look at your life in the long-term. Graduate school may not be desired NOW, but it may become necessary or desirable later. Don’t close that door on yourself by the age of 20. That’s too young to make a decision that could affect the rest of your life.
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Dr. Kevin Kapuscinski Ph.D.: Traditional fisheries skills such as setting and lifting nets, and collecting biological data from fish will continue to be important. Managing, analyzing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets and statistical software are also essential in fisheries. Other skills such as acoustic telemetry (deploying & maintaining receivers, implanting fish with transmitters), analyzing spatial data or other 'big data' sets, and laboratory skills (e.g., eDNA, water quality, emerging contaminants) are likely to increase in demand as technologies continue to develop.
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Jennifer Slate PhD: Because there are so many types of jobs in biology, there is a job to suit everyone! Jobs may be people-oriented, focus primarily on labwork, or even allow one to spend time outdoors. Many (but not all) jobs in biology require further education after finishing the bachelor’s degree. Biology graduates often go on to health professional programs, to obtain teaching certification, or to obtain a master’s or PhD degree.
What will help Conservation Technicians increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Slate PhD: There are so many different types of jobs in biology, to suit people of different interests. Biologists work in health care, in research labs, in environmental protection, and in teaching- just to name a few fields. Responsibilities on a day-to-day basis will depend upon the particular job field. Common skills required on a daily basis include use of computer software, ability to make and record detailed observations, and teamwork/communication skills.
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Danielle Silvia: There are many emerging trends and changes in the natural world making biology a fascinating career to embark on. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of biology is predicted to see a 5% increase in job growth through 2032, as biologists are in high demand across areas such as healthcare, environmental science, sustainability, biotechnology, and more. Due to pressing issues like climate change, the disappearance of species and nature, public health crises, drug development, and genetic engineering, becoming a biologist today will provide career advancement tomorrow. You’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in important areas of society while pursuing an intellectually stimulating career for the long-term.
What Conservation Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Danielle Silvia: A day in the life of a biologist typically involves researching various forms of life, such as bacteria, animals, plants, how they impact the world around them, and vice versa. Biologists may run experiments to work towards answering these questions, using some of the latest and greatest scientific tools and techniques in a laboratory setting. The job scope also includes collecting and reviewing data from research and experiments, and creating reports based on findings to solve important problems. Biologists work at all levels on organisms from the molecular to the whole organism to populations.
Derek Crane Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCoastal Carolina University
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, And Population Biology
What will help Conservation Technicians increase their earning potential?
Derek Crane Ph.D.: Some of our greatest challenges as a global society, such as food security under a changing climate, predicting, preventing, and handling of future pandemics, and rapid loss of biodiversity are based in biology. We need smart, energetic, and motivated people to address these issues.
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Dr. Adam Aguiar Ph.D.: Biology offers a variety of career opportunities in labs, industry, journalism, environmental organizations, policy-making, teaching, etc. The field is essential for addressing societal challenges and is stable in society.
What Conservation Technician skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Elena Tonc: Stay curious and keep learning-the field is constantly evolving with new techniques and building on previous knowledge so it will be important to stay up-to-date. Also, more generally, there is always something new to learn in biology or explore a new subfield. Another thing to keep in mind is building relationships. Reach out to professionals who are on the career path you desire and schedule informational interviews as they are a fantastic way to gain insights, advice, and potentially even mentorship. Learning from others' experiences can help you navigate your career path more effectively and open up opportunities you might not have considered otherwise. The diversity of career trajectories in biology means there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so being proactive in seeking guidance and learning from others' journeys can be immensely valuable.
What will help Conservation Technicians increase their earning potential?
Elena Tonc: Having a specialized skillset is one way to increase your compensation potential early in your career as those jobs are high in demand and companies might offer bigger salary incentives as a recruitment tool. Of course, negotiation is a big part too-don't be afraid to ask for higher compensation after researching salary ranges for similar positions in your location.
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorNorfolk State University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Nazir Barekzi Ph.D.: In order to maximize the salary potential in the field of Biology, stay focused to the fundamental basics and use your skillset to problem solve obstacles and overcome them with confidence. You are no longer in the classroom, so it's time to show off all that you know. In addition, leverage your skills learned in hands-on labs to maximize your salary potential.
What will help Conservation Technicians increase their earning potential?
Meg Bentley: Remember that you are "starting your career" - even the most brilliant and capable people have to start somewhere, so don't attach a starting salary to your self-worth and don't think that a high salary will make up for a miserable job experience. Ask upfront questions about how your employer sets your initial salary and then handles and manages promotions and raises. Remember, that benefits other than salary count toward your overall compensation package (health insurance, retirement, childcare), so include those as well and ask about benefits that are really important to you. Also, do your homework - don't ask for a $90K starting salary when the CEO makes $110K. Once you accept an offer, be willing to listen to feedback on your performance and address it as best you can. Finally - seek out employers/companies where you can have balance, be happy, and do something that you think is important while also identifying ways to grow professionally and increase your salary.
Craig Magie Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology Quinnipiac University Department of Biological SciencesQuinnipiac University
Biology
What general advice would you give to a Conservation Technician?
Craig Magie Ph.D.: 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.
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology and Forensic ScienceMaryville University
College of Arts and Sciences
What soft skills should all Conservation Technicians possess?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: -Ability to work independently
-Ability to work collaboratively
-Ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders
-Ability to ask questions
What skills will help Conservation Technicians earn the most?
Stacy Donovan Ph.D.: When examining job ads for an entry-level position, as I often see that pay is dependent upon experience. I encourage students to apply for internships to obtain skills outside of research and university laboratory courses. If an internship is not possible, then I encourage students to take as many courses with laboratories as they can to increase their skill level and marketability. Students should look for upper-level biology and chemistry laboratory courses that have tangible skills like biochemistry, quantitative analysis, molecular biology, microbiology, or instrumental analysis. Coding courses are also beneficial for students wanting to apply for jobs involving genomic analysis.
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyPaine College
Department Of Mathematics Sciences & Technology
What soft skills should all Conservation Technicians possess?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Flexibility, Communication, Leadership, Team work, thorough understanding of underlying concepts for biological principles, etc., are required for Biology students.
What skills will help Conservation Technicians earn the most?
Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.: Both Hard and Soft skills explained above would earn the most.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Conservation Technician job market given the pandemic?
Charles Ruffner Ph.D.: In natural resource management, there is still a huge need to be in the field managing resources. However, much of our duties entail meeting with the public, granting, agencies, etc. so thus all people should be capable of working remotely on various platforms.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Conservation Technicians?
Charles Ruffner Ph.D.: ANY certification for wildland fire fighting, prescribed burn use, soil conservation, etc are all valuable certs to have in one's toolbox. Others include chainsaw use, small engine maintenance like leaf blowers and UTV's .
What type of skills will young Conservation Technicians need?
S. Laurie Sanderson Ph.D.: Young graduates will benefit from problem-solving skills, interpersonal and teamwork skills, quantitative skills, and strong writing abilities.
How do you envision technology impacting Conservation Technicians in the next 5 years?
Dr. Noelle Cutter: In light of this, we need to prepare our students to have educational experiences that teach them about building civic capacity, broad knowledge about the liberal arts and sciences, and cultures outside the United States. One central goal of a liberal arts education is to prepare students for this uncertain future. A foundation in the liberal arts will teach students the set of skills that give them the opportunity to evolve and adapt as the world changes.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Conservation Technicians to find work opportunities?
Dr. Steven Christenson Ph.D.: I think one thing the pandemic has done has shed light on the need for rapid and accurate laboratory testing. It is not unlikely that COVID alone will increase demand for laboratory testing and thus require the hiring of more Medical Lab Scientists. This increase will likely be present across the country. So I think that everywhere will be a good place to find work opportunities. This field already enjoyed high worker demand and double-digit job growth outlook even before the pandemic. I suspect it will only be stronger now.
How do you envision technology impacting Conservation Technicians in the next 5 years?
Dr. Steven Christenson Ph.D.: The increased development of automated testing will play a role in this field. Technology might not impact job availability as much as you might think, because the field is already highly automated and human personnel is still needed to run the various pieces of equipment. In fact, automation is generally a positive move because it removes some of the monotony and repetitive nature of the job.
Ingrid Parker
Professor and ChairUniversity of California
Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Conservation Technicians?
Ingrid Parker: Unfortunately, no one will get a "re-do" of 2020. However, students, as well as universities, are showing remarkable levels of resilience, allowing self-motivated young people to make progress toward their goals. The great thing about Plant Sciences is that we will always need to grow food, and there will always be a need for doing this better and more sustainably. In addition, there is growing recognition of the importance of ecosystem resilience and natural resource management in the face of climate change and increasingly challenging natural disasters.