Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Conservation Technician
What conservation technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Load gear and drive to a forest stand with the crew. From there, the day usually includes measure trees and collect forest inventory data, map stands and boundaries with GPS and GIS, and mark timber for harvest or thinning. Many jobs are seasonal, with long days in summer. Permanent positions run year-round with some office work in winter.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a conservation technician working full time.
- Load gear and drive to a forest stand with the crew.
- Run plots, measuring tree diameters and heights for a timber cruise.
- Paint-mark trees for a thinning project.
- Map an invasive plant infestation with GPS.
- Clear downed trees from a hiking trail with a chainsaw.
- Enter field data into the database and charge equipment.
Where conservation technicians work
Technicians work outdoors in forests, rangelands and parks in all weather, often hiking off-trail in rough terrain. Some work involves chainsaws and fire.
Hours and schedule
Many jobs are seasonal, with long days in summer. Permanent positions run year-round with some office work in winter.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Measure trees and collect forest inventory data
- Map stands and boundaries with GPS and GIS
- Mark timber for harvest or thinning
- Monitor wildlife, water and invasive species
- Maintain trails, roads and recreation sites
- Plant trees and restore habitats
- Assist with prescribed burns and fire suppression
Tools you’ll use every day
- Diameter tapes and clinometers
- GPS units and tablets
- Increment borers
- Chainsaws and hand tools
- Paint guns for marking
- Compasses and maps
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Work outdoors in nature
- Associate degree entry
- Variety of tasks
- Public land agency careers
What’s hard
- Seasonal work for many
- Physically demanding in rough terrain
- Weather and insects
- Remote locations
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want to work outdoors most days
- I enjoy plants, trees and wildlife
- I can hike rough terrain
- I don’t mind weather and bugs
- I like collecting data
- I’m interested in public lands
Not sure? Take the free Conservation Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear chainsaw PPE and follow sawyer certification rules
- Carry first aid, water and communication devices
- Watch for wildlife and hazards in remote areas
- Follow fire safety on prescribed burns