Environmental services
Forest and conservation technician
Collect forest measurements, support conservation projects and assist resource-management teams.
BLS · May 2025
EDUCATION & ENTRY
Field training + technical study
Compare technician routes with professional forestry degrees. Field seasons, driving and outdoor conditions can affect access to work.
The state’s typical entry education classification is “High school diploma or equivalent.” This describes the occupation broadly; employers, programs and licensing bodies set specific requirements.
CONNECT THE CAREER TO A PLACE TO LEARN
Oregon training options
These are related routes to investigate. Confirm the full preparation, current admissions and eligibility for your intended role with the provider.
Central Oregon Community College
Forest Resources Technology
Outdoor labs develop forest measurement, mapping and resource-management skills. The catalog describes two years for prepared fall starters and up to three for later starts or additional math/writing preparation.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Forest Resources Technology plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Umpqua Community College
Forestry
The forestry curriculum prepares students for the first two years before application to OSU's professional forestry program. Field learning includes mapping and forest-monitoring methods; the AS is not the final forestry bachelor's degree.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Forestry plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Treasure Valley Community College
Natural Resources
Study invasive species, range management, forestry and introductory GPS/GIS. The curriculum also includes watershed and wildlife management.
Ask: Which preparation, timetable and complete budget apply to my Natural Resources plan?
Program page reviewed September 15, 2026
Take this question to a counselor.
Would I enjoy outdoor measurements, field travel and practical conservation work?
Before choosing a program, ask for prerequisites, the complete timeline, class and placement schedules, and a full cost estimate including supplies, exams, travel and living expenses.
Build a working cost estimate →Understand the numbers.
The median is the midpoint of estimated wages for Oregon workers in this occupation. The hourly median is $26.88. These figures describe workers across experience levels; they are not starting pay or the earnings of graduates from the programs below.
Oregon projects employment moving from 2,374 jobs in 2024 to 2,309 in 2034. The projected 2,786 openings over the decade include growth and replacement needs as workers leave an occupation. Dividing that total by ten gives the rounded annual average shown above. These are projections, not today’s vacancies.
How to read wage information →