Forest and conservation technicians
SOC Code: 19-4071
Forest and conservation technicians carries a 26% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $54,310 and -3.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 33,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 26% AI exposure, Forest and conservation technicians sits 11 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 18% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Forest and conservation technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Forest and conservation technicians has ai exposure of 26%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Forest and conservation technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Forest and conservation technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Forest and conservation technicians (SOC 19-4071) carries an AI exposure score of 26%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 33,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.2% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $54,310, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Forest and conservation technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks.
- 2. Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills.
- 3. Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs.
- 4. Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors.
- 5. Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement.
- 6. Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities.
- 7. Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads.
- 8. Select and mark trees for thinning or logging, drawing detailed plans that include access roads.
- 9. Supervise forest nursery operations, timber harvesting, land use activities such as livestock grazing, and disease or insect control programs.
- 10. Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Instructing
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Biology
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Forest and conservation technicians?
Forest and conservation technicians has an AI exposure score of 26%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Forest and conservation technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Forest and conservation technicians is projected to decline by 3.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 33,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Forest and conservation technicians?
Key skills for Forest and conservation technicians include Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Forest and conservation technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Forest and conservation technicians is $54,310, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Forest and conservation technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Forest and conservation technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Forest and conservation technicians?
Forest and conservation technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).