스포트라이트
Forest and Conservation Technicians, Biological Science Aide, Forest Technician, Forestry Aide, Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech), Resource Technician, Timber Appraiser, Wildland Firefighter
It’s hard to imagine, but roughly one-third of America is considered forested land—equaling nearly a billion acres of forests. That’s a lot of trees, and it takes a lot of Forestry Technicians (~30,000 actually) to protect them. From battling forest fires to helping with conservation efforts related to trees, soil, water, natural resources, and wildlife habitats, their roles can be multifaceted—and often unpredictable!
Every day, they serve on the frontlines, keeping an eye out for fires and fire hazards, assessing forest health, and supporting tourism and recreation industries. In the course of their duties, they collaborate with other types of firefighters, search and rescue teams, conservationists, engineers, rangeland managers, and many others.
The focus is often on protecting forests from devastating fires, and their tasks can overlap with (or even mirror) those of wildland firefighters. For example, Forestry Technicians can help establish firelines, operate equipment, engage in fire suppression activities, conduct prescribed burns (i.e., controlled fires), and help analyze how fires spread!
Note, some websites may use the terms Forestry Technician and Wildland Firefighter interchangeably. Perhaps the easiest way to think of it is that Forestry Technicians can have varying degrees of firefighting duties, depending on the training they choose to undergo. In some cases, they may end up with the same duties as a wildland firefighter.
- Protecting forests and wildlife from fires and environmental damages
- 나무가 건강하고 해충이 없는 상태를 유지하도록 지원
- Keeping nearby community residents and properties safe
- Preserving scenic recreational areas for the public to enjoy
근무 일정
- Many Forestry Technicians work full-time, with significant overtime needed during wildfire emergencies. Some only do seasonal work, and schedules may vary by season.
일반적인 의무
- Assess forested areas for potential fire hazards, litter, or pollution
- Post warning signs around the perimeter of dangerous areas
- Examine trees and soil for signs of disease or pests
- Plant seedlings and count trees. Mark or cut selected trees
- Apply protective insecticides, fungicides, or herbicides (may need a license to perform these tasks)
- Identify diseased or invasive trees and vegetation
- “Perform inventory cruising (Plot work such as: planting, stocking surveys, PCT, CT, and Timber inventory), vegetation control, stream buffer marking, tree planting inspections, and general duties as required for contract administration” — A&H Forestry job posting
- Use GIS/GPS to navigate forest locations and perform fieldwork
- Help to arrange contracts and perform work within contract specifications
- Assist foresters working on silvicultural projects
- Conduct patrols around wilderness boundaries on foot or using vehicles
- Coordinate recreation activities for trail hikers and forest visitors
- Respond to emergencies; work with other firefighters and first responders
- Assist injured or lost visitors; render first aid, as needed
- Construct firelines to slow or stop the spread of wildfires
- Chop down excessive brush to reduce potential fuel for fires
- Look for and put out fire flare-ups
Mid- and higher-level duties may include operating fire engines, analyzing weather and fire data, conducting prescribed burns, training and supervising others, and coordinating onsite firefighting activities. GameWarden.org lists the following Forestry Technician roles:
- Hand crew - does the “grunt work” of fireline construction and fire suppression
- Engine crew - work on a wildland fire engine
- Hotshots - specialized teams working in rough terrain
- Smokejumpers - parachute-qualified firefighters who fight hard-to-reach fires
- Helitack - Helicopter-based firefighters
- Dispatchers - work in logistics to determine resource requirements
- Lookouts - work in remote towers or as airborne spotters
추가 책임
- Perform cleaning and maintenance of vehicles, including ATVs and winter equipment such as snowmobiles
- Prepare written reports about emergency incidents
- Participate in fire and rescue drills
- Keep track of visitor numbers for use in reports
- Support law enforcement efforts and collaborate with officials as needed. Issues minor citations for violations
- Gather and report data about avalanches
- Inspect trails for safety and maintenance issues
- Educate visitors and the general public about recreation opportunities, rules and guidelines, safety topics, weather conditions, resource management, etc.
“I really do enjoy my job—the excitement of what will happen on any given day,” says Forestry Technician Sonya Lucatero. “You just don't really know what you're going to encounter in the woods and how plans will shift. You never have the same day twice.”
소프트 스킬
- 책임감
- Adaptive
- 연역적 추론
- 디테일 지향
- 초점
- 목표 지향적
- 손과 눈의 협응
- 이니셔티브
- 관찰력
- 조직
- 환자
- Preparedness
- 문제 해결
- 안전 중심
- 건전한 판단과 의사 결정
- Strength, stamina, and agility
- 강력한 의사 소통 기술
- 팀워크
- 시간 관리
Some positions, such as smokejumper, have lengthy and specific medical requirements!
기술 능력
- Ability to carry and load up heavy objects
- 차량 운영 및 유지 보수 능력
- Ability to safely use cutting tools
- Familiarity with biology, wildlife, geography, and math
- 응급 처치 및 심폐소생술
- Knowledge of applicable policies, regulations, and laws
- 토양 및 토양 개량제에 대한 지식
- 나무/다리 버팀대, 말뚝, 케이블 및 타이에 대한 지식
- 나무 살충제, 비료, 보호용 타르 및 관련 화학물질에 대한 지식
- Outdoor survival skills
- 헬멧, 장갑, 보안경 등 개인 보호 장비와 로프, 하네스, 끈을 올바르게 착용합니다,
- Understanding of fire safety principles and knowledge of hazards to watch out for, such as combustible materials
- 소방 전술, 장비 및 장비에 대한 지식
- Federal, state, or local government agencies, such as:
- 인도 사무국
- 국토 관리국
- Forest Service (as Wildland Firefighters)
- 국립공원 관리청
- 미국 어류 및 야생동물 관리국
Forestry Technicians are constantly exposed to outdoor elements, such as hot or cold weather, wind, rain, humidity, mud, snow, etc. There are countless hazards that workers must guard against, including tripping hazards, dehydration, heat stroke, frostbite, allergens, poisonous plants, fungi, insect bites, wildlife, fires, and smoke. They have to be prepared for almost anything!
To the extent possible, Forestry Technicians should plan out their daily tasks ahead of time but must stay flexible, anticipate problems, and have a response plan. This requires ongoing training to keep skills sharp. They must be vigilant and ready to effectively handle whatever comes their way. During wildfire emergencies, they may be tagged to work very long hours until the situation is under control.
Conservation effects and sustainable management have been hot trends in the world of forestry for some time now. Sustainability efforts focus on maintaining ecosystem health, biodiversity, and the long-term viability of forests, which are invaluable for sequestering carbon dioxide.
Unfortunately, forests are at risk from wildfires which are happening more frequently and with greater intensity. Methods to combat the fires and mitigate damage include Wildland-Urban Interface management, controlled or prescribed burns, more collaborative fire management approaches, and the advancement of technological tools and solutions like remote sensing, satellite monitoring, and predictive modeling.
Forestry Technicians are typically physically active people who prefer working outdoors versus staying in an office all day. They may have grown up in rural areas, or loved camping, taking long hikes in the woods, or going hunting and fishing. Strong verbal communication skills and teamwork are essential, which may have been developed from extracurricular activities in school.
- Forestry Technicians need at least a high school diploma or GED
- A valid driver’s license is usually needed
- An associate’s degree or some college classes such as fire science, forest technology, forest ecology, wildlife management, or resource conservation can be helpful
- Class topics may include: “dendrology, forest ecology, silviculture, land surveying, aerial photo interpretation, woods safety, harvesting techniques, multiple uses of forest land, measuring forest resources, forest health, and forest management practices”
- Workers can expect to receive ample On-the-Job training
- Note, the terms Forestry Technician and Wildland Firefighter are sometimes used interchangeably. The Department of the Interior even lists the following job title: Forestry Technician (Wildland FireFighter)
- The Forest Service offers a Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program
- Those who pursue a firefighting path will have to complete extra training to obtain a “Red Card.” For example, GameWarden.org notes that workers complete very short courses such as:
- Intro to Incident Command System
- Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- Firefighter Training
- Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior
- In addition, they will get hands-on experience via a short field training exercise
- Candidates must be medically qualified to perform certain duties and may have to pass an annual fitness test, as well
- Red Cards must be renewed each year via Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training
- Workers may complete additional job-specific training, such as Fire Vehicle Driver Orientation
- Technicians who apply pesticides or other chemicals may need a state license
- Forestry Technicians don’t need a college degree, but it can be helpful to complete classes in fire science, forest technology, forest ecology, wildlife management, or resource conservation.
- Future Forestry Technicians should participate in sports and physical fitness activities to get in shape
- In high school, study biology, environmental science, agronomy, forestry, and plant and soil science
- Do a Google search for local tree service providers and check out their websites. Some companies offer arborist trainee internships and seasonal work
- Participate in extracurricular activities where you can get experience outdoors, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or local parks and recreation groups
- Go camping, hiking, or fishing. Start a garden or volunteer to help a local park’s garden
- GPS를 사용하여 야외에서 길을 찾는 방법을 알아보고, 지리 정보 시스템이 매핑에 어떻게 사용되는지 공부하세요.
- Apply for outdoor jobs working with landscaping and tree care. Learn about common tree diseases and pests
- Look for opportunities to get field experience with government agencies, private forestry companies, conservation organizations, or research institutions.
- 운전면허증을 취득하고 CDL 신청을 고려하세요.
- Talk to working Forestry Technicians to ask about their jobs. Try to speak to workers performing different duties
- Research the different roles that Forestry Technicians can fill, and decide if you want to pursue more of a firefighting role or not. If so, consider doing the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program
- You can find Forestry Technician (and Wildland Firefighter) job openings on USAJOBS and Indeed.com
- Check out the career pages of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Take note of keywords in job postings. Tailor your resume and cover letter to include them, while highlighting your relevant education and experience
- If you don’t have the necessary experience for certain jobs, don’t give up. Keep looking for more entry-level positions until you find one that you qualify for
- Attend recruitment events. Many federal and state agencies show up at job fairs ready to hire on the spot. Come dressed nicely and prepared to ask questions and give mature responses
- 대학 과정을 수강하는 경우, 강사나 동료 학생에게 그들이 알고 있는 채용 공고나 인맥에 대해 물어보세요. 네트워킹을 통해 많은 일자리를 찾을 수 있습니다!
- Ask working Forestry Technicians and Wildland Firefighters how they landed their jobs
- 잠재적인 개인 추천인 목록을 작성하세요. 연락처 정보를 공유할 수 있도록 미리 허락 받기
- During interviews, demonstrate your knowledge of the industry and highlight your commitment to safety
- Review sample Forestry Technician interview questions to practice your responses
- 친구(또는 학교 커리어 센터)에게 모의 면접을 도와달라고 요청하세요.
- Build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, then actively seek opportunities to gain leadership and managerial experience in the forestry industry
- Forestry Technician work can be dangerous, due to risks of falling, cuts from sharp tools, dropping tree branches, exposure to inclement weather, wildlife, pests, chemicals, and potential fires. Practice outstanding safety at all times to show you’re a responsible worker!
- Forestry work can be physically demanding and may involve working in remote or challenging environments. Maintaining good physical fitness is essential
- Ask your supervisor how you can qualify for additional responsibilities. Let them know you want to move up so you can be of greater assistance
- Keep learning new things! Ask what courses you can take that would benefit them (and see if they’ll pay for the classes)
- For example, if they need someone who can spray pesticides, volunteer to do the training so you can get licensed. Or if they need someone to operate a fire vehicle, let them know you’ll take the classes to qualify!
- 정시에 출근하고 도구, 장비, 차량 관리하기
- 팀의 일원으로 효과적으로 업무를 수행하고, 항상 안전 수칙을 준수하며, 낭비하지 않고, 사고를 방지합니다.
- Don’t be caught off-guard. Always have a contingency plan to respond to urgent situations
- Participate in professional organizations and offer to give lectures or teach workshops
- 신입 직원을 철저히 교육하세요. 높은 기준을 설정하여 안전하게 업무를 수행하는 방법을 배우도록 합니다.
- Stay up to date on trends and industry changes that improve performance and reduce mishaps
웹사이트
- 미국 수산 학회
- 인도 사무국
- 국토 관리국
- 숲 관리인 길드
- International Association of Wildland Fire
- 국제 수목 재배 학회
- Mid-America Christmas Tree Association
- 전국 조경 전문가 협회
- 전미 농무부 협회
- 전국 주 산림 관리인 협회
- National Christmas Tree Association
- 국립공원 관리청
- 국립 산불 조정 그룹
- National Wild Turkey Federation
- 전문 부지 관리 협회
- 범위 관리 협회
- 미국 산림 협회
- 상업용 수목 재배 협회
- 학생 보호 협회
- 야생 동물 협회
- 나무 관리 산업 협회
- 미국 어류 및 야생동물 관리국
- 미국 산림청
- Wildfire Today
- Wildland Firefighters Foundation
책
- Firefighter's Handbook On Wildland Fire, by William C. Teie
- On Fire: A Career in Wildland Firefighting and Incident Management Team Response, by Thomas C. Cable
- Wildland Firefighting Fundamentals, by William C. Teie and Brian F. Weatherford
Forestry Technician work can, at times, be fun, exciting, dull, or dangerous. Every day comes with its own unique set of challenges. While many people love this line of work, it is not for everyone! If you’re curious about related career fields, consider some of the below options:
- 농업 노동자
- 지도제작자
- 자연 보호 과학자
- Farmworker
- 소방수
- Fire Inspector
- Forester
- 그린키퍼
- 그라운드키퍼
- 조경가
- 로깅 작업자
- 보육 기술자
- 살충제 처리기
- Range Manager
- 나무 낙하산