To work as a forestry technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least a two-year degree in a forestry-related field.

Education after high school

Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer programs in forest technology. Programs include courses in forestry and forest resource management. You also study forest technology and environmental studies. Programs also include hands-on experience working in the field or lab.

It is becoming more common for forest technicians to enter the field with a bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field.

Work experience

Summer jobs in parks are very helpful if you would like to work as a forestry technician. Many students in forestry programs work for the state and national forests during the summer. Experience working as a wildfire fighter is also helpful.

On-the-job training

Once hired, most forestry technicians learn additional skills on the job from experienced forestry technicians. As a new technician you begin by working as a helper or forest conservation technician. As you get experience, you begin supervising other workers. Training may last up to a year.