They are all around us, creating beauty, providing timber, and even helping to clean the air. But we too often we take trees...and the forests where they grow...for granted. Once ubiquitous and self-sufficient, our nation’s woodlands now require special management and care. That’s the job of forest and conservation technicians. They usually work outdoors, often in remote locations, checking the health of individual trees – and tree populations. Walking long distances in all kinds of weather is all part of the job. Technicians help in re-foresting, supervising the planting of new trees. They consult on fire prevention procedures...such as planning for firebreaks. They also work with businesses that are cutting trees, insuring that logging operations have the least possible impact on the environment. Forest and conservation technicians usually have an associate degree, earned in two-year programs accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Most jobs are for the government. And although hiring by the federal government is expected to decrease in coming years, there could be more opportunities in state and local governments. An increasing number of Forest and Conservation technicians are helping towns and cities preserve their parklands and neighborhood trees. Whether surrounded by concrete...or rugged country...our nation’s trees are a vital resource carefully guarded by dedicated Forest and Conservation technicians.