Forest and Conservation Workers in Oregon
Want to work as a Forest and Conservation Workers in Oregon? Here’s what you need to know. Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.
What do Forest and Conservation Workers Make in Oregon?
For a forest and conservation workers working in Oregon, wages run about $42,810 per year (or roughly $20.58/hour).Annual wages span from $38,340 at the 10th percentile to $47,050 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,340 | $18.43 |
| 25th percentile | $39,380 | $18.93 |
| Median (50th) | $42,810 | $20.58 |
| 75th percentile | $42,990 | $20.67 |
| 90th percentile | $47,050 | $22.62 |
The job concentration index in Oregon relative to the national average — is 2.01, indicating that forest and conservation workers are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, forest and conservation workers earn a median of $22,542 per year ($10.84/hour), exceeding the Oregon median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 360,249 forest and conservation workers in the U.S.. In Oregon alone, approximately 140 people work in this role. That’s in line with the typical state median of 140.
Top Oregon Metros for Forest and Conservation Workers
These are the Oregon metros with the most forest and conservation workers in Oregon.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 100 | $42,810 |
Top States for Forest and Conservation Workers Employment
These states have the highest employment of forest and conservation workers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 1,840 |
| South Dakota | 670 |
| Wisconsin | 280 |
| Pennsylvania | 220 |
| Tennessee | 220 |
| Louisiana | 210 |
| South Carolina | 210 |
| Washington | 200 |
| Georgia | 180 |
| Oregon | 140 |
| Florida | 100 |
| Ohio | 80 |
| Illinois | 60 |
| New Jersey | 60 |
| Colorado | 60 |
| Idaho | 60 |
| Connecticut | 50 |
| Texas | 50 |
| Indiana | 40 |
Highest-Paying States for Forest and Conservation Workers
These states pay the most for forest and conservation workers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $64,430 |
| Ohio | $53,350 |
| Pennsylvania | $49,160 |
| Arkansas | $46,110 |
| Idaho | $46,010 |
| Colorado | $45,420 |
| California | $43,680 |
| Massachusetts | $43,630 |
| Washington | $43,480 |
| Missouri | $43,330 |
Skills
Top forest and conservation workers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for forest and conservation workers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.
- Fight forest fires or perform prescribed burning tasks under the direction of fire suppression officers or forestry technicians.
- Perform fire protection or suppression duties, such as constructing fire breaks or disposing of brush.
- Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.
- Maintain tallies of trees examined and counted during tree marking or measuring efforts.
- Explain or enforce regulations regarding camping, vehicle use, fires, use of buildings, or sanitation.
- Operate skidders, bulldozers, or other prime movers to pull a variety of scarification or site preparation equipment over areas to be regenerated.
- Spray or inject vegetation with insecticides to kill insects or to protect against disease or with herbicides to reduce competing vegetation.
- Thin or space trees, using power thinning saws.
- Identify diseased or undesirable trees and remove them, using power saws or hand saws.
- Select or cut trees according to markings or sizes, types, or grades.
- Prune or shear tree tops or limbs to control growth, increase density, or improve shape.
Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Getting Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Processing Information
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: ESRI ArcGIS software, Microsoft Access
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Forestry
- Horticulture
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Related Careers
Careers similar to forest and conservation workers include:
- Soil and Plant Scientists
- Conservation Scientists
- Range Managers
- Foresters
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Environmental Restoration Planners
Also Known As
Blister Rust Eradicator, Box Chipper, Box Cutter, Brusher, Chemical Sprayer, Chopper, Christmas Tree Farm Worker, Christmas Tree Farmer, Christmas Tree Grader, Christmas Tree Grower, Cone Picker, Conservation Coordinator, Conservation Officer, Conservation Specialist, Conservation Worker.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 45-4011.00