Forest and conservation technician
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in offices, laboratories and outside and may travel locally or nationally
- May work in all weather conditions
- Need to be practical, accurate and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Help scientists protect forests and wildlife habitats
- Check the condition of forests and natural environments
- Manage agricultural and forestry operations
- Record research data
- Survey and cultivate land
- Give advice on forest emergencies
- Develop information databases
- Supervise and train other workers
- Collect biological samples
Outlook
New Zealand’s forestry and conservation sectors are responding to climate change, biosecurity threats, biodiversity loss and pressure to use land sustainably. Remote sensing, drones, mapping and digital field-data tools are increasingly used to monitor forests and ecosystems. Ongoing work to protect native species, manage pests and support sustainable forestry creates varied opportunities, though funding and seasonal conditions can affect activity.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Practical ability to collect, record and check field data
- Interest in forests, ecosystems, biodiversity and conservation
- Confidence using mapping, GPS and digital data tools
- Careful observation and attention to health and safety
- Ability to follow monitoring, biosecurity and environmental procedures
- Teamwork and clear communication with different groups
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.