MightyRecruiterConservation technicians work mostly outdoors, gathering data on the size, condition and content of natural lands, such as forests, parks and rangelands. They track wildlife movement, measure timber, locate property lines and help with road building. They also collect information on soil and water quality, insect activity and damage to trees, plant and tree diseases and potential fire hazards.
In the skills section of your conservation technician job description, you will want to state that the prime candidate will have solid science and math skills. This role requires using scientific and mathematics principles for research and for developing solutions and improved processes.
Conservation technicians also need effective interpersonal and communication skills, as they train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal work, including planting tree seedlings and caring for recreational facilities. Review the conservation technician job description template below for a better idea of what to put in your posting.
Conservation Technician Job Summary
Do you love being outdoors, roaming under the beauty of pure green canopies and light? Do you care about trees, plants and the natural environment? If so, joining our caring, dedicated team as a conservation technician may be the perfect job for you. Under the supervision of a staff conservation scientist, you will use your science and mathematics knowledge to gather and interpret information about natural areas, such as forests, rangelands, parks and trees, growing in dense urban areas. This role is ideal if you want to spend time outdoors working alongside other team members to protect the natural areas you value and respect.
Job Responsibilities
- Gather information about tree and plant populations, and use computer software to analyze data and devise ways of preserving and protecting the natural world
- Direct forest protection activities such as fire control, fire crew training and fire detection procedures and techniques, and coordinate public education programs to prevent forest fires
- Train and lead forest conservation workers in seasonal tasks, such as planting tree seedlings, extinguishing forest fires and caring for recreational facilities
- Survey, measure and map forest access roads and specific forest areas, such as burns, experimental areas, cut-overs and timber sales sectors
- Patrol park and forest areas to protect resources and stop damage
- Closely monitor logging activities
- Thin and space trees, control weeds and undergrowth with manual work or chemicals and supervise workers performing these tasks
- Report on and enforce regulations concerning environmental protection, responsible resource usage, accident prevention and fire safety, offering education and training to workers and the public
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Love and respect for the natural world
- Associate degree or post-secondary certificate in forestry technology or experience equal to one year of full-time forestry conservation work
- Knowledge of machines and tools
- Computer skills and ability to learn new software
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences
- Effective problem-solving abilities
- Good communication skills
Conservation Technician Job Responsibilities
The centerpiece of your conservation technician job description should be the job responsibilities section, a carefully honed list of responsibilities that accurately conveys essential daily and ongoing duties. However, make sure to be selective here. Instead of including each and every potential task, try to narrow in on only the most essential aspects of the position. It is especially helpful to focus on how specific job functions fit into the bigger picture. This is also an excellent opportunity to introduce applicants to your organization’s vision and social culture.
Make your conservation technician job description detailed, action-oriented and succinct. Bullet points help to make your posting easy to scan and easy to parse, qualities essential to drawing the attention of the candidates most qualified for the role.
Here are some examples of conservation technician job responsibilities you might include:
- Take detailed data notes and organize and prepare reports and summaries, including relevant statistics and charts
- Service and monitor emissions control devices in order to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
- Collect gas, soil or water samples in order to determine levels of pollution risk
- Communicate information or provide assistance to government personnel and entities on environmental, workplace and public health issues
Conservation Technician Job Specifications
The job qualifications and skills section of your conservation technician job description should also consist of a brief list of 6-8 bullet points. While this section should be straightforward, it is also crucial to curate the list carefully. Include only the knowledge or skills that are vital to the specific position. In addition to drawing on any direct experience that you have, make sure to gather input from individuals currently working in similar roles, within your own organization or elsewhere.
Another effective strategy for pinpointing the most essential items to include is to do a comparative search online. Search for postings for similar jobs, and try to glean words, phrases and skills you might include. Using industry-standard language in your conservation technician job description will give potential candidates the clearest picture of the role’s demands. Keywords and phrases are also important SEO tools that can vastly improve your search engine ranking.
Here are a few examples of conservation technician job specifications you could include:
- Ability to perform regular equipment maintenance and effectively diagnose mechanical or electrical issues
- Associate degree or 3 to 5 years of recent relevant work experience
- Understanding of government regulations and experience with emissions control systems
- High level of motivation and independence
- Experience with systems evaluation, maintenance and optimization
