Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Industry Overview

Forests and rangelands supply wood products, livestock forage, water and minerals; serve as locations for a number of recreational activities and also provide habitants for various species of wildlife.Today, there is a growing concern for the environment and its creatures and many individuals are devoting their time and pursuing careers that work toward the conservation of forests and the protection of the wildlife.Careers in forestry, wildlife conservation and natural resources industries vary.Forestry and wildlife specialists work in the outdoors for both private, public and government owned and managed parks, campgrounds, hiking trails, lakes, fish hatcheries and reserves.Individuals working in this particular field typically work in and run Forest Conservation programs, watch and protect wildlife, and monitor and treat trees for disease.Those who choose a career that focuses and the conservation of wildlife may specialize in wildlife research and management which includes the collection and analysis of biological data to determine the effects of the environment and the present and potential use of water and land areas.Other career options include wildlife area technician and research, wildlife law enforcement or a position that focuses on information and education.Wildlife biologists study the origins, diseases, behaviors, genetics and life processes of animals and wildlife.

Wildlife Career Training and Requirements

To obtain a position within the wildlife industry, some college education is almost always required.Some colleges or universities offer majors in wildlife or fisheries management but unfortunately not all do.If a specific major or course is not available it is advisable to study biology, zoology, or ecology with a possible emphasis in ornithology (the study of birds), mammology (the study of mammals) or ichthyology (the study of fish).
The majority of technical, community and vocational schools offer a two-year degree and have courses, which will cover most of the entry-level requirements.If you choose to go to a technical school or two-year college, it is important to make sure the school is accredited and courses offered are transferable to other colleges and universities, if necessary.It is also important to gain some hands on experience prior to applying for specific positions.Internships, apprenticeships, part time work at parks, zoos, etc and volunteering for local organizations are great ways to gain real world experience.

Forestry Career Training and Requirements

If a career in forestry, or conservation science is desired, a bachelor's degree in biology, forestry, natural resource management, environmental sciences, etc is required.Foresters who wish to perform specialized research typically obtain an advanced degree, usually a Ph.D.A number of states enforce licensing and/or voluntary registration requirements that foresters must meet in order to practice forestry in the state and acquire the title 'forester'. A number of forestry curriculum's include advanced computer applications such as GIS and various resource assessment programs. Courses in administration and resource policy, specifically forest economics and business administration, supplement the students' scientific and technical knowledge. Most forestry curriculums include courses on wetlands analysis, best management practices, and regulatory issues in response to the growing focus on protecting forested lands during timber harvesting operations. Many schools require students to complete a field session either in a camp operated by the program or in a cooperative work-study program with a Federal or State agency. The majority of schools highly encourage students to obtain summer jobs that provide experience in forestry or conservation work.

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