What Does It Take To Become A Forest Technician?

Becoming a forest technician is the ideal career for anyone who loves the outdoors and is interested in preserving and protecting our natural resources. However, this career also requires applicants to meet a series of additional benchmarks in several related areas. The sections below detail what skills you'll need, what the physical requirements are, what kind of uniform you’ll need, and what kind of jobs you should be prepared to fill should you decide to enter this profession.

What Skills Do I Need to Become a Forest Technician?

Anyone who has aspirations of becoming a forest technician needs the following skills and be familiar with these specific tools.

Skills

• Background in geography
• Computer skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Organizational skills
• Problem solving skills
• Reading comprehension skills
• Public speaking skills

Tools

• All-purpose knife
• Binoculars
• Compass
• Prism
• Surveyor’s transit

What Uniform Items Will I Need?

Anyone planning to become a forest technician will need the following articles of clothing designed to keep them warm and dry in a variety of different weather conditions.

• Heavy work boots
• Waterproof chainsaw boots
• Heavy work gloves
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Rain gear
• Thermal underwear
• Carhartt brand pants
• Parka

What Are The Physical Requirements to Becoming A Forest Technician?

Students hoping to become a forest technician will need to possess the following physical attributes:

• Ability to lift/carry/push/pull 50 pounds
• Ability to walk/stand for long periods of time
• Good hand-to-eye coordination
• Not be colorblind
• Physical strength & agility
• Near vision acuity
• Far vision acuity

What Do Job Prospects for fForest Technicians Look Like?

Students who graduate from Hocking College with an Associate of Applied Science in Forest Management will be qualified to fill the following positions:

• Agricultural Inspector
• Forest Wildlife Ecologist
• Geological Sample Test Technician
• Insect and Disease Control Technician
• Municipal Firefighter
• Nursery Operator
• Restoration and Reforestation Specialist
• Timber Cruise

     For more information on Hocking College's Forestry Program contact Program Manager Jim Harding by email: hardingj34491@hocking.edu or by phone: (740) 753-6090.