Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Conservation Scientists and Foresters typically perform the following tasks: • Thin and space trees and control weeds and undergrowth, using manual tools and chemicals, or supervise workers performing these tasks. • Train and lead forest and conservation workers in seasonal activities, such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and maintaining recreational facilities. • Provide information about, and enforce, regulations, such as those concerning environmental protection, resource utilization, fire safety, and accident prevention. • Patrol park or forest areas to protect resources and prevent damage. • Map forest tract data using digital mapping systems. • Keep records of the amount and condition of logs taken to mills. • Manage forest protection activities, including fire control, fire crew training, and coordination of fire detection and public education programs. • Monitor activities of logging companies and contractors. • Perform reforestation or forest renewal, including nursery and silviculture operations, site preparation, seeding and tree planting programs, cone collection, and tree improvement. • Plan and supervise construction of access routes and forest roads. • Select and mark trees for thinning or logging, drawing detailed plans that include access roads. • Supervise forest nursery operations, timber harvesting, land use activities such as livestock grazing, and disease or insect control programs. • Develop and maintain computer databases. • Inspect trees and collect samples of plants, seeds, foliage, bark, and roots to locate insect and disease damage. • Measure distances, clean sightlines, and record data to help survey crews. • Issue fire permits, timber permits, and other forest use licenses. • Survey, measure, and map access roads and forest areas such as burns, cut-over areas, experimental plots, and timber sales sections. • Provide forestry education and general information, advice, and recommendations to woodlot owners, community organizations, and the general public. • Provide technical support to forestry research programs in areas such as tree improvement, seed orchard operations, insect and disease surveys, or experimental forestry and forest engineering research. • Conduct laboratory or field experiments with plants, animals, insects, diseases, and soils.