Forest Conservation Jobs

Because of improved labor-saving machinery, a reduction in the available timber supply, and increased conservation pressures, most forestry and logging occupations are expected to see a gradual, continual decline in employment over the next several decades.

For reforestation and conservation jobs, however, the picture is much more promising. The Labor Department forecasts that job growth for workers who “plant, cultivate, harvest, and transplant trees, shrubs, or plants in nursery facilities” is expected to be much faster than average. Also, there is a law requiring the U.S. Small Business Administration to “make grants to, or enter into contracts with, any state for the purpose of contracting with small businesses to plant trees on land owned or controlled by state or local governments.” As a result of this legislation, millions of dollars were spent on tree planting projects. In all, six million trees were planted in more than 8,000 projects in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin and Mariana Islands.

More people appreciate and understand the value of healthy forests every year , and as they do, reforestation projects are taking root in every state. Therefore, despite the bleak outlook for many forestry jobs, reforestation-related occupations have a very promising future. So whether you just want a summer job planting trees in a beautiful setting, or you want to pursue a career in a tree or native plant nursery, reforestation is a promising field.