Forestry technicians help develop and protect forests.
There's no way around it - we need trees. We need trees to keep our air clean. We also need trees for paper and to build houses. Thankfully, mills that process trees are much more efficient than they used to be. Nowadays, mills are able to use nearly twice as much lumber from each log as they did 100 years ago. Any wood fiber left over is used to make everything from particleboard to toothpaste. (Really, toothpaste!) This is in part thanks to forestry workers, including forestry technicians.
Forestry technicians work under the direction of a forester. They assist foresters with forest management projects. One of their tasks is to collect and record data on the size, content, and condition of forests. Technicians travel through forests to gather data about the types of trees and the condition of seedlings. They also look for disease and insect damage and conditions that might cause fire danger. Technicians sometimes cut and remove weak or diseased trees to protect other trees. They may prune tree tops and limbs to control or improve growth. Technicians also spray trees, shrubs, and weeds to control insects and diseases. They also monitor the activities of logging companies and contractors. They keep records of logs removed and taken to mills.
Forestry technicians train and lead conservation workers. They train them to plant tree seedlings to reforest the land. They train them to maintain campsites and recreation areas. For example, they may restock firewood and supplies. They may clear brush from roadsides and camping areas. They may also put up signs and fences where needed. In addition, they may also clean bathrooms and kitchens. They may issue permits for fire and timber. Furthermore, technicians train forest workers to fight forest fires. They fell trees, clear brush from fire breaks, and put out fires and embers.
Some forestry technicians work in private industry. They assist foresters in both protecting timber and harvesting it. For example, they examine, grade, and mark trees for cutting according to a standard chart. They also help to clear site-lines, set stakes, and cut trees.