Conservation technicians preserve the environment through hands-on work, data collection, and record-keeping. They may lead operations, train workers, conduct research, and publish findings. An associate’s degree and skills in technology, research methodology, and communication are required.
The basic function of a conservation technician is to preserve the environment and everything in it. To do this, a conservation technician takes a multifaceted approach to work. He observes, collects and reports data and engages in physical activities that improve a region. Although conservation technicians are supervised by workers such as conservation scientists, they perform most of their work with a high level of independence.
Much of the work a conservation technician does is hands-on work completed outdoors. The technician can inspect the land, install water meters, take measurements of structures, mark trees, take water and soil samples, remove or plant vegetation, and check for wildlife. Collecting seeds and inspecting plants and trees is routine. Patrolling a designated area and keeping it clean is also a standard duty. The goal of outdoor work is usually to prevent or reduce damage to the area.
Part of what a conservation technician does requires the technician to keep good records. For example, the conservation technician watches exactly when and where he patrols. He writes descriptions of a general area or found items, which is useful for investigations and map creation. The conservation technician also records data such as the activity he observes in his designated area, as activity in the area affects soil, water, air, vegetation and wildlife. Technology is often a valuable resource, with computers and mobile devices allowing rapid entry, preservation, manipulation and transfer of data.
Although conservation technicians often work under conservation scientists or similar workers, they can be managers in their own right. They often oversee operations or train forestry and other environmental workers, such as tree planting or fire crews. This is practical because although crew members have their own level of expertise, conservation technicians are extremely familiar with certain geographic locations and what those locations contain. Conservation technicians may also lead educational classes that provide information about conservation or environmental regulations.
The fact that conservation technicians are able to physically interact with the environment on a regular basis means that they are in a key position to conduct research and experiment. For example, they might do a study of the fish population in a stream over a period of months or years to detect changes in the water ecosystem. Conservation technicians performing this type of work may publish their findings in professional journals and other publications. The results also provide evidence with which conservation practitioners can lobby for new laws or changes in trade policies.
To work as a conservation technician, a person usually needs at least an associate’s degree. Conservation courses are basic, but other classes like botany, zoology, biology, chemistry and math are useful. Due to the need for record keeping, conservation technicians must also take computer and technology classes. Research methodology, speaking and communication classes help conservation technicians present information and findings, and observation and analysis skills are critical.
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