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Forest & Conservation Worker

Forest & Conservation Worker roles support field crews that protect, restore, and maintain forests, trails, wetlands, and public lands. Tasks are practical and physical (planting, brush clearing, trail work, basic facilities upkeep, and sometimes wildfire support—role-dependent). CV is required for review.

CV is mandatory: candidates without a CV are not reviewed.
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Sector: Nature & Conservation Typical route: H-2B Work type: Seasonal Last updated:

This page is a role overview (not a job offer). Exact location, schedule, start date, accommodation, and pay are defined by the hiring employer and site rules.

Role snapshot (what you are hired to deliver)

This is field operations work: crews are judged by what is completed safely in real terrain—seedlings planted correctly, brush cleared to spec, trails made passable, and sites left clean and compliant.

  • Outdoor in all weather: heat, rain, wind, and cold are normal conditions.
  • Terrain work: walking long distances with tools and supplies.
  • Safety-first culture: PPE and procedures are non-negotiable.
  • Seasonality: project types and hours can shift with local needs.

Project types (seasonal reality)

Employers hire crews for specific project windows. Your exact tasks depend on the contract scope and local land conditions.

  • Reforestation: planting seedlings, spacing control, basic site prep.
  • Vegetation management: thinning, brush clearing, invasive removal (role-dependent).
  • Trail & campground support: clearing debris, basic upkeep at recreation areas.
  • Wildfire-related support: firebreak prep or emergency response support (role-dependent).

Conditions & safety (USA field work)

  • Remote outdoor locations and all-weather exposure.
  • Physically demanding work with long walking distances and carried equipment.
  • PPE may be required (e.g., hardhat, safety glasses, protective clothing—site-dependent).
  • Higher injury risk than many jobs; safety procedures must be followed exactly.
Practical note: employers prefer candidates who treat PPE and tool checks as routine—not optional.

Apply correctly (reduce screening delays)

  1. Upload your English CV (include dates, locations, and recent work history).
  2. List outdoor/physical experience (construction, landscaping, agriculture, warehouse, field work).
  3. Confirm you can work in weather and follow strict safety rules.
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Typical tasks (what you may do on-site)

Core field tasks

  • Plant seedlings and use digging/planting tools (project-dependent).
  • Cut or remove diseased trees and brush (tool-dependent, safety-controlled).
  • Clear debris from trails/roadsides and maintain work areas.
  • Support basic site upkeep in recreation areas (project-dependent).

Emergency / high-urgency tasks (role-dependent)

  • Construct firebreaks (vegetation gaps) to slow fire spread.
  • Respond to forest emergencies under supervision and protocols.
  • Work extended hours if emergency conditions require additional coverage.

Exact duties depend on employer scope, site rules, and crew supervision.

Field rhythm example: morning safety briefing → tool check → travel to site → production blocks (plant/clear/maintain) → hydration breaks → end-of-day cleanup → return gear → brief report.

Detailed requirements (what employers actually check)

Hard requirements

  • English CV (required for review) with dates and locations.
  • Physical stamina: walking long distances through rough terrain; carrying tools/gear.
  • Safety compliance: PPE use, tool handling discipline, and strict adherence to site procedures.
  • Weather readiness: ability to work outdoors in changing conditions.
  • Team communication: follow instructions clearly; report hazards immediately.
Common employer preferences: valid driver’s license (site-dependent), prior outdoor work, and documented reliability (stable job history).

Skill signals that increase selection odds

  • Tool discipline: safe use of hand tools; power tools only if trained/authorized.
  • Detail accuracy: spacing, planting depth, and cleanup “to spec”.
  • Hazard awareness: slopes, wildlife, falling branches, heat stress, wet surfaces.
  • Productivity without shortcuts: steady pace while keeping procedures.

Training is typically on the job. Some states may require training (and sometimes a license) for commercial pesticide use when relevant to the project scope.

What to include in your CV (high-impact lines)

  • Outdoor roles: agriculture, landscaping, construction, utilities, warehouse loading.
  • Safety habits: PPE use, hazard reporting, checklist compliance.
  • Reliability: stable attendance, ability to start early, willingness to work seasonal peaks.
  • Any certifications (if you have them): first aid, equipment operation training (only if real).

Gross pay benchmarks + how wages work for H-2B

Pay varies by state, employer, and project scope. The benchmarks below are based on U.S. occupational wage data and help candidates compare offers. Final pay is defined by the employer’s job order/contract.

Median pay (gross)
$43,680/yr
Hourly equivalent (gross, approx.)
$21.00/hr
Benchmark band (gross, approx.)
$15.89 – $26.05/hr
H-2B wage baseline: the offered wage in the job order must be at least the highest of the prevailing wage (ETA) or the applicable federal/state/local minimum wage.

Notes: hourly equivalents are approximate conversions from annual figures using 2,080 hours/year.

Short candidate portrait (who succeeds on crews)

The strongest candidates are safety-first and consistent. They can walk and work for long hours, follow instructions precisely, and keep pace without improvising unsafe shortcuts.

  • Stamina: steady output in real terrain and weather.
  • Discipline: PPE and procedures are followed every time.
  • Practical mindset: carry, plant, clear, clean—repeat.
  • Team reliability: on time, communicative, no attendance gaps.

What employers notice in the first week

  1. Do you treat safety briefings and tool checks seriously?
  2. Can you keep a stable pace without repeated reminders?
  3. Do you report hazards early (instead of hiding problems)?
  4. Do you keep your zone clean and your gear organized?
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FAQ (Forest & Conservation Worker — USA)

Is this job mainly planting trees?
Not always. Many projects include brush clearing, trail maintenance, site cleanup, and other conservation tasks. Planting is common but not universal.
Is the work dangerous?
Outdoor field work has real hazards (terrain, weather, tools). PPE and strict procedures are required. Follow crew instructions exactly.
Do I need experience with power saws?
Not necessarily. Many employers train task-by-task. Power tools are used only when trained and authorized by the employer.
Will I work more than 40 hours?
It depends on the project and emergencies. Some situations can require additional hours at any time of day.
Can I apply without a CV?
No. This category requires a CV for screening. Upload your CV first to be considered.

Related roles in Nature & Conservation

Use internal links to compare similar roles before applying (when available in this category).

Visa & authorization disclaimer: Any U.S. work authorization path (e.g., H-2A, H-2B, EB-3) depends on the hiring employer, eligibility and official procedures. This page is informational and not legal advice.