1 answer
Ashlynn
Student
Randolph, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
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What is the most rewarding part of working in forest conservation?
I am a 26 year old who recently got accepted at SUNY ESF’s ranger school. I will be getting a secondary associate’s degree and look forward to moving on with a 4-year degree. I would love to work in the national parks as a scientist, helping work with the forests and wild places of our country.
I want to know what some of the most rewarding experiences can be working outside with the earth to keep the forests healthy, and if it’s worth it to go all four years to do work like this.
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1 answer
Laura Flessner
Senior Content Quality Architect
9
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Forests are a keystone to the overall environmental health of our planet - so you are embarking on a very important and impactful career path! In a prior role, I was in the conservation sector and the most enjoyable part for me was getting to work outdoors - often in remote places where the public doesn't have access. This allows you to experience nature in its raw form - you might see plants and animals that are rarely spotted and get to appreciate the uninterrupted sounds of nature. The most rewarding aspect was being able to participate in on-the-ground research that eventually influences actual planning decisions. Knowing that your research leads to conservation actions that will benefit generations to come is a great feeling!
Keep in mind that working outdoors is usually rain or shine and can be dirty and tough work. Definitely try to find some research projects/internships that require this type of work to make sure you are up for the task. One thing you might consider is reaching out to professionals already in roles you're interested in to set up an "Informational Interview." This is just a short, casual conversation to learn about their experience—no pressure or job ask involved. It’s a great way to get real insight, grow your network, and understand what skills and education will be helpful. Good sources for this are LinkedIn or your advisor at school may even be able to connect you to alumni that now have jobs in similar roles and can help guide you in the right direction. Non-profits, like The Nature Conservancy, would also be great to track both paid and unpaid internship opps since they have branches in every state in the U.S.
Hope that helps - it sounds like you're moving in the right direction!
Keep in mind that working outdoors is usually rain or shine and can be dirty and tough work. Definitely try to find some research projects/internships that require this type of work to make sure you are up for the task. One thing you might consider is reaching out to professionals already in roles you're interested in to set up an "Informational Interview." This is just a short, casual conversation to learn about their experience—no pressure or job ask involved. It’s a great way to get real insight, grow your network, and understand what skills and education will be helpful. Good sources for this are LinkedIn or your advisor at school may even be able to connect you to alumni that now have jobs in similar roles and can help guide you in the right direction. Non-profits, like The Nature Conservancy, would also be great to track both paid and unpaid internship opps since they have branches in every state in the U.S.
Hope that helps - it sounds like you're moving in the right direction!
Thank you so much for this great information! I really appreciate you taking the time to reply to my question.
Ashlynn