Conservation
Instructor: John Erwin
Teaching Assistant: Lindsey McEvoy
315-589-2615
Program Goal: In the Conservation program your “classroom” can be in the forest one day and the local park the next. Students are introduced to the career areas in heavy equipment operation/maintenance and forest management.
Curriculum: Students will learn skills in surveying, landscaping, forestry, fish and wildlife management. Students will also have the opportunity to compete in the annual Conservation competition. Students may earn their OSHA 10 card and forklift certification. If they meet the requirements, they will have the opportunity to prepare for a New York State Commercial Driver’s License (CDL Class B). The Conservation Program also runs a successful on-campus greenhouse (WTCC).
Curriculum Areas/Units of Study:
- Heavy Equipment, Operations/Maintenance
- Forest Improvement
- Basic Surveying
- Landscape Design/Construction
- Tree Climbing/Pruning
- OSHA 10 Certification - General Industry
Job Outlook (US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook):
- Construction Equipment Operators-$46,990 Median Pay; 12% Growth
- Forest and Conservation Workers-$27,460 Median Pay; -2% Growth
- Material Moving Machine Operators-$35,850 Median Pay; 6% Growth
- Agricultural Workers-$24,620 Median Pay; 0% Growth
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers-$43,680 Median Pay; 6% Growth
- Grounds Maintenance Workers-$29,400 Median Pay; 11% Growth
- Construction Laborers and Helpers-$34,810 Median Pay; 12% Growth