Will AI Replace Forest and Conservation Workers?

Check equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Fight forest fires or perform prescribed burning tasks under the direction of fire suppression officers or forestry technicians.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Perform fire protection or suppression duties, such as constructing fire breaks or disposing of brush.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Confer with other workers to discuss issues, such as safety, cutting heights, or work needs.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Maintain tallies of trees examined and counted during tree marking or measuring efforts.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Explain or enforce regulations regarding camping, vehicle use, fires, use of buildings, or sanitation.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate skidders, bulldozers, or other prime movers to pull a variety of scarification or site preparation equipment over areas to be regenerated.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Spray or inject vegetation with insecticides to kill insects or to protect against disease or with herbicides to reduce competing vegetation.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Thin or space trees, using power thinning saws.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Identify diseased or undesirable trees and remove them, using power saws or hand saws.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Select or cut trees according to markings or sizes, types, or grades.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Prune or shear tree tops or limbs to control growth, increase density, or improve shape.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Maintain campsites or recreational areas, replenishing firewood or other supplies and cleaning kitchens or restrooms.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Erect signs or fences, using posthole diggers, shovels, or other hand tools.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Select tree seedlings, prepare the ground, or plant the trees in reforestation areas, using manual planting tools.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Provide assistance to forest survey crews by clearing site-lines, holding measuring tools, or setting stakes.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Sort tree seedlings, discarding substandard seedlings, according to standard charts or verbal instructions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.