Nature of the Work

Forests and rangelands supply wood products, livestock forage, minerals, and water. They serve as sites for recreational activities and provide habitats for wildlife. Conservation scientists help to protect our national resources. Most conservation work falls into one of two categories: conservation science focusing on range lands and conservation science focusing on farming and soil.

Conservation scientists manage, improve, and protect the country’s natural resources. They work with landowners and Federal, State, and local governments to devise ways to use and improve the land while safeguarding the environment. Conservation scientists mainly advise farmers, farm managers, and ranchers on how they can improve their land for agricultural purposes and to control erosion. A growing number of conservation scientists are also advising landowners and governments on recreational uses for the land.

Soil and water conservationists provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, forest managers, State and local agencies, and others concerned with the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. They develop programs for private landowners designed to make the most productive use of land without damaging it. Soil conservationists also assist landowners by visiting areas with erosion problems, finding the source of the problem, and helping landowners and managers develop management practices to combat it. Water conservationists also assist private landowners and federal, state, and local governments by advising on water quality, preserving water supplies, groundwater contamination, and management and conservation of water resources.

A soil conservationist is part scientist, part educator, and part environmentalist. Click on this link to learn more about the responsibilities of a soil conservationist.

Work Environment

Working conditions vary considerably. Some conservation scientists work regular hours in offices or labs, but others may split their time between fieldwork and office work. Independent consultants and new, less experienced workers spend the majority of their time outdoors overseeing or participating in hands-on work. Fieldwork can involve long hours alone.

The work can be physically demanding. Some conservation scientists work outdoors in all types of weather, sometimes in isolated areas, and consequently may need to walk long distances through densely wooded land to carry out their work. Natural disasters may also cause conservation scientists to work long hours during emergencies. For example, conservation scientists often are called to prevent erosion after a forest fire and to provide emergency help after floods, mudslides, and tropical storms.

Training, Other Qualifications

Conservation scientist jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Research and teaching positions usually need a graduate degree. To work in certain areas of conservation might require a professional license.

Education and Training

Conservation scientists generally have at least a bachelor’s degree in fields such as ecology, natural resource management, agriculture, biology, or environmental science. A master’s degree or PhD is usually required for teaching and research positions.

Very few colleges and universities offer degrees in soil conservation. Most soil conservationists have degrees in environmental studies, agronomy, general agriculture, hydrology, or crop or soil science; a few have degrees in related fields such as wildlife biology, forestry, and range management. Programs of study usually include 30 semester hours in natural resources or agriculture, including at least 3 hours in soil science.

Other Qualifications

Conservation scientists usually enjoy working outdoors, are able to tolerate extensive walking and other types of physical exertion, and are willing to relocate to find work. They also must work well with people and have good communication skills.

On the Job

• Develop and maintain working relationships with local government staff and board members.
• Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
• Advise land users, such as farmers and ranchers, on conservation plans, problems and alternative solutions, and provide technical and planning assistance.
• Plan soil management and conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil and conserve water.
• Visit areas affected by erosion problems to seek sources and solutions.
• Monitor projects during and after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
• Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey and field information technical guides, engineering manuals, and calculators.
• Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices and plans.
• Coordinate and implement technical, financial, and administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation and timely responses to requests for assistance.
• Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
• Participate on work teams to plan, develop, and implement water and land management programs and policies.
• Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, and investigations of various land uses, gathering information for use in developing corrective action plans.
• Survey property to mark locations and measurements, using surveying instruments.
• Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, and life expectancy of practices.
• Provide information, knowledge, expertise, and training to government agencies at all levels to solve water and soil management problems and to assure coordination of resource protection activities.
• Respond to complaints and questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information and clarification.
• Initiate, schedule, and conduct annual audits and compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
• Compile and interpret wetland biodata to determine extent and type of wetland and to aid in program formulation.
• Manage field offices and involve staff in cooperative ventures.
• Review and approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans and conservation district plans.
• Review proposed wetland restoration easements and provide technical recommendations.
• Review grant applications and make funding recommendations.
• Conduct fact finding and mediation sessions among government units, landowners, and other agencies to resolve disputes.
• Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, and watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Provide access to programs and training to assist in completion of government groundwater protection plans.

Source: BLS

Companies That Hire Soil and Water Conservationists

• Peace Corps
• Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
• Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
• United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Services

Ask Questions

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Sources

• BLS. (2009). Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2008-09 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/
• O*Net Online. (2009). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved May 1, 2009, from http://online.onetcenter.org/
• Sea Grant Marine Careers. (2009.) Researcher Profile: Michele Droszcz. Retrieved December 4, 2009, from http://www.marinecareers.net/profile_detail.php?id_prof=56
• State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. (2007). Conservation Scientists. Retrieved December 4, 2009, from http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/wfprep/coei/media/English_Video_List_UnCap.html

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