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Conservation Scientist

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AVG. SALARY

$65,960

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Conservation Scientists Career Video

Plans or develops coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Science and Mathematics pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Implements soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
  • Monitors projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
  • Visits areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
  • Advises land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
  • Develops or maintains working relationships with local government staff or board members.
  • Applies principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
  • Gathers information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
  • Computes design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
  • Participates on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
  • Conducts fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Conservationist — Works to protect the environment by protecting and managing grasslands, woodlands, mountains, rivers, coastal areas and marine habitat; may also work to save endangered species and protect their habitats.
  • Environmental Analyst — Conducts research studies to develop theories or methods of abating or controlling sources of environmental pollutants.
  • Erosion Control Specialist
  • Land Manager
  • Land Reclamation Specialist
  • Land Resource Specialist
  • Resource Conservation Specialist
  • Resource Conservationist
  • Soil Conservationist

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support