Conservation Scientists

At a Glance

Focus on two areas: range management or soil conservation
Plan and develop methods for using land
Have good communication and negotiation skills
Work both outdoors and indoors
Often travel to visit sites
Have at least a bachelor's degree
Work for the government or forestry companies

Career summary

Conservation scientists manage, develop, and help protect soil and rangelands.

reviewed 3/20/19 lh

There are two main areas of conservation science:

Soil conservation
Range management

Soil conservationists focus on stopping the loss of topsoil from farm crops. Range managers specialize in protecting the lands and vegetation that feeds animals. Both work to use land and water sustainably, but each focuses in a different area.

Soil conservationists determine the best ways to use land and water for farming. They perform many tests to make sure the land is healthy. They calculate the most efficient ways to irrigate crops in different areas and to decrease the loss of topsoil. They also help land users control weeds and insects using few or no chemicals. Soil conservationists do similar work to agricultural scientists.

Range managers determine the best grazing seasons for animals. They use their knowledge to decide which plants are best for various regions and grazing purposes. They control toxic plants that can sicken or kill grazing animals. In addition, range managers protect rangeland from fire and rodent damage. They plan and oversee construction of fences, corrals, watering reservoirs, and soil-erosion barriers. They may also manage recreation areas that are part of rangelands. Range managers are also called range scientists, range ecologists, or range conservationists.

Despite their different focus, these two types of conservation scientists have similar tasks. They plan and develop methods for using land without harming it. They study how land is currently used and any problems caused by that use. They may locate water sources; study how pollution enters rivers and lakes; test how fast water evaporates from farms; and time how fast topsoil erodes. They may also find ways to rehabilitate land after clear cutting, fires, or floods.

Conservation scientists use computers to collect, interpret, and share information. They may enter information in databases and websites for others to read on the Internet. They use software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to take information and display it on computerized maps. They may map water and air quality, underground water sources, or the health of forests and grasslands.

Once they analyze their findings, conservation scientists develop plans to maximize the use of the land and water for cities, farmers, ranchers, and animals. Conservation scientists must consider land use and environmental protection laws in their plans. They often write reports about plans. They may talk to the people the plan affects, such as farmers, ranchers, and mining companies. Occasionally, they testify at hearings when disagreements arise with property owners. Once a plan is finalized, conservation scientists monitor projects to make sure land owners follow plans. They occasionally visit land owners and inspect their land-use practices.

Related careers

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

Related careers include:

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to conservation scientists.

Carry out environmental studies. Define problems or study plants and animals in the field.
Develop good working relationships with other government staff and board members.
Study and investigate ways to use land without harming it.
Study water use of cities, farms, and wild animals. Study river flows, water loss, and crop irrigation.
Plan and develop land use practices.
Plan restoration of damaged or eroded farm soil and range land.
Compute costs for various solutions.
Use geographic information systems (GIS) to define and solve problems.
Maintain information in computer databases for others to read on the Internet.
Inspect sites and talk with owners.
Manage plans for forest, soil, and water conservation.
Work with owners to make sure they follow conservation plans and land-use protection laws.
Manage weeds and pests.
Teach land owners about keeping tree buffers along streams, rotating crops, and conserving soil with new plowing techniques.
Write reports and testify in hearings when disagreements arise.
Compute how many animals can forage in an area of rangeland.
Determine grazing seasons and appropriate methods for replanting or reseeding.
Plan and oversee construction of fences, corrals, water reservoirs, and soil erosion barriers.
Protect rangeland from fire and rodent damage.
Work with communities to plan gardens and permanent vegetation.

Common work activities

Conservation scientists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Get information needed to do the job
Make decisions and solve problems
Communicate with people outside the organization
Establish and maintain relationships
Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
Document and record information
Evaluate information against standards
Update and use job-related knowledge
Perform for or work with the public
Use computers
Identify objects, actions, and events
Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
Process information
Organize, plan, and prioritize work
Explain the meaning of information to others
Schedule work and activities
Develop and build teams
Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
Coordinate the work and activities of others
Analyze data or information
Develop goals and strategies
Perform activities that use the whole body
Think creatively
Judge the value of objects, services, or people
Provide advice and consultation to others
Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
Perform administrative tasks
Monitor and control resources
Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
Guide, direct, and motivate others
Teach others
Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, conservation scientists:

Interpersonal relationships

Have a high level of social interaction with landowners, other scientists, and people who attend public hearings.
Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
Are responsible for the health and safety of people who rely on environmentally correct grazing and farming practices.
Often work as part of a team.
May occasionally be placed in conflict situations.
Are somewhat responsible for the work completed by others.

Physical work conditions

Often work outdoors to inspect land. Work indoors to write reports and use computers.
Are occasionally exposed to contaminants such as fuels, fertilizers, or pesticides.
Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are uncomfortable.
Are sometimes exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures while working outside.
Are occasionally exposed to hazardous situations that may produce bites or stings.
Drive or ride in a truck, van, or car to work sites.
May share office space with others.

Work performance

Must be sure that all details of the job are performed and everything is done correctly. Errors can spoil the effectiveness of land-use planning.
Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
Often make decisions that affect the public and their employer.
Make some, but not all, of their decisions independently.
Set most, but not all, of their daily tasks and goals without consulting a supervisor.
Must meet weekly and monthly deadlines.

Hours/travel

Usually work a regular 40-hour week.
Often travel to visit sites or to attend meetings.
May travel by car or small aircraft. In rough country, they may use four-wheel-drive vehicles, walk, or ride horses.

Physical demands

Conservation scientists frequently:

Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for conservation scientists to be able to:

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
Understand the speech of another person.
See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for conservation scientists to be able to:

Determine the distance between objects.
See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.

Skills and abilities

Conservation scientists need to:

Communicate

Understand spoken information.
Understand written information.
Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
Listen to others and ask questions.
Read and understand work-related materials.
Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
Recognize the nature of a problem.
Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
Develop rules that group items in various ways.
Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Think of new ideas about a topic.
Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

Use scientific methods to solve problems.
Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Use math skills to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Manage the time of self and others.
Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
Look for ways to help people.
Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
Persuade others to approach things differently.
Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as a conservation scientist, you typically need to:

have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
have a bachelor's degree.

Education after high school

Most conservation scientists have a bachelor's degree. Relatively few colleges and universities offer a degree in soil conservation. About 40 schools offer a degree in range management. Thus, many conservation scientists have a degree in a related field and take courses in their area of interest. Suggested areas of study include environmental studies, agronomy, general agriculture, or hydrology. You can also study crop or soil science, wildlife biology, forestry, or range management.

A doctoral degree (PhD) is required to lead research projects or teach at a college or university. In order to complete an advanced degree, you take more classes, do fieldwork, and conduct laboratory research.

On-the-job training

Many conservation scientists undergo more training once on the job. The training may be conducted through classroom work, strictly on the job, or a combination of both. Training usually lasts a few months, and will depend on the employer.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

Agronomy
Computer Applications
Forestry
Natural Resources Management
Plant and Soil Science

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require conservation scientists to have at least a bachelor's degree. Employers prefer if the degree is in range management or soil conservation. However, they often will accept a degree in a related field.

Employers prefer applicants who have good communication and people skills. This is because conservation scientists must talk to people and convince them to change their ways. Employers look for applicants who enjoy working outdoors and are in good physical condition.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link) .

Wages

Conservation scientists (SOC 19-1031)

Location	Pay Period
Location	Pay Period	10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
Washington	Hourly	$21.92	$24.52	$27.73	$35.49	$42.34
	Monthly	$3,799	$4,249	$4,806	$6,150	$7,338
	Yearly	$45,590	$51,010	$57,680	$73,810	$88,060
Bellingham	Hourly	$21.80	$24.33	$26.83	$28.83	$30.56
	Monthly	$3,778	$4,216	$4,650	$4,996	$5,296
	Yearly	$45,347	$50,589	$55,807	$59,977	$63,563
Longview	Hourly	$23.13	$24.95	$27.53	$28.21	$36.10
	Monthly	$4,008	$4,324	$4,771	$4,889	$6,256
	Yearly	$48,104	$51,892	$57,273	$58,679	$75,093
Mount Vernon-Anacortes	Hourly	$23.13	$24.95	$27.53	$30.42	$39.84
	Monthly	$4,008	$4,324	$4,771	$5,272	$6,904
	Yearly	$48,109	$51,892	$57,274	$63,269	$82,874
Olympia-Tumwater	Hourly	$23.14	$26.83	$32.71	$36.11	$39.84
	Monthly	$4,010	$4,650	$5,669	$6,258	$6,904
	Yearly	$48,119	$55,813	$68,042	$75,097	$82,878
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue	Hourly	$23.74	$26.99	$35.93	$48.84	$64.10
	Monthly	$4,114	$4,677	$6,227	$8,464	$11,109
	Yearly	$49,373	$56,143	$74,755	$101,568	$133,311
Spokane-Spokane Valley	Hourly	$22.12	$24.32	$28.20	$37.94	$44.27
	Monthly	$3,833	$4,215	$4,887	$6,575	$7,672
	Yearly	$46,005	$50,588	$58,669	$78,909	$92,072
Vancouver	Hourly	$25.56	$32.13	$41.94	$49.86	$70.89
	Monthly	$4,430	$5,568	$7,268	$8,641	$12,285
	Yearly	$53,164	$66,824	$87,221	$103,710	$147,461
Walla Walla	Hourly	$25.57	$27.54	$29.95	$32.94	$37.09
	Monthly	$4,431	$4,773	$5,190	$5,709	$6,428
	Yearly	$53,183	$57,292	$62,299	$68,523	$77,152
Wenatchee	Hourly	$22.60	$27.47	$31.82	$36.94	$45.65
	Monthly	$3,917	$4,761	$5,514	$6,402	$7,911
	Yearly	$47,010	$57,129	$66,197	$76,832	$94,945
Yakima	Hourly	$22.20	$24.96	$27.54	$30.95	$37.02
	Monthly	$3,847	$4,326	$4,773	$5,364	$6,416
	Yearly	$46,184	$51,902	$57,278	$64,371	$77,006
United States	Hourly	$16.35	$22.22	$29.48	$38.27	$47.33
	Monthly	$2,833	$3,851	$5,109	$6,632	$8,202
	Yearly	$34,020	$46,210	$61,310	$79,600	$98,450

Wages vary by area of specialization and employer. Those who work for the federal government often receive higher wages than those who work for state or local government agencies.

Conservation scientists usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. Benefit packages tend to be better in government agencies than in small, private firms.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Conservation Scientists (SOC 19-1031)

		This occupation	All occupations
Location	Current employment	Growth over 10 years		Annual openings
Washington	1,002	9.0%	16.1%	103
Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties	115	13.0%	13.4%	13
Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties	59	6.8%	8.6%	5
Benton and Franklin Counties	14	7.1%	15.0%	1
Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties	43	2.3%	11.9%	4
Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties	68	10.3%	15.2%	8
Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties	332	7.8%	14.1%	33
Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties	98	9.2%	14.6%	10
King County	102	11.8%	19.6%	11
Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties	86	2.3%	13.8%	7
Pierce County	23	4.3%	15.2%	2
Snohomish County	25	8.0%	12.4%	2
Spokane County	34	5.9%	13.9%	3
United States	23,800	3.8%	5.2%	2,600

National employment

Major employers:

Federal, state, and local government agencies
Social advocacy organizations
Consulting companies

National outlook

Job growth for this occupation is expected be about as fast as average. This is due to public concern for water and soil pollution from farms and logging. As new laws address these concerns, large farms and logging operations will hire conservation scientists to help them comply with the regulations. In addition, research firms will hire conservation scientists to help them prepare environmental impact statements.

Fire prevention and suppression will become more important for those employed with the US government. Fires in the southwestern and western parts of the US will create demand for more conservation scientists who try to find ways to prevent large wildland fires.

Most job openings will occur in government agencies as current workers retire or switch jobs.

Other resources

AgCareers.com
Western USA Office
866.519.7445

AgForLife

American Association for the Advancement of Science
1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC20005

American Fisheries Society
425 Barlow Place, Suite 110
Bethesda, MD 20814-2144
301.897.8616

American Forests
1220 L Street NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20005
202.737.1944

American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900

American Institute of Biological Sciences
1800 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20191
703.674.2500

American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists

American Institute of Hydrology
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1230 Lincoln Drive
Engineering D - Mail Code 6603
Carbondale, IL 62901
618.453.7809

Careers in Botany
(from The Botanical Society of America)

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125

Ecological Society of America
1990 M Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.833.8773

Engineer Girl!
National Academy of Engineering

Environmental Career Center
P.O. Box 3387
Hampton, Virginia 23663

Environmental Protection Agency
Park Place Building
1200 - 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

Explore Ecology as a Career

Forest Guild

Forest Resources Association
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 303
Washington, DC 20006
202.296.3937

International Association of Hydrogeologists

National Academy of Sciences Interviews

National Ground Water Association
601 Dempsey Road
Westerville, OH 43081
800.551.7379

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.6090

Science Careers

Seaweb Aquaculture Clearing House

Society for Conservation Biology
1133 15th St. NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20005

Society for Ecological Restoration
1133 15th St. NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20005

Society for Range Management
6901 South Pierce Street, Suite 230
Littleton, CO 80128
303.986.3309

Soil and Water Conservation Society
945 SW Ankeny Road
Ankeny, IA 50023
515.289.2331

Student Conservation Association
Seattle/Northwest Region
PO Box 18497
Seattle, WA 98118
206.324.4649

The Wildlife Society
425 Barlow Place, Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814
301.897.9770

United States Environmental Protection Agency

USDA Forest Service Research & Development

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services

Washington State Conservation Commission
PO Box 47721
Olympia, WA 98504-7721
360.407.6200

References

Career cluster

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

Investigative (Science)

O*Net occupations

O*Net job zone

Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.