Occupation Details
Conservation Scientists
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Work Values
Working Conditions
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$48,940.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$73,670.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$98,850.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
610
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
700
+9 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
69
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Dumpy levels
- Dutch augers
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Laptop computers
- Laser distance measurement systems
- Personal computers
- Total stations
Technology
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk Maya
- Clover Technology GALENA
- CroPMan
- Delft GeoSystems MStab
- ESRI ArcView
- Email software
- GFA2D
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Landscape Management System LMS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- operate land or site surveying instruments
- calculate engineering specifications
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- negotiate with federal and state agencies and other political organizations
- resolve customer or public complaints
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- assign work to staff or employees
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- judge soil conditions
- design construction projects
- determine specifications
- convert information into instructional program
- conduct training for personnel
- advise clients or customers
- prepare audit reports or recommendations
- recommend action to ensure compliance
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- provide advice on rural or urban land use
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- oversee execution of organizational or program policies
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate civil engineering projects
- coordinate engineering project activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- identify crop characteristics
- recognize plant diseases
- recognize tree or forest plant species
- recognize wood species characteristics
- recognize soil erosion patterns
- monitor soil responses to management practices
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- discuss conservation or related land use plans with land users
- work as a team member
- establish and maintain relationships with community organizations
- develop tables depicting data
- compute production, construction, or installation specifications
- compile data on economic, social, or physical factors affecting land use
- use cost benefit analysis techniques
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use field notes in technical drawings
- use fire suppression techniques
- use forestry, range, or other public land management techniques
- use government regulations
- use knowledge of relevant laws
- use land surveying techniques
- use pollution control techniques
- use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
- use scientific research methodology
- use building or land use regulations
- use conflict resolution techniques
- use public speaking techniques
- use forest fire protection methods
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use long term forest or range land planning techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use project management techniques
- use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- plan forestation, reforestation, or range revegetation projects
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret aerial photographs
- explain rules, policies or regulations
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- explain government laws or regulations
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- adhere to safety procedures
- ensure compliance with government regulations
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- make decisions
- resolve engineering or science problems
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- read maps
- obtain land survey data using surveying instruments
- read surveying instruments to measure property
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze operational or management reports or records
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- conduct land surveys
- evaluate management programs
- analyze ecosystem data
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
- Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
- Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
- Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
- Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, or life expectancy of practices.
- Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.
- Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.
- Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
- Provide information, knowledge, expertise, or training to government agencies at all levels to solve water or soil management problems or to assure coordination of resource protection activities.
- Enter local soil, water, or other environmental data into adaptive or Web-based decision tools to identify appropriate analyses or techniques.
- Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
- Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, or investigations of various land uses to inform corrective action plans.
- Coordinate or implement technical, financial, or administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation or timely responses to requests for assistance.
- Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.
- Compile or interpret biodata to determine extent or type of wetlands or to aid in program formulation.
- Review or approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans or conservation district plans.
- Review proposed wetland restoration easements or provide technical recommendations.
- Develop water conservation or harvest plans, using weather information systems, irrigation information management systems, or other sources of daily evapotranspiration (ET) data.
- Develop soil maps.
- Manage field offices or involve staff in cooperative ventures.
- Initiate, schedule, or conduct annual audits or compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
- Identify or recommend integrated weed and pest management (IPM) strategies, such as resistant plants, cultural or behavioral controls, soil amendments, insects, natural enemies, barriers, or pesticides.
- Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, or watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
- Review grant applications or make funding recommendations.
- Develop or conduct environmental studies, such as plant material field trials or wildlife habitat impact studies.
- Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Backyard Nature
Naturalist Jim Conrad has created a friendly, nicely illustrated introduction to studying nature, starting in your own backyard. The site features information on plants, animals, and fungi that might thrive in a backyard and provides basic information on ecology, geology, naming and classifying living things, and other topics.
Learn MoreConservation scientists and foresters
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Health and Safety Officers
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreGarden Mosaics
To learn more about the science behind gardening, Garden Mosaics, a youth and community education program, combines science learning with intergenerational mentoring, multicultural understanding, and community action. Garden Mosaics provides diverse learning opportunities for youth aged 10 to18, educators, and gardeners.
Learn MoreSci4Kids
Bridging the gap between science, agriculture, and kids, Sci4Kids is geared to children ages 8 to 13. The site is a series of interactive stories based on research projects featured in Agricultural Research. Themes include transportation, weird science, cities, aquaculture and more!
Learn MoreSummer at RPI: Nature's Treasure Hunt
Explore local ecosystems through art and science.This summer program is a hands-on exploration of nature. In it students learn how to use a variety of environmental and visualization tools such as a compass, global positioning system (gps) unit, digital camera, imaging software, field guide and topographic map.
Learn MoreTeens For Planet Earth
Are you fascinated by nature and the environment? Do you ever dream about working with or protecting wildlife? Are you worried about the future of our planet? The Teens for Planet Earth website can help you learn more about the environment and conservation, and use this knowledge to develop a project that'll have a real impact on your own corner of the globe.
Learn MoreWildlife Conservation Society - Saving Wildlife
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild lands.They do so through careful science, international conservation, education, and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo.
Learn More