Conservation Scientists
What they do
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.
Expected pay range
Expected pay range
This represents the median earnings for this career in the selected county or state. In the range shown, 25% of workers earned less than the bottom salary and 25% earned more than the top salary. Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
About conservation scientists
Other titles
Conservationist, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Quality Scientist, Erosion Control Specialist, Land Reclamation Specialist, Land Resource Specialist, Research Soil Scientist, Resource Conservation Specialist, Resource Conservationist, Soil Conservationist
Tasks they perform
- 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.
Skills they need
- 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.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Licenses and Certifications
How to decide which one is right? That depends on an individual’s career path, specialty, and resources.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE LANDFILL OPERATOR
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality~Occupational Licensing
- License Type
- Stand-alone license
- Status
- Active
- Exam
- State exam required
- Education
- Specific course required
- Continuing education
- Continuing education required to maintain license
- Criminal record
- Specific type of conviction prohibited
LANDSCAPE IRRIGATOR
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality~Occupational Licensing
- License Type
- Stand-alone license
- Status
- Active
- Exam
- State exam required
- Education
- Specific course required
- Continuing education
- Continuing education required to maintain license
- Criminal record
- Specific type of conviction prohibited
PRIVATE/COMMERCIAL CERTIFIED AND INSURED PRESCRIBED BURN MANAGER
Texas Department of Agriculture~Licenses and Registrations
- License Type
- Stand-alone license
- Status
- Active
- Exam
- State exam required
- Education
- Specific course required
- Continuing education
- Continuing education required to maintain license
- Criminal record
- Background check required
Certifications
Certifications may be available for this career and can help build knowledge and skills in specific job roles. Explore available certifications (external link opens new tab)
Similar careers
View careers in the same field as conservation scientists.
Water Resource Specialists
Better pay
Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Foresters
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Additional career information and resources
Learn more about conservation scientists with these helpful sites.
- American Society of Agronomy (external link opens new tab)
- American Society of Mining and Reclamation (external link opens new tab)
- EnviroCert International (external link opens new tab)
- Forest Stewards Guild (external link opens new tab)
- Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission (external link opens new tab)
- International Erosion Control Association (external link opens new tab)
- National Association of Conservation Districts (external link opens new tab)
- National Association of State Conservation Agencies (external link opens new tab)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Conservation scientists and foresters (external link opens new tab)
- Society for Range Management (external link opens new tab)