Soil and Water Conservationists

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About the Job

Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.

It is also Called

  • Agriculture Consultant
  • Aquatic Ecologist
  • Aquatic/Terrestrial Habitat Restoration Technician
  • Biologist
  • Botany Technician
  • Conservation Agent
  • Conservation Engineer
  • Conservation of Resources Commissioner
  • Conservation Policy Analyst
  • Conservation Specialist

What They Do

  • Calculate or compare efficiencies associated with changing from low-precision irrigation technologies, such as furrow irrigation, to high-precision technologies, such as computer-controlled systems.
  • Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
  • Initiate, schedule, or conduct annual audits or compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
  • Enter local soil, water, or other environmental data into adaptive or web-based decision tools to identify appropriate analyses or techniques.
  • Evaluate or recommend geographic information systems (GIS) applications to address issues such as surface water quality, groundwater quality, ecological risk assessments, air quality, or environmental contamination.
  • Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information technical guides or engineering manuals.
  • Compile or interpret biodata to determine extent or type of wetlands or to aid in program formulation.
  • Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.
  • Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
  • Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: RIE.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Investigative and Enterprising environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Relationships, but also value Achievement and Working Conditions in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • 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.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • 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.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Education Required

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

LMI Region

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in United States was $63,590.00 with most people making between $38,350.00 and $90,870.00

Outlook

0.00%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 23,000 people in United States. It is projected that there will be 24,000 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 0 openings due to growth and about 4,000 replacement openings for approximately 4,000 total annual openings.