Conservation scientists
SOC Code: 19-1031Also known as:
Agricultural Consultant, Agriculture Consultant, Aquatic Ecologist, Aquatic Habitat Restoration Technician, Botany Technician
Median Annual Salary
$67,950
+3.4% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
29K
Current Jobs
What Conservation scientists 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.
💰 Salary
$67,950
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
28,500
Projected Employment (2034)
29,500
Related Careers
Conservation scientists
$67,950 •
+3.4% growth
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health
$80,060 •
+4.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Conservation scientists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a conservation scientists:
Sustainability Studies
4,374 degrees awarded •
226 colleges offer this program
Natural Resources/Conservation, General
2,739 degrees awarded •
122 colleges offer this program
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
2,419 degrees awarded •
83 colleges offer this program
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General
1,626 degrees awarded •
65 colleges offer this program
Ecology
1,201 degrees awarded •
67 colleges offer this program
Forestry, General
1,181 degrees awarded •
44 colleges offer this program
Geography and Environmental Studies
1,008 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
840 degrees awarded •
43 colleges offer this program
Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
769 degrees awarded •
75 colleges offer this program
Conservation Biology
592 degrees awarded •
41 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Conservation scientists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become conservation scientists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do conservation scientists make?
The median annual salary for conservation scientists is $67,950.
What education do conservation scientists need?
Most conservation scientists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Sustainability Studies, Natural Resources/Conservation, General, Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.
Is becoming conservation scientists a good career choice?
Conservation scientists is projected to see +3.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for conservation scientists?
Top colleges for aspiring conservation scientists include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Florida, Harvard University, Columbia University in the City of New York.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to conservation scientists?
Conservation scientists may also be known as: Agricultural Consultant, Agriculture Consultant, Aquatic Ecologist, Aquatic Habitat Restoration Technician, Botany Technician, Conservation Agent, Conservation Associate, Conservation Engineer, Conservation Policy Analyst, Conservation Science Officer, Conservation Specialist, Conservationist, Department of Natural Resources Officer (DNR Officer), District Conservationist, Ecologist Technician, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Planner, Environmental Quality Scientist, Environmental Specialist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.