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 INTEGER 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.

SOC: 19-1031.00

Common Job Titles

ConservationistLand Resource SpecialistResearch Soil ScientistResource Conservationist
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Conservation Scientists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

25,590

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$45,260
10% of workers earn the following or more$107,720
Workers on average earn$74,310

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • English Language4.3/5
  • Biology3.9/5
  • Mathematics3.7/5
  • Geography3.7/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe AcrobatAutodesk AutoCADESRI ArcGIS softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Autodesk MayaClover Technology GALENACroPManCropSyst SuiteDatasurge GEOPRODelft GeoSystems MStabESRI ArcInfoESRI ArcView

Tools & Equipment

Desktop computersDigital camerasDumpy levelsDutch augersGlobal positioning system GPS receiversLaptop computersLaser distance measurement systemsPersonal computers