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.
Common Job Titles
- Conservationist
- Land Resource Specialist
- Research Soil Scientist
- Resource 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
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,260. 25th percentile: U.S. $53,190. 50th percentile: U.S. $67,950. 75th percentile: U.S. $87,980. 90th percentile: U.S. $107,720. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.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 Acrobat
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Autodesk Maya
- Clover Technology GALENA
- CroPMan
- CropSyst Suite
- Datasurge GEOPRO
- Delft GeoSystems MStab
- ESRI ArcInfo
- ESRI ArcView
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Dumpy levels
- Dutch augers
- Global positioning system GPS receivers
- Laptop computers
- Laser distance measurement systems
- Personal computers