Soil and water conservationists: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Soil and water conservationists give technical help to people who are concerned with the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. For private landowners, they develop programs to make the most productive use of land without damaging it. They also help landowners with issues such as dealing with erosion. They help private landowners and governments by advising on water quality, preserving water supplies, preventing ground-water contamination, and conserving water.
The following are examples of types of foresters:
- Education Required
- Conservation scientists and foresters typically need a bachelors degree in forestry or a related field, such as agricultural science, rangeland management, or environmental science.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 6% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Many conservation scientists and foresters advance to take on managerial duties. They also may conduct research or work on policy issues, often after getting an advanced degree. Foresters in management usually leave fieldwork behind, spending more of their time in an office, working with teams to develop management plans and supervising others.
- Licenses/Certifications
- Several states have some type of credentialing process for foresters. In some of these states, foresters must be licensed; check with your state for more information. Conservation workers do not need a license.
- Median pay: How much do Conservation Scientists and Foresters make?
- $60,610 Annual Salary
- $29.14 per hour
Careers for Conservation Scientists and Foresters
- Conservation education foresters
- Conservation land managers
- Conservation science officers
- Conservation scientists
- Environmental protection foresters
- Forest ecologists
- Foresters
- Forestry scientists
- Grassland conservationists
- Land management foresters
- Land reclamation specialists
- Land resource specialists
- Operations foresters
- Procurement foresters
- Range conservationists
- Range ecologists
- Range managers
- Range scientists
- Resource conservationists
- Resource foresters
- Service foresters
- Soil conservationists
- Timber management specialists
- Urban foresters
- Water conservationists