What Do Soil and Water Conservationist Do?
Example of Soil and Water Conservationist Job Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
What Do Soil and Water Conservationists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Develop or conduct environmental studies, such as plant material field trials or wildlife habitat impact studies.
- Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
- Coordinate or implement technical, financial, or administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation or timely responses to requests for assistance.
- Survey property to mark locations or measurements, using surveying instruments.
- Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.
- Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Soil and Water Conservationist?
Soil and Water Conservationists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Other Soil and Water Conservationist Job Titles
- Department of Natural Resources Officer (DNR Officer)
- Watershed Program Manager
- Soil Conservation Technician
- Agriculture Consultant
- Conservation Agent
Soil and Water Conservationist Employment Estimates
There were about 22,300 jobs for Soil and Water Conservationist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,400 new jobs for Soil and Water Conservationist by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,000 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Soil and Water Conservationist are Colorado, New Hampshire, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, New Mexico, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Soil and Water Conservationist Average Salary
Soil and Water Conservationists make between $34,020 and $98,450 a year.
Soil and Water Conservationists who work in Connecticut, Alaska, or New Jersey, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Soil and Water Conservationists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $59,310 |
| Alaska | $93,390 |
| Arizona | $71,190 |
| Arkansas | $70,630 |
| California | $75,980 |
| Colorado | $71,170 |
| Connecticut | $87,710 |
| Delaware | $55,300 |
| Florida | $40,620 |
| Georgia | $69,390 |
| Hawaii | $68,360 |
| Idaho | $66,510 |
| Illinois | $63,840 |
| Indiana | $63,320 |
| Iowa | $56,820 |
| Kansas | $68,910 |
| Kentucky | $67,440 |
| Louisiana | $61,430 |
| Maine | $61,970 |
| Maryland | $79,070 |
| Massachusetts | $72,200 |
| Michigan | $63,460 |
| Minnesota | $72,650 |
| Mississippi | $54,870 |
| Missouri | $57,580 |
| Montana | $64,480 |
| Nebraska | $65,300 |
| Nevada | $61,670 |
| New Hampshire | $72,160 |
| New Jersey | $85,360 |
| New Mexico | $68,710 |
| North Carolina | $61,780 |
| North Dakota | $64,900 |
| Ohio | $55,550 |
| Oklahoma | $64,330 |
| Oregon | $76,790 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,200 |
| South Carolina | $56,220 |
| South Dakota | $62,390 |
| Tennessee | $68,440 |
| Texas | $57,990 |
| Utah | $63,720 |
| Vermont | $55,150 |
| Virginia | $75,370 |
| Washington | $65,120 |
| West Virginia | $50,210 |
| Wisconsin | $65,610 |
| Wyoming | $71,180 |
What Tools do Soil and Water Conservationists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Soil and Water Conservationists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Geographic information system GIS software
- ESRI ArcView
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- ESRI ArcInfo
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Autodesk Maya
- Clover Technology GALENA
- State Soil Geographic STATSGO Database
How do I Become a Soil and Water Conservationist?
Education needed to be a Soil and Water Conservationist:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Soil and Water Conservationist?
Soil and Water Conservationists Sector
Soil and Water Conservationists work in the following industries:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Soil and Water Conservationist might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Soil and Water Conservationist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Farm and Home Management Advisors
- Civil Engineers
- Nursery and Greenhouse Managers
- Food Scientists and Technologists
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
References:
Image Credit: Lynn Betts via Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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