What Does it Take to Be a Soil and Water Conservationist?
Position Description 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?
- Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
- Provide access to programs or training to assist in completion of government groundwater protection plans.
- Initiate, schedule, or conduct annual audits or compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
- Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.
- 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.
- Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Soil and Water Conservationist?
When polled, Soil and Water Conservationists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Types of Soil and Water Conservationist
- Ecologist Technician
- Research Soil Scientist
- Soil Conservation Technician
- Conservation Agent
- Water Conservation Specialist
Job Outlook for Soil and Water Conservationists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 22,300 jobs in the United States for Soil and Water Conservationist. 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. There will be an estimated 2,000 positions for Soil and Water Conservationist per year.
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.
How Much Does a Soil and Water Conservationist Make?
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.
How much do Soil and Water Conservationists make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Soil and Water Conservationists
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?
Are there Soil and Water Conservationists education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Soil and Water Conservationist?
Where do Soil and Water Conservationists Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Soil and Water Conservationist may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Soil and Water Conservationist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- 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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