Life As a Soil and Water Conservationist
Job Description: Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
A Day in the Life of a Soil and Water Conservationist
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.
- Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
- Manage field offices or involve staff in cooperative ventures.
- Survey property to mark locations or measurements, using surveying instruments.
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What a Soil and Water Conservationist Should Know
Soil and Water Conservationists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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
- Environmental Consultant
- Erosion Control Coordinator
- Conservation of Resources Commissioner
- Soil Surveyor
- Soil and Water Conservation District Manager
Soil and Water Conservationist Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 22,300 jobs for Soil and Water Conservationist in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,000 job openings in this field each 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.
Average Soil and Water Conservationists Salary
The average yearly salary of a Soil and Water Conservationist ranges between $34,020 and $98,450.
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 & Technology do Soil and Water Conservationists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Soil and Water Conservationists:
- 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
Becoming a Soil and Water Conservationist
What kind of Soil and Water Conservationist requirements are there?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Soil and Water Conservationists Work?
Soil and Water Conservationists work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Soil and Water Conservationist may also be interested in:
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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