Life As a Soil and Water Conservationist
Occupation Description Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
Life As a Soil and Water Conservationist
- Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
- Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.
- Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, or investigations of various land uses to inform corrective action plans.
- Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
- Compile or interpret biodata to determine extent or type of wetlands or to aid in program formulation.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
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Qualities of 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
- Resource Conservationist
- Soil Conservationist
- Environmental Consultant
- Erosion and Sediment Control Professional
- Conservation Agent
Is There Job Demand 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. 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.
Salary for a Soil and Water Conservationist
The salary for Soil and Water Conservationists ranges between about $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 & Technology 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 to Become a Soil and Water Conservationist
Individuals working as a Soil and Water Conservationist have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Soil and Water Conservationist?
Where Soil and Water Conservationists Work
Soil and Water Conservationists work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
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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