Occupation information for Conservation Scientists District Of Columbia

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description

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

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details

Currently Employed: 150

Projected Annual Job Openings: 20

Typical Hourly Wage: $31.87 - $54.78

Typical Annual Salary: $66,290 - $113,940

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typical training

Typical education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: No work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: No on-the-job training

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typical job duties
  • Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
  • Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
  • Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
  • Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
  • Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
  • Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
  • Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
  • Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
  • Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, or life expectancy of practices.
  • Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.
tools & technology
Tools:
  • Desktop computers
  • Digital cameras
  • Global positioning system GPS receiver
  • Laser measuring systems
  • Theodolites

Technology:
  • Analytical or scientific software
  • Data base user interface and query software
  • Electronic mail software
  • Geographic information system
  • Word processing software
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