Conservation Scientists

19-1031.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.
• Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
• Provide information, knowledge, expertise, or training to government agencies at all levels to solve water or soil management problems or to assure coordination of resource protection activities.
• Enter local soil, water, or other environmental data into adaptive or Web-based decision tools to identify appropriate analyses or techniques.
• Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
• Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, or investigations of various land uses to inform corrective action plans.
• 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.
• Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.
• Compile or interpret biodata to determine extent or type of wetlands or to aid in program formulation.
• Review or approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans or conservation district plans.
• Review proposed wetland restoration easements or provide technical recommendations.
• Develop soil maps.
• Manage field offices or involve staff in cooperative ventures.
• Initiate, schedule, or conduct annual audits or compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
• Identify or recommend integrated weed and pest management (IPM) strategies, such as resistant plants, cultural or behavioral controls, soil amendments, insects, natural enemies, barriers, or pesticides.
• Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, or watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Review grant applications or make funding recommendations.
• Develop or conduct environmental studies, such as plant material field trials or wildlife habitat impact studies.
• Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.
• Develop water conservation or harvest plans, using weather information systems, irrigation information management systems, or other sources of daily evapotranspiration (ET) data.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Clover Technology GALENA; CropSyst Suite; Datasurge GEOPRO; Delft GeoSystems MStab; GEO-SLOPE SEEP/W; GFA2D; HYDRUS-2D; Interstudio Geo-Tec B; Landscape Management System LMS; Mitre Software GSLOPE; Salix Applied Earthcare Erosion Draw; Studio of Analytical Models STANMOD; U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA WinSRM; USDA Forest Vegetation Simulator FVS; Water Soil and Hydro-Environmental Decision Support System WATERSHEDSS; WinEPIC
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥
• Data base user interface and query software - CroPMan; Microsoft Access 🔥; State Soil Geographic STATSGO Database; Water resources databases
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software ; ESRI ArcInfo; ESRI ArcView; Geographic information system GIS software; Geographic information system GIS systems
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Autodesk Maya
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Mobile location based services software - Global positioning system GPS software
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Operating system software - Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web platform development software - Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
• Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.
• Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
• Advise others about land management or conservation.
• Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
• Determine design criteria or specifications.
• Collect geographical or geological field data.
• Estimate green project costs.
• Develop collaborative relationships between departments or with external organizations.
• Inspect condition of natural environments.
• Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
• Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
• Record research or operational data.
• Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.
• Plan environmental research.
• Direct natural resources management or conservation programs.
• Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
• Compile environmental or climatological data.
• Analyze environmental data.
• Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.
• Create maps.
• Assess compliance with environmental laws.
• Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
• Mediate disputes.