Conservation Scientists

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.

$69,060

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+3% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Conservation scientists work to protect and manage natural resources while ensuring they remain productive for current and future use. They spend their time conducting field surveys to assess soil quality, water conditions, and land health, then develop practical plans to address issues like erosion, overgrazing, or habitat degradation. Much of their work involves collaborating with farmers, ranchers, and landowners to implement sustainable practices such as crop rotation, contour plowing, terracing, and strategic grazing patterns. They analyze data collected from the field, prepare reports, and create management plans that balance environmental protection with agricultural productivity.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)University of Pennsylvania, PA

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)Harvard University, MA

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(doctoral)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Sustainability Studies(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Sustainability Studies(masters)Presidio Graduate School, CA

Natural Resources Conservation and Research(masters)Webster University, MO

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(doctoral)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Natural Resources Conservation and Research(masters)Yale University, CT

Sustainability Studies(masters)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Natural Resources Conservation and Research(professional)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Natural Resources Conservation and Research(bachelors)Columbia Southern University, AL

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(grad-cert)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(grad-cert)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Natural Resources Conservation and Research(masters)American University, DC

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)George Washington University, DC

Natural Resources Conservation and Research(masters)Harvard University, MA

Natural Resources Management and Policy(masters)Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, VA

Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology(masters)Boston University, MA

Sustainability Studies(masters)CUNY City College, NY

Natural Resources Management and Policy(masters)Duke University, NC

Natural Resources Management and Policy(masters)University of Denver, CO

Natural Resources Conservation and Research(masters)University of San Francisco, CA

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