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Science

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$73,010

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$48k – $110k

Job outlook

+3% (about average)

AI exposure

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports one wage for this occupational group, which covers 3 related roles — so read the median as an approximate group figure, and the range as the truer picture for this specific title. BLS source.

Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $119,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Plan a path to Conservation Scientists

Qualification costsStack incomeBest cities/statesSchool ROIJob-posting fitTailored resume

Education

Typical entry: Bachelor's degree

Plan my path to this →

Typical progression

  1. Conservation Scientists Intern

    Internship

    $36,000

    ~4 mos to advance

  2. Junior Conservation Scientists

    Entry / Junior

    $47,550

    ~2 yrs to advance

  3. Conservation Scientists

    Established

    $73,010

    ~3 yrs to advance

  4. Senior Conservation Scientists

    Senior

    $91,710

Internships are a common on-ramp here — they speed up landing that first role and improve your odds, which is why the Safe and High-ceiling plans build one in.

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

Top colleges for Science

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.