Water Conservation Officer

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Environment and Society
Secondary Topic: Physical Geography

Overview: Water conservation officers have the expertise necessary to assess environmental impacts of land use changes on the area and its wildlife. Water conservation officers tend to be employed by environmental and conservation organizations, research bodies and regulatory bodies. They follow regulations on wildlife conservation and educate others about the environment and local area. This area of employment emerged amongst growing concern for the vulnerability of wetland areas when urban developments were proposed near to them. Visiting sites to set up field surveys; Monitoring sites and writing reports on the results; Studying wildlife; Providing advice on protecting habitats; Keeping up to date with legislation; Promoting environmental awareness; Running talks and workshops with local groups; Liaising with clients and authorities; Planning volunteer activities and training volunteers for conservations projects. This role involves a combination of desk and field-based work to conduct assessments. Protecting environmental areas where groundwater is important, such as wetlands, may mean field work occurs in remote areas.

Geographers at work: Physical Geographers, Environmental Geographers

Recommended College Courses: Physical Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Management, Quantitative Methods

Skills: Field Methods, Quantitative Methods, Physical Geography, Environmental Management

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Learn more about Water Conservation Officers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/conservation-scientists.htm