Soil Conservationist

Soil Conservationist 

Main Topic: Physical Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society 

Overview: Soil conservationists are responsible for ensuring a health state of the soil. They spend a large proportion of their time working in the field, alongside farmers and other land users, offering conservation planning and technical help. Aims include conserving the soil, improving water quality, managing nutrients, and protecting and improving wildlife habitats. Apply conservation principles in specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture; Advise land users on conservation plans, problems and alternative solutions; Provide technical and planning assistance; Plan soil management and conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour ploughing, or terracing, to maintain soil and conserve water; Visit areas affected by erosion problems to seek sources and solutions; Work on assistance programs for local governments; Collect and analyze soil samples; Analyze and present results; Develop studies to investigate various types of land use; Provide information, knowledge, expertise, and training to government agencies at all levels; Design and oversee the construction of soil conservation structures; Monitor land use to evaluate the effectiveness of land-use practices and plans; Generate cost estimates for different conservation practices; Participate in environmental impact assessments; Manage projects and supervise technical and professional staff. Conservationists work is spread between offices, laboratories and outdoors. Fieldwork can be in remote locations. The areas of fieldwork will vary depending on the employer and their remit. 

Geographers at work: Physical Geographers, Environmental Geographers 

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

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

Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science

Learn more about Soil Conservationist 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