Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Independence
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Initiative
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.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Technology Skills
- Geographic information system
- Presentation software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Electronic mail software
Abilities
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
Skills
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- English Language
- Biology
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water InspectorCertifying Organization
EnviroCert International, Inc.
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Professional in Storm Water QualityCertifying Organization
EnviroCert International, Inc.
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Level II Hydrologic Technician: Ground WaterCertifying Organization
American Institute of Hydrology
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
National Green Infrastructure Certified PractitionerCertifying Organization
EnviroCert International, Inc.
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment ControlCertifying Organization
EnviroCert International
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $49,329 |
| Median (50%) | $62,183 |
| High (90%) | $81,215 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $65,080 |
| Mid Level | $75,402 |
| Senior Level | $88,368 |
| Expert Level | $82,858 |
Employability
There are currently 25,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 27,400 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 6%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 6%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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