subject: A Conservation Scientist May Be Your Dream Career! [print this page] Not all scientific jobs are done in sterile labs or inside the ivory-lined towers of academia. For those who love the outdoors and the preservation of the planet, there's actually an occupation one might find quite attractive, that of a conservation scientist.
This occupation works on preserving and getting the greatest yield possible out of the soil. Among their responsibilities are conducting soil surveys, determining the best uses of plains and other farm country, cleaning up polluted wastelands, and suggesting the best kinds of structures to build for agricultural and live stock, from barns to fences, water reservoirs to rotating crops. These professionals tend to specialize in three specializations:
Park Naturalists - More than likely you've seen these people on TV or movies. They're the ones who take care of our national parks. That doesn't mean they are just glorified campers though. True, they do answer and assist and tourist that visits. At the same time, they are charged with the maintenance of the parks, are always on the watch for disasters such as flood or fire, as well as making sure the tourists don't feed the bears or grossly pollute the parks. If you need more information about online degrees check the internet.
Range Managers - Assist farmers and ranchers in getting the maximum yield out of the soil. This could include measuring vegetation resources for biological companies, environmental impact statements and rangeland monitoring programs; maintain soil stability for non-grazing uses, such as wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation and plan and direct construction and maintenance of range improvements such as fencing, corrals, stock-watering reservoirs and soil-erosion control structures.
Soil & Water Conservationists - These scientists apply specialized science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives. They also advise land users on conservation plans, problems and solutions, and provide technical and planning assistance, including crop rotation, re-forestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing to maintain soil and conserve water.
Considered a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) occupation, those interested in becoming a conservation scientist have the same access to much the same financial aid as computer scientists and other forms of technicians. To get started, one needs a Bachelor's degree in natural resource, agricultural or environmental science. There are also a number of different internship opportunities, such as working summers in national parks out there. Most also end up getting a Masters or PhD. There is an abundance of information about stem degree on the web.
The average salary for all three specialties is about $60,000 a year. Primary employers tend to be government agencies, colleges and big agriculture. The Bureau estimated there are about 14,000 currently in the U.S., and there will be a need for 4,000 more by 2019.
