Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
About two thirds of salaried conservation scientists and foresters work for Federal, State, or local governments. A bachelors degree in forestry, range management, or a related discipline is the minimum educational requirement. Slower than average job growth is projected; most new jobs will be in State and local governments and in private sector forestry and conservation consulting.
On average, Conservation Scientists earn $ 54,970 per year.
Job Opportunities for Conservation Scientists are expected to:
Increase slower than average.
Forests and rangelands supply wood products, livestock forage, minerals, and water. They serve as sites for recreational activities and provide habitats for wildlife. Conservation scientists and foresters manage the use and development of these lands and help to protect them. Some advise landowners on the use and management of their land. Conservation scientists and foresters often specialize in one area, such as wildlife management, soil conservation, urban forestry, pest management, native species, or forest economics. But most work falls into one of three categories: forestry, conservation science focusing on range lands, and conservation science focusing on farming and soil.
Most forester and conservation scientist jobs require a bachelors degree. Research and teaching positions usually need a graduate degree.
Conservation scientists and foresters held about 33,000 jobs in 2006. Conservation scientist jobs are heavily concentrated in government where nearly 3 in 4 are employed. Soil conservationists are employed primarily in the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service. Most range managers work in the USDAs Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interiors Bureau of Land Management, and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. A small number are self-employed and others work for nonprofit organizations or in consulting firms.
