Conservation Scientists
Medium46.68%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$42,850
Median$68,750
High (90th %)$105,460
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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.
The automation risk for the occupation "Conservation Scientists" is estimated at 46.7%, closely aligning with its base risk of 47.5%. This suggests that while nearly half of the job tasks could potentially be automated in the coming years, a substantial portion will still require human expertise and decision-making. The calculation reflects how conservation science includes both highly structured, routine activities and duties that demand complex, context-sensitive judgment. As artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and agricultural robotics advance, many routine scientific and management processes can be handed over to automated systems, but essential human-led responsibilities remain. The most automatable tasks within the role involve the application of established scientific principles, the planning of standard soil management or conservation practices, and the monitoring of projects for design conformity. These tasks are consistently guided by well-defined procedures, measurable parameters, and repeatable outcomes. For instance, applying soil science principles or planning crop rotations is largely based on known scientific formulas and historical data—domains in which AI and expert systems excel. Similarly, project monitoring can be streamlined with the use of sensor networks, drones, or automated reporting tools, all of which reduce the need for human intervention in observational or compliance-based tasks. However, the role also includes several tasks that demonstrate strong resistance to automation. Developing comprehensive water conservation plans using advanced data and interpreting nuanced weather and irrigation information demands creative problem-solving and the tailored integration of multiple, often conflicting, inputs. Fact-finding and mediation sessions require diplomatic skill, empathy, and conflict resolution finesse that current automated systems cannot reliably reproduce. Additionally, designing and conducting complex environmental studies, such as field trials or wildlife impact assessments, involves scientific originality—a core bottleneck skill, rated at 3.3% and 3.6%, indicating low susceptibility to automation. These tasks rely on insight, holistic judgment, and adaptability, underscoring the continued importance of human conservation scientists in shaping sustainable environmental practices.
Filter by Automatable Status
Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
Partially Automatable
Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
Partially Automatable
Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
Partially Automatable
Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
Partially Automatable
Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
Partially Automatable
Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
Partially Automatable
Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
Partially Automatable
Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, or life expectancy of practices.
Automatable
Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.
Non-Automatable
Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.
Non-Automatable
Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
Non-Automatable
Enter local soil, water, or other environmental data into adaptive or Web-based decision tools to identify appropriate analyses or techniques.
Automatable
Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
Partially Automatable
Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, or investigations of various land uses to inform corrective action plans.
Partially Automatable
Coordinate or implement technical, financial, or administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation or timely responses to requests for assistance.
Partially Automatable
Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.
Partially Automatable
Compile or interpret biodata to determine extent or type of wetlands or to aid in program formulation.
Partially Automatable
Review or approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans or conservation district plans.
Partially Automatable
Review proposed wetland restoration easements or provide technical recommendations.
Partially Automatable
Develop soil maps.
Partially Automatable
Manage field offices or involve staff in cooperative ventures.
Partially Automatable
Initiate, schedule, or conduct annual audits or compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
Partially Automatable
Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, or watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
Partially Automatable
Review grant applications or make funding recommendations.
Partially Automatable
Develop or conduct environmental studies, such as plant material field trials or wildlife habitat impact studies.
Partially Automatable
Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.
Non-Automatable
Develop water conservation or harvest plans, using weather information systems, irrigation information management systems, or other sources of daily evapotranspiration (ET) data.
Partially Automatable
Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
Non-Automatable
Provide information, knowledge, expertise, or training to government agencies at all levels to solve water or soil management problems or to assure coordination of resource protection activities.
Partially Automatable
Identify or recommend integrated weed and pest management (IPM) strategies, such as resistant plants, cultural or behavioral controls, soil amendments, insects, natural enemies, barriers, or pesticides.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageTransportationTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaEducation and Training
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Microsoft WindowsAutodesk AutoCADCroPManCropSyst SuiteDatasurge GEOPRODelft GeoSystems MStabGEO-SLOPE SEEP/WGFA2DInterstudio Geo-Tec BMitre Software GSLOPESalix Applied Earthcare Erosion DrawMicrosoft Office softwareGlobal positioning system GPS softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordESRI ArcViewMicrosoft AccessEmail softwareESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcInfoGeographic information system GIS systemsMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelAutodesk MayaState Soil Geographic STATSGO DatabaseU.S. Department of Agriculture USDA WinSRMUSDA Forest Vegetation Simulator FVSWinEPICMicrosoft WindowsAutodesk AutoCADHYDRUS-2DCroPManCropSyst SuiteDatasurge GEOPROMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareGlobal positioning system GPS softwareESRI ArcViewESRI ArcGIS softwareESRI ArcInfoGeographic information system GIS systemsMicrosoft PowerPointAutodesk MayaDelft GeoSystems MStabGFA2DInterstudio Geo-Tec BMitre Software GSLOPEU.S. Department of Agriculture USDA WinSRMWinEPICStudio of Analytical Models STANMODWater resources databasesWord processing softwareWord processing softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareGeographic information system GIS softwareMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatState Soil Geographic STATSGO DatabaseGEO-SLOPE SEEP/WSalix Applied Earthcare Erosion DrawUSDA Forest Vegetation Simulator FVSClover Technology GALENAClover Technology GALENAHYDRUS-2DStudio of Analytical Models STANMODWater resources databasesLandscape Management System LMSLandscape Management System LMSWater Soil and Hydro-Environmental Decision Support System WATERSHEDSSWater Soil and Hydro-Environmental Decision Support System WATERSHEDSSEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareWeb browser softwareMicrosoft Access
Water Resource Specialists
Medium52.67%
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Medium48.09%
Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.
Agricultural Engineers
Medium43.86%
Apply knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Medium47.31%
Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.
Environmental Engineers
Medium47.36%
Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
Soil and Plant Scientists
Medium48.11%
Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Medium47.45%
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Biologists
Medium43.26%
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Range Managers
Medium46.07%
Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.
Park Naturalists
Medium41.82%
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Foresters
Medium47.18%
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Medium51.39%
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Environmental Restoration Planners
Medium49.13%
Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
Industrial Ecologists
Medium49.08%
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
Medium49.96%
Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.
Hydrologists
Medium50.06%
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Medium57.09%
Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
Medium50.23%
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Hydrologic Technicians
Medium53.13%
Collect and organize data concerning the distribution and circulation of ground and surface water, and data on its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, maintain field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, developers, government agencies, or agriculture.
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Medium40.64%
Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.
Chief Sustainability Officers
Medium50.38%
Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Medium52.09%
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Sustainability Specialists
Medium54.37%
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Landscape Architects
Medium49.03%
Plan and design land areas for projects such as parks and other recreational facilities, airports, highways, hospitals, schools, land subdivisions, and commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
Surveyors
Medium50.29%
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Medium54.71%
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
Climate Change Policy Analysts
Medium47.42%
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Environmental Economists
Medium50.32%
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
Urban and Regional Planners
Medium50.08%
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Geographers
Medium47.14%
Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global.
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium42.73%
Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium45.22%
Teach courses in forestry and conservation science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium44.26%
Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Farm and Home Management Educators
Medium42.49%
Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.
Fish and Game Wardens
Medium34.90%
Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.
Forest and Conservation Workers
Low29.06%
Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, tree planters, and gatherers of nontimber forestry products such as pine straw.