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.
Work Activities
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Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
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Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
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Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
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Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
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Manage field offices or involve staff in cooperative ventures.
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Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.
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Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
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Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
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Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
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Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
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Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
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Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.
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Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.
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Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.
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Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, or life expectancy of practices.
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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.
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Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
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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.
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Initiate, schedule, or conduct annual audits or compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
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Develop water conservation or harvest plans, using weather information systems, irrigation information management systems, or other sources of daily evapotranspiration (ET) data.
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Review or approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans or conservation district plans.
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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.
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Review proposed wetland restoration easements or provide technical recommendations.
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Enter local soil, water, or other environmental data into adaptive or Web-based decision tools to identify appropriate analyses or techniques.
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Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, or investigations of various land uses to inform corrective action plans.
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Develop or conduct environmental studies, such as plant material field trials or wildlife habitat impact studies.
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Compile or interpret biodata to determine extent or type of wetlands or to aid in program formulation.
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Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, or watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
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Review grant applications or make funding recommendations.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Education
Bachelor's degree
- Work Experience
No work experience
- Training
No on-the-job training
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Looking for technical training programs?
Check out these programs:
Realistic:
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
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Integrity
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Dependability
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Cooperation
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Attention to Detail
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Initiative
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Self Control
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Theodolites
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Laser measuring systems
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Global positioning system GPS receiver
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Digital cameras
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Desktop computers
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Word processing software
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Map creation software
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Electronic mail software
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Data base user interface and query software
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Analytical or scientific software
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Bright Outlook occupations will grow rapidly in the next few years, have a large number of openings, or are new and emerging careers.
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Apprenticeships are available for this occupation. These programs can help you get hands-on experience and build your skills.
