O*NET-SOC 19-1031.00

Conservation Scientists

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.Core22138
Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.Core22153
Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.Core22135
Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.Core22134
Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.Core22133
Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.Core22140
Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.Core22139
Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.Core22141
Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, or life expectancy of practices.Core22145
Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.Core22137
Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.Core22143
Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.Core22136
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.Core22146
Enter local soil, water, or other environmental data into adaptive or Web-based decision tools to identify appropriate analyses or techniques.Core22158
Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.Core22147
Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, or investigations of various land uses to inform corrective action plans.Core22151
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.Core22148
Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.Core22144
Compile or interpret biodata to determine extent or type of wetlands or to aid in program formulation.Core22159
Review or approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans or conservation district plans.Core22156
Review proposed wetland restoration easements or provide technical recommendations.Core22150
Develop water conservation or harvest plans, using weather information systems, irrigation information management systems, or other sources of daily evapotranspiration (ET) data.Supplemental22155
Develop soil maps.Core22162
Manage field offices or involve staff in cooperative ventures.Core22152
Initiate, schedule, or conduct annual audits or compliance checks of program implementation by local government.Core22154
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.Core22149
Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, or watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.Core22160
Review grant applications or make funding recommendations.Core22161
Develop or conduct environmental studies, such as plant material field trials or wildlife habitat impact studies.Core22157
Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.Core22142

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 38 examples in 15 categories, 11 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Document management software

Adobe AcrobatHot Technology

Computer aided design CAD software

Autodesk AutoCADHot Technology

Graphics or photo imaging software

Autodesk Maya

Analytical or scientific software

Clover Technology GALENA
CropSyst Suite
Datasurge GEOPRO
Delft GeoSystems MStab
GEO-SLOPE SEEP/W
GFA2D
HYDRUS-2D
Interstudio Geo-Tec B
Landscape Management System LMS
Mitre Software GSLOPE
Salix Applied Earthcare Erosion Draw
Studio of Analytical Models STANMOD
U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA WinSRM
USDA Forest Vegetation Simulator FVS
Water Soil and Hydro-Environmental Decision Support System WATERSHEDSS
WinEPIC

Data base user interface and query software

CroPMan
Microsoft AccessHot Technology
State Soil Geographic STATSGO Database
Water resources databases

Electronic mail software

Email software
Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Geographic information system

ESRI ArcGIS softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand
ESRI ArcInfo
ESRI ArcView
Geographic information system GIS software
Geographic information system GIS systems

Mobile location based services software

Global positioning system GPS software

Web platform development software

Microsoft Active Server Pages ASPHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot TechnologyIn Demand

Operating system software

Microsoft WindowsHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

Research sustainable agricultural processes or practices.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Inspect condition of natural environments.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimate green project costs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Processing Information

Compile environmental or climatological data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Review plans or proposals for environmental conservation.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Assess compliance with environmental laws.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

Analyze environmental data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Create maps.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Plan environmental research.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Collect geographical or geological field data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Determine design criteria or specifications.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Record research or operational data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Develop collaborative relationships between departments or with external organizations.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Mediate disputes.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Direct natural resources management or conservation programs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Advise others about land management or conservation.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 24

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.