Forester and Conservation Scientist
Foresters and conservation scientists play essential roles in managing and protecting natural resources, particularly forests and rangelands. They develop and implement strategies to ensure sustainable use of these areas, addressing environmental concerns such as forest fires, soil erosion, and timber procurement. Typically employed by government agencies, these professionals enforce regulations that aim to balance economic activities with ecological preservation. Their work environments are diverse, ranging from rugged outdoor settings to organized laboratory and office spaces, and they often collaborate with various stakeholders, including landowners and public officials.
Education requirements include a bachelor's degree in relevant fields like forestry or environmental studies, and further qualifications can enhance job prospects. The profession is characterized by a need for problem-solving skills and a strong connection to nature, as fieldwork is a significant aspect of the job. With a median annual salary of $68,300 and a job outlook projected to grow at an average rate, careers in forestry and conservation science are both rewarding and vital to advancing sustainable development initiatives.
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Subject Terms
Forester and Conservation Scientist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Manufacturing, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Environmental issues, natural resources, working outdoors, solving problems
Earnings (Yearly Median): $68,300 per year $32.84 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Foresters and conservation scientists oversee the development, use, and management of forests, rangelands, recreational areas, and other natural sites. Foresters develop plans and policies for safeguarding against forest fires, tree disease outbreaks, and insect infestations. Conservation scientists help landowners make sustainable use of timber, water, and other natural resources. Both foresters and conservation scientists often work for government agencies, managing and enforcing regulations that pertain to sustainable development activities, such as controlled burns and land clearances, reforestation, and proper harvesting techniques. Foresters and conservation scientists often specialize in a particular subfield, such as wildlife management, soil science, procurement, or environmental law enforcement.
Work Environment. Foresters and conservation scientists typically work in a combination of outdoor, laboratory, and office settings. When doing outdoor fieldwork, they frequently hike deep into forests and other rural and underpopulated areas to conduct research, analyze trends, and assess environmental issues. In the laboratory, they study soil, plant, water, and other samples and collate data regarding long-term trends. In their offices, they write reports, conduct meetings, and coordinate with farmers, representatives of the timber industry, and government officials. Foresters and conservation scientists usually work a forty-hour week, although they may work erratic hours. When conducting fieldwork, they must be outdoors (on many occasions by themselves) in all climates and conditions. They must be aware of and take precautions to avoid natural dangers such as mosquito-borne illnesses. During natural disasters, such as forest fires, flooding, and other emergencies, foresters and conservation scientists work longer hours and spend most of their time outdoors.
Occupation Interest. Foresters and conservation scientists are key figures in the ongoing effort to promote sustainable development and protect ecosystems. They must balance using and harvesting wood, water, and other natural resources for economic purposes with protecting the environment. Because foresters and conservation scientists must resolve a wide range of environmental issues, the work performed by these individuals is rarely monotonous. Foresters and conservation scientists should enjoy spending a great deal of time outdoors in different areas of the forest or in open spaces.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The responsibilities of foresters and conservation scientists vary based on individual areas of expertise. For example, procurement foresters contact and gain permission from forest property owners to take inventory of the different types of timber standing within the territory, appraise the value of that inventory, and develop contracts for its procurement. Range conservation scientists, meanwhile, work with ranchers to determine the maximum number of cattle that can live in and feed off an area in a sustainable fashion.
Foresters negotiate the terms of a wide range of land use contracts and regulate how timber is cut and moved. They also supervise other forestry workers, direct fire suppression protocols, and analyze how development and tree removal affect tree growth rates and species durability. Conservation scientists, meanwhile, take soil samples to address soil erosion and provide counsel to farmers, ranchers, and landowners on how to engage in sustainable development and natural resource extraction. Conservation scientists also plan and implement plans for replanting trees and plants after development has taken place. In both cases, conservation scientists and foresters carefully study trends and resource quantities to ensure long-term use while minimizing the impact of such activities on the ecosystem in question.
Range Managers (040.061-046). Range Managers protect rangelands to maximize their use without damaging the environment.
Soil Conservationists (040.061-054).Soil Conservationists assist farmers, ranchers, and others to conserve soil, water, and related natural resources.
Wood Technologists (040.061-062). Wood Technologists conduct research on the methods of drying, preserving, and using wood and its by-products. They test wood for such properties as strength, moisture content, elasticity, and hardness and determine the best type of wood for specific uses.
Forest Ecologists (040.061-030). Forest Ecologists conduct research on the various environmental factors affecting forests.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Foresters and conservation scientists spend some time working in offices and laboratories, where they analyze samples, collate data, write reports, and hold meetings. These environments are clean, well-lit, and organized. Foresters and conservation scientists also conduct fieldwork in farm country, open ranges, and forests, which are rugged, at times remote, and subject to a wide range of weather conditions.
Human Environment. Foresters and conservation scientists work with a wide range of public and private employees, including ranchers, loggers, landowners, business executives, government regulators, political leaders, and emergency and public safety officials.
Technological Environment. Foresters and conservation scientists use analytical and data collection technologies. Foresters use clinometers, increment borers, and bark gauges to measure tree height and growth, as well as aerial and remote sensors to map areas of land use and undeveloped forests. Conservation scientists use water testing kits, soil spectrometers, and other equipment to analyze the impact of development on natural resources. Both foresters and conservation scientists must use basic office software, scientific databases, remote sensing, computer modeling software, and mapping programs. Geographic information systems (GIS) software, for example, can be used to help track wildlife movement patterns and discover impediments to species movement.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should take courses in biology, chemistry, and the natural sciences. Geometry, algebra, and trigonometry are essential mathematics courses for foresters and conservation scientists. Additional training in computer science and agriculture is also useful, as is an understanding of environmental laws and sustainable development issues, which may be obtained through social studies or history courses. Furthermore, English and communications courses build the writing skills that future foresters and conservation scientists need.
Postsecondary. Foresters and conservation scientists need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in forestry, agricultural science, ecology, or environmental studies. A graduate degree can enhance a candidate’s competitiveness and enable these individuals to attain senior-level research positions within these fields. Foresters may need to obtain a state license to practice, and both conservation scientists and foresters may choose to pursue voluntary certification.
Related Occupations
− Botanist
− Water and Wastewater Engineer
Bibliography
"Conservation Scientists and Foresters." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/conservation-scientists.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
Keeley, Annika T. H., Paul Beier, and Jeff S. Jenness. "Connectivity Metrics for Conservation Planning and Monitoring." Biological Conservation, vol. 255, Mar. 2021, doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109008. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Managing Your Woods." Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/ForestsAndTrees/ManagingYourWoods/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Occupation Employment and Wages, May 2023 19-1031 Conservation Scientists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, bls.gov/oes/current/oes191031.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.