Conservation Scientist

Although she’s often portrayed as powerful, mighty, and sometimes even merciless — in times of wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes, for instance — the truth is: Mother Nature’s just as fragile as she is fierce. Like a caged animal that’s at once dangerous and defenseless, she therefore must be protected and respected, regardless of her bark or bite.

It is the job of a Conservation Scientist to do the protecting. Employed by local, state, and federal governments, as well as universities, corporations, and private landowners, Conservation Scientists help people manage and improve the environment without harming it.

Typically, if you’re a Conservation Scientist you work in one of two occupations. The first is that of Range Manager. In this role, you specialize in “rangelands,” or land that’s used for livestock grazing, forestry, wildlife protection, or recreation. Usually employed by the government, you’re tasked with studying and supervising the land, and creating plans that will allow it to be used — for business or pleasure — without harming its wildlife habitats, water resources, and vegetation.

The second occupation you’re likely to have is that of Soil Conservationist or Water Conservationist. In this role, you probably work in agriculture, helping Farmers and Ranchers work their land without destroying it. Concerned with issues such as soil erosion and groundwater contamination, you use science to balance business interests with environmental interests.

No matter what kind of Conservation Scientist you are, your duties are generally the same: You survey land, you study it, and then you assist in the creation of plans to preserve and protect it. You’re like Mother Nature’s guardian angel.