Soil Conservationist

Working Schedule

• Soil Conservationists work full-time jobs. Travel for fieldwork and site visits to farms, forests, or other sites may be needed. There could be exposure to inclement weather or hazards such as pests or chemicals.

Typical Duties

• Examine sites to assess topographical properties, such as soil types and qualities
• Meet and work with farmers and landowners to draft conservation plans 
• Collaborate with applicable local, state, and federal agencies
• Create suitable soil conservation practices for sites
• Practices may include contour plowing, strip cropping, covering crops, terracing, crop rotation, planting trees and shrubs, creating tree windbreaks, no-till farming, installing ponds and grass waterways, subsoiling, mulching, erosion control blankets, managed grazing, etc. 
• Create a database of soil types, erosion data, and actions taken
• Suggest amendments to improve soil health
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented practices; gauge the impacts on soil health
• Work with engineers and hydrologists to ensure that soil conservation efforts align with water conservation needs
• Monitor construction practices and offer guidance on erosion control
• Advise on water quality and conservation issues such as wetlands restoration

Additional Responsibilities

• Look for organizations to establish mutually-beneficial partnerships
• Write or assist with grant proposals to seek project funding
• Provide education and training to agencies and institutions, as needed
• Keep up to date on trends and best practices
• Participate in professional organization events, such as workshops and conferences
• Draft technical reports outlining findings and recommendations
• Train and mentor new conservationists 

Soft Skills

• Accuracy 
• Analytical
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills 
• Continuous learning
• Customer service 
• Detail-oriented
• Independent 
• Initiative
• Methodical 
• Monitoring
• Organized
• Patience
• Reliable 
• Scheduling
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of soil science, including soil profiles and physics
• Basic chemistry and biology
• Hydrology, including water movement, water quality, and the ways to conserve and improve water resources
• Agronomy/crop science, including types of crops, growth cycles, and effects on soils
• Erosion control techniques, like terracing, strip cropping, contour plowing, cover crops, etc. 
• Knowledge of agricultural equipment and machines
• Research and measurement-taking skills; basic land survey tools
• Databases and analytics programs for soil health information
• Land-use planning
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Remote sensing using satellite imagery or aerial photography
• Software for soil modeling and data analysis
• Conservation planning; wetlands preservation; environmental impact assessment methods
• Knowledge of governmental agencies, policies, and regulations
• Valid driver’s license (for some jobs)

• Private industries
• Conservation organizations
• Governmental agencies
• Colleges, universities, and other research facilities

Much rides on the important work of Soil Conservationists, who bear a lot of responsibility to ensure our valuable soil resources are protected and used efficiently!

They have to be able to conduct thorough soil surveys and studies, develop feasible conservation plans, reduce erosion, and help with proper water drainage and irrigation. Oversights and errors can lead to mistakes that cost farmers and businesses money and may be harmful to the environment and wildlife habitats. 

Soil conservation is in the spotlight because of increasing awareness of the pivotal role soil plays in our climate, food security, and ecosystem health. 

Regenerative agriculture is a trend that goes beyond sustainable farming by actively improving the health and vitality of soils. This includes practices like no-till or reduced tillage, which minimizes soil disturbance; cover cropping; and crop rotation and diversification. These techniques enhance soil health and boost its ability to capture carbon from the atmosphere.

Another trend is the nurturing of soil microbiomes, in which microorganisms promote soil health and plant growth, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In addition, digital agriculture technologies such as drones, sensors, and machine learning algorithms are being used to monitor soil health, predict erosion patterns, and optimize irrigation. 

Soil Conservationists may have always loved to work outside in natural settings. They could have grown up in rural settings, such as around farms, fields, or forests. They care about wildlife and the environment, and are patient and meticulous—traits that could have come from any number of childhood experiences!