Conservation Scientist job description

Federal government employs 27 percent of conservation scientists, local government 21 percent, social advocacy organizations 20 percent, and state government 19 percent, which makes this one of the most public and nonprofit occupations in the field. Conservation scientists manage the quality and use of rangeland, soil, water, and forest, working with landowners, tribes, and agencies on grazing plans, erosion control, habitat improvement, and regulatory compliance, and they take a hand in fire suppression. BLS counted 27,700 for 2025, projects about 5 percent growth, and expects roughly 2,100 openings a year. Pay sat at $73,010 in the middle for May 2025, spread across a reported $47,550 to $110,410. The credential expected at entry is a bachelor's degree.