Hear from an Conservation Program Specialist in the ​​Video Below!

video questions:

What is your name and occupation? Please briefly describe what your job entails (roles and responsibilities). What would you say is the most exciting part of your job? What skills should you know to be successful in your occupation? What is the minimum degree that you need to acquire for your job and/or what classes are most pertinent? What do you like best about your job?

Job Description & Primary Responsibilities:

Conservation Program Specialists are responsible for improving, protecting, and managing earth's natural resources. To do so, they work closely with private landowners, federal, state, and local governments. Conservationists also frequently meet with farmers to consult them on the best practices for their land and how to increase their productivity while keeping the environment safe.

Responsibilities: Conservation Program Specialists research or study conservation management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife. They work to develop technical standards and specifications used to manage, protect and improve the natural resources of conservation. Maintain soil stability and vegetation for non-grazing uses, such as wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation. Manage forage resources through fire, herbicide use, or re-vegetation to maintain a sustainable yield from the land. Plan and direct construction and maintenance of conservation improvements such as water shed research and soil-erosion control structures. Study forage plants and their growth requirements to determine varieties best suited for specific areas. Utilize equipment for monitoring conservation structure and navigation and develop new and improved instruments and techniques for activities such as reseeding. Measure and assess vegetation resources for biological assessment companies, environmental impact statements, and conservation monitoring programs and offer advice regarding water management, forage production methods and control of brush.

Education Requirements:

Recommended High School Courses:

• Agriculture Education
• Science (Biology, Crop Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science)
• Mathematics
• Conservation / Wildlife
• Agronomy
• Chesapeake Bay Classes

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Education/Training:

• Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Resource Management, Natural Resources, Crop Science, Soil Science, Biology or Related Field.
• Proficient in Excel and other Microsoft systems
• GIS Mapping system knowledge
• Certifications: Nutrient Management Specialist Certification and Odor Management Certification

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:

• Society for Range Management
• World Association of Soil and Water Conservation
• Soil Science Society of America
• American Society of Agronomy
• National Arbor Day Foundation
• Sierra Club

​FOR INFORMATION ON conservation program Specialists' salaries, projected job growth, and more, VISIT Conservationist | Career Profile | AgCareers.com.