To become a soil conservationist, one needs an interest in environmental science, a degree in soil conservation or related fields, and a willingness to work outdoors. Most conservationists work for the government, and a degree in environmental science is the best option. The job involves analyzing soil and water, troubleshooting erosion, and preventing contamination. It requires spending a lot of time in the field and working with dirty materials.
To become a soil conservationist, you must have an interest in environmental science, a natural desire to get your hands dirty and learn more about the land, and a degree in soil conservation or a related field. There are not many educational institutions that offer specialized studies in the soil conservation trade; many conservationists working in the sector hold degrees in environmental science studies, biology or forestry. The vast majority of people in this field are employed by the government.
The foundation of a career in soil and water conservation is an active interest in and natural aptitude for environmental science. Environmental science is the study of the Earth through physical and biological science, conducted in an effort to find solutions to environmental problems. This subject can be covered as early as high school, and if your interest is piqued by the topic and you see it as something you would like to do as a career, you can take the next steps towards becoming a soil conservationist.
This type of environmental career requires workers to get up close and personal with the material they are working with; in this case, solo. You can’t be afraid to get dirty when you become a soil conservationist. You will need to analyze soil and water to help your employers identify problems, troubleshoot erosion, maintain high water quality, and prevent water and soil contamination. A significant portion of your workday will be spent outdoors, working in the thick of the elements. It should also be noted that you probably won’t be working in idyllic pastoral settings; most of the time you will likely be on cattle ranches, oil fields or areas with contaminated water supplies.
Finding the right post-secondary education is the most important step in becoming a soil conservationist. Most colleges and universities will offer a degree in environmental science, which encompasses soil conservation and various related disciplines. Since you’ll be hard-pressed to find a school that offers a degree in soil conservation, the environmental science option will likely be your best bet. Alternatively, you could pursue a degree in biology or land management, or as a forestry specialist or conservation scientist, which will allow you to work in soil conservation.
Those working in this sector typically spend a lot of time away from the office, working hard in the field. If your career goals involve sitting behind a desk, soil conservation might not be for you. But if you like the idea of finding solutions to environmental problems, working to prevent wildfires and soil and water contamination, and getting your fingernails dirty, a career as a soil conservationist might be the perfect option.
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