Soil and Water Conservationists - 19-1031.01

O*NET-SOC Description

Plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use.

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Soil Conservationist

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Advise land users, such as farmers and ranchers, on conservation plans, problems and alternative solutions, and provide technical and planning assistance.
  • Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
  • Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
  • Compile and interpret wetland biodata to determine extent and type of wetland and to aid in program formulation.
  • Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, and life expectancy of practices.
  • Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey and field information technical guides, engineering manuals, and calculators.
  • Conduct fact finding and mediation sessions among government units, landowners, and other agencies to resolve disputes.
  • Coordinate and implement technical, financial, and administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation and timely responses to requests for assistance.
  • Develop and maintain working relationships with local government staff and board members.
  • Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, and investigations of various land uses, gathering information for use in developing corrective action plans.
  • Initiate, schedule, and conduct annual audits and compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
  • Manage field offices and involve staff in cooperative ventures.
  • Monitor projects during and after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
  • Participate on work teams to plan, develop, and implement water and land management programs and policies.
  • Plan soil management and conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil and conserve water.
  • Provide access to programs and training to assist in completion of government groundwater protection plans.
  • Provide information, knowledge, expertise, and training to government agencies at all levels to solve water and soil management problems and to assure coordination of resource protection activities.
  • Respond to complaints and questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information and clarification.
  • Review and approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans and conservation district plans.
  • Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, and watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
  • Review grant applications and make funding recommendations.
  • Review proposed wetland restoration easements and provide technical recommendations.
  • Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices and plans.
  • Survey property to mark locations and measurements, using surveying instruments.
  • Visit areas affected by erosion problems to seek sources and solutions.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • advise clients or customers
  • advise governmental or industrial personnel
  • analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
  • analyze ecosystem data
  • analyze operational or management reports or records
  • analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • assign work to staff or employees
  • calculate engineering specifications
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • collect statistical data
  • communicate technical information
  • compile data on economic, social, or physical factors affecting land use
  • compute production, construction, or installation specifications
  • conduct field research or investigative studies
  • conduct land surveys
  • conduct training for personnel
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • confer with research personnel
  • confer with scientists
  • convert information into instructional program
  • coordinate engineering project activities
  • design construction projects
  • determine specifications
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop plans for programs or projects
  • develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
  • develop tables depicting data
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct and coordinate civil engineering projects
  • direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
  • direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
  • discuss conservation or related land use plans with land users
  • ensure compliance with government regulations
  • establish and maintain relationships with community organizations
  • evaluate management programs
  • explain complex mathematical information
  • explain government laws or regulations
  • explain rules, policies or regulations
  • identify crop characteristics
  • inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
  • interpret aerial photographs
  • judge soil conditions
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • make decisions
  • make presentations
  • monitor soil responses to management practices
  • negotiate with federal and state agencies and other political organizations
  • obtain land survey data using surveying instruments
  • operate land or site surveying instruments
  • oversee execution of organizational or program policies
  • plan forestation, reforestation, or range revegetation projects
  • prepare audit reports or recommendations
  • prepare reports
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • provide advice on rural or urban land use
  • read maps
  • read surveying instruments to measure property
  • recognize plant diseases
  • recognize soil erosion patterns
  • recognize tree or forest plant species
  • recognize wood species characteristics
  • recommend action to ensure compliance
  • recommend further study or action based on research data
  • record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
  • resolve customer or public complaints
  • resolve engineering or science problems
  • use building or land use regulations
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use conflict resolution techniques
  • use cost benefit analysis techniques
  • use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
  • use field notes in technical drawings
  • use fire suppression techniques
  • use forest fire protection methods
  • use forestry, range, or other public land management techniques
  • use government regulations
  • use knowledge of environmental laws and regulations
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use knowledge of regulations in surveying or construction activities
  • use knowledge of relevant laws
  • use land surveying techniques
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use long term forest or range land planning techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use pollution control techniques
  • use project management techniques
  • use public speaking techniques
  • use relational database software
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • work as a team member
  • write business project or bid proposals
  • write research or project grant proposals
  • write scholarly or technical research papers