Conservation Scientist

Category:

Role Overview

The Conservation Scientist plays a crucial role in studying and preserving natural resources and environments. This position involves conducting research, developing conservation plans, and collaborating with various stakeholders, including governments, organizations, and communities. By assessing the impact of human activity on ecosystems, the Conservation Scientist aims to inform policy and promote sustainable practices that protect biodiversity. This role is integral to the environmental science team, contributing to broader organizational goals around sustainability and resource management.

Key Skills Required

Roles & Responsibilities

•Research and Data Analysis
Conduct field studies to collect biological data, analyze ecological trends, and evaluate impacts of environmental changes on wildlife populations and natural habitats.
•Environmental Monitoring
Develop and implement strategies for monitoring ecosystems, ensuring accurate recording of biodiversity, assessing habitat quality, and recommending conservation actions.
•Conservation Planning
Design and propose conservation plans targeting habitat restoration, species preservation, and sustainability, coordinating with stakeholders to achieve ecological balance.
•Policy and Advocacy
Engage with policymakers to advocate for effective conservation policies, providing scientific evidence and recommendations to support legislative and regulatory frameworks.
•Community Outreach
Conduct educational programs and collaborate with communities to promote conservation awareness, addressing human impacts and encouraging sustainable practices.
•Resource Management
Oversee management of natural resources, ensuring sustainable use and protection of ecosystems while balancing economic needs with conservation priorities.
•Report Writing and Documentation
Produce detailed reports on research findings, monitoring results, and conservation outcomes, ensuring accurate documentation for publication and stakeholder communication.

Typical Required Skills and Qualifications

•Master's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field.
•3+ years of experience in conservation research or environmental protection.
•Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data collection and statistical analysis.
•Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and conducting public outreach.
•Familiarity with conservation regulations and policies at local, state, and national levels.

Trends & Outlook

Emerging Trends

•
Advancements in remote sensing and GIS technologies are significantly impacting conservation strategies, with investments expected to increase by 15% annually to enhance environmental monitoring capabilities. (Geospatial World)
•
More than $50 million in federal investment is allocated annually for climate change research and the conservation of biodiversity, creating more opportunities for specialists.

In-Demand Skills

•
Required technical skills include GIS proficiency, which is cited in 75% of job postings, and experience in data collection and analysis tools is crucial.
•
Important soft skills include communication and project management, essential for collaboration with stakeholders and managing conservation projects, noted in over 60% of listings. (Usajobs)

Industry Expansion

•
The global environmental consulting services market, which includes roles for conservation scientists, is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of 5.2%.
•
Entry-level conservation positions are less common than mid-level roles, with a larger proportion of senior positions requiring significant field experience and specialized knowledge in ecological systems.

Overview

•
The employment of Conservation Scientists is expected to grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030, aligning with the average growth rate across all occupations. Environmental consulting services and private sector roles are increasingly hiring in urban areas such as San Francisco and Seattle.
•
In 2021, there were approximately 22,310 conservation scientists employed in the United States, primarily in federal and state governments and private forestry and conservation organizations.

Salary Insights

•
The median annual wage for conservation scientists was $64,020 in May 2021. Wages vary depending on geographic location, with Alaska and California offering higher salaries due to state budget allocations for environmental preservation.
•
The bottom 10% of conservation scientists earn below $39,240, while the top 10% earn more than $100,350, reflecting disparities in experience and regional funding.