How to become A Conservation Scientist

• Conservation Biologist
• Environmental and Conservation Scientist 
• Environmental and Conservation Biologist

What do Conservation Scientists do?

A Conservation Scientist would typically need to:

• Monitor forestry and conservation activities to protect the natural forest habitat and comply with government regulations
• Negotiate contractual terms and conditions for forest harvesting and land-use to prevent excess deforestation and exploitation of its natural resources
• Develop plans that manage and conserve forest lands and resources; ensure that forest-cleared lands may be well-used in the future
• Liaise with private landowners, governments, farmers and other stakeholders to improve land for forestry purposes without damaging its fertility and the environment
• Supervise forestry activities of other workers; help choose sites to grow new trees, use controlled burning, bulldozers or herbicides to clear land, and participate in forest-fire suppression
• Identify ways to remove timber without damaging the environment; select sites for planting new trees and  prepare them
• Clear land using techniques such as controlled burning, herbicides, or controlled burning; lead or participate in suppressing forest fires
• Work with a team of conservation specialists and experts

Conservation Scientists work in offices or laboratories with occasional fieldwork in remote locations.

Travel to outdoor sites is a possibility. You may also need to attend conferences, seminars or workshops in other cities or overseas.

Conservation Scientists work approximately 45 hours a week and each day from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Hours may increase in case of deadlines or miscellaneous issues such as travelling to and from remote fieldwork locations and venues for observation activities. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Conservation Scientists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Conservation Scientists are generally employed by:

• Government Agencies
• Forestry & Logging Companies
• Agriculture & Forestry Support Groups

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Union for Conservation of Nature, are crucial for a Conservation Scientist interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Difficulties due to the physically demanding nature of the work
• The need to work outdoors in any kind of weather
• The need to traverse dense woods and underbrush
• Exposure to harmful insects, poisonous plants, and dangerous animals, especially when working near logging operations or wood yards and forests
• Long working hours may cause frustration and burnouts; insufficient time for one’s family and self-care
• Risks associated with working alone, in isolated areas or engaging in fire suppression activities

Any academic program that an aspiring Conservation Scientist takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. 

Experience in environment conservation, management, education or planning is highly recommended for aspiring Conservation Scientists. Some organisations provide residential camps that build practical skills and experience in conservation. Overseas volunteering or assisting local conservation schemes is also highly recommended.

Some environmental consultancies offer work experience via placements if you have completed your bachelor’s or master’s degree.

As always, read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in conservation science to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Conservation Scientists require a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning, environmental science, forestry, agricultural science, rangeland management or natural resource conservation. 

Such degrees, by imparting theoretical knowledge and practical skills through courses in biology, ecology and forest resource management, prepare aspiring Conservation Scientists for their typical job responsibilities or higher education. Some of these degrees may also involve courses in remote sensing, computer modelling and Geographic Information Systems technology (GIS). 

Classes in biology, chemistry and computer science in high school aid in developing a strong foundation of knowledge before you head to university.

Certification demonstrates a Conservation Scientist's competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

Conservation Scientists do not require licensing or certification to function professionally, especially at the entry-level. However, completing certification may boost salary potential, enhance workplace opportunities and allow networking with colleagues.

Before taking certification and licensure exams, you must earn a bachelor’s degree and have several years of experience in the field of conservation science.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

Conservation Scientists may advance to take up managerial duties. However, their fieldwork may then be minimised and they would typically spend time working with teams to develop plans and supervise subordinates. 

You may also conduct research or work on policy issues after you gain the appropriate advanced degree.  

Candidates who have a strong grasp of software tools such as Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and remote sensing along with the necessary skills and professional work ethics face the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Conservation Scientist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

You may complete a master’s degree or Ph.D program to boost career opportunities. Employers prefer applicants with degrees from accredited programs offered by professional bodies.

Even within the realm of conservation science, there are several classifications, including conservation land managers, range managers and soil & water conservationists. Remember to meet the necessary qualifications before you diversify into any of these careers.

Once you begin working as a Conservation Scientist, you will be able to access various training opportunities to enhance your skills. Several organisations also provide training for environmental qualifications. 

Based on local budgets, your employer may contribute fully for your courses or support you in other ways as you complete continuing professional development courses or a master’s degree program while working simultaneously.  

Types of Conservation Scientists

There are two types of Conservation Scientists: Range Managers and Soil and Water Conservationists. 

Range managers, or range conservationists, protect rangelands to maximise their use without exploiting the environment, ensuring that land is maintained even as it sustains domestic animals or wildlife. Rangelands are storehouses of several natural resources and usually spread over millions of acres. Range managers may help manage a ranch and also estimate different types of soils, plants and animals on the range and develop resource management plans to restore or maintain the range ecosystem and manage a ranch. They work towards preventing and minimising wildfires and invasive animal species.

Soil and water conservationists provide technical help to individuals involved in the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. For private landowners, they create programs to increase land productivity without damaging its natural fertility. They also help landowners and governments tackle soil erosion and advise them on issues such as water quality, water supply preservation, prevention of groundwater contamination, and water conservation.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Conservation Scientists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

A full-time Conservation Scientists, on the other hand, has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The production of toilet paper causes nearly 27,000 trees to be cut down daily. 

Climate change has altered the course of scientific research and development. Apprehension and fear are rising as global temperatures mount and so is the importance of Conservation Scientists. This is because Conservation Scientists are responsible for making complex decisions that balance economic goals with environmental protection, while adhering to government regulations. 

Always enjoy your time outdoors. Only then will you be able to understand how humans and natural resources interact with one another, thus facilitating easier conservation of natural resources.