GEF

Unit 1  |  Introduction to Sustainability 25 CAREER FOCUS: CONSERVATION SCIENTIST Education: Conservation scientists need a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field, and many earn a master’s degree or a doctorate. Median Salary: (2015): $60,220. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a conservation scientist is someone who manages the overall land quality of forests, parks, and other natural resources. They work to find ways to use and improve the land while safeguarding natural resources. Job titles might include conservation land manager, range manager, and soil and water conservationists. Someone in one of these positions may work for the government on publicly owned land, for private employers on privately owned land, or for a social advocacy organization. Conservation scientists manage the use and development of natural resources. They advise landowners on the use and management of their land and may design and implement programs that make the land healthier and more productive. Some will work to conserve and restore public and private lands. Typical job duties include: ■■ Oversee forestry and conservation activities to ensure compliance with government regulations and habitat protection. ■■ Negotiate terms and conditions for forest harvesting and land-use contracts. ■■ Establish plans for managing forest lands and resources. ■■ Monitor forest-cleared lands to ensure that they are suitable for future use. ■■ Work with private landowners, governments, farmers, and others to improve land for forestry purposes, while at the same time protecting the environment. For more information on this and other careers in Sustainability, go to bls.gov/oco/.