Soil and Water Conservationists

• Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
• Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
• Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.
• Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
• Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.
• Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
• Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
• Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
• Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information technical guides or engineering manuals.
• Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.
• Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.
• Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.
• Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, or life expectancy of practices.
• Provide information, knowledge, expertise, or training to government agencies at all levels to solve water or soil management problems or to assure coordination of resource protection activities.
• Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
• Coordinate or implement technical, financial, or administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation or timely responses to requests for assistance.
• Identify or recommend integrated weed and pest management (IPM) strategies, such as resistant plants, cultural or behavioral controls, soil amendments, insects, natural enemies, barriers, or pesticides.
• Review proposed wetland restoration easements or provide technical recommendations.
• Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, or investigations of various land uses to inform corrective action plans.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Soil and Water Conservationists.

• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Soil and Water Conservationists.