Careers in Conservation

Skills and Knowledge Needed

Knowledge Skills/Abilities Biology Science (rules & methods)

Chemistry Active Listening Mathematics Critical Thinking Education/Training Computers & Electronics Communication Skills Explore Careers in Communications & Media Judgment & Decision Making Geography Reading Comprehension Physics Soil Science Complex Problem Solving Active Learning Work Styles Systems Analysis Attention to Detail Writing Integrity Reasoning Initiative Observation Dependability Independence Persistence Adaptability Innovation

Make soil part of your life.

Learn more about careers in soil science at: www.soils.org/careers

Sources/Career Sites USDA-NRCS www.soils.org/careers website: http://soils.usda.gov/education/facts/careers.html Soil Science Society of America www.soils.org/careers | www.soils4teachers.org

SScience il Society of America

5585 Guilford Road • Madison, WI 53711-5801 608-273-8080 • www.soils.org

SSSA wishes to acknowledge and thank the Bureau of Land Management for contributing funds to support the development of this publication as part of their outreach activities.

Photos cover: Soil Science Stream: Stan Buol, (inset) Aaron Thompson, University of Georgia. Photos inside: L to R: http://SoilScience.info/J.Kelley, Sherry S. Fulk-Bringman, Cristine Morgan, Sherry S. Fulk-Bringman, Istockphoto.com/Kapsas.

mAP TeACh CoNSUlT ReSeARCh PRoTeCT

Soil scientists explore and seek to understand the earth’s land and water resources. Students of soil science learn to identify, interpret, and manage soils for agriculture, forestry, rangeland, ecosystems, urban Soil scientists may work on. . . uses, and mining and reclamation in an environmentally • conducting research in public and private responsible way. Graduates can choose from a range • uses chemistry, physics, microbiology, and research institutions of excellent professional opportunities and challenging mathematics, as well as high technology tools for careers. soil exploration, analysis, data interpretation, and • managing soils for crop production, forest modeling of soil and landscape processes. products and erosion control management. People who become soil scientists... • integrates concerns for people, food production, • teaching in colleges and universities • have a love of science and the environment. • predicting the effect of land management • enjoy working outdoors options on natural resources

• have an enthusiasm for maps and relationships Soil scientists. . . • helping to design hydrologic plans in in nature suburban areas • desire to be integral in environmental decisions • bring science and technology to issues involving • evaluating nutrient and water availability related to soil conservation, land use, water soil and water resources. to crops quality, or waste management • are well versed in the natural sciences. have a willingness to communicate their • managing soils for landscape design, mine • • play key roles in public and private decisions related knowledge about soils and the environment to reclamation, and site restoration to soil and water resources. all aspects of our society • regulating the use of land and soil resources by • are employed in the private sector with private and public interests Soil science . . . environmental and agricultural consulting firms.

• encompasses biology, ecology, and a variety of • are employed with U.S. government and earth and other natural resource sciences. internation agencies. Civilization itself • interfaces with geology and geography. • may attend graduate school in soil science or closely related environmental, natural rests upon the Soil. • focuses on understanding, managing, and resource, or agricultural sciences. improving land and water. Thomas Jefferson United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service

Challenging Careers in the natural resourCes Conservation serviCe

Helping People Help the Land A lot of people talk about protecting our Nation’s natural resources.

But talk doesn’t get the job done.

We at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) need people who are committed to action. People who want to apply their education and experience to making sure that all of us enjoy the benefits of productive soil, clean water, clean air, and abundant wildlife that come from a healthy environment.

You can be one of us!

2 Who We Are

Before we describe the people and careers that make NRCS the Federal Government’s conservation leader, here’s some information for you about NRCS and what it means to America.

NRCS came out of troubled times—the Dust Bowl days of the 1930s. Dust storms ravaged the Nation’s farmland, stripping away millions of tons of topsoil and carrying it all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Since that time, NRCS has kept a commitment to protecting and conserving soil and other natural resources on America’s private lands.

NRCS is known worldwide for its accomplish- ments and innovations in conservation. The people of NRCS are recognized for their talent, dedication, and ingenuity in making the Agency’s programs work. Participation in NRCS conservation programs is voluntary—we help the people we serve take the necessary steps to conserve soil, protect wildlife, restore water quality, promote good land use, and implement other measures to conserve the Nation’s natural resources for future generations.

At NRCS, we take pride in our partnerships. We work with local soil and water conservation districts and many other partners to let people know how important it is to conserve natural resources. And, together, we work with them on how to do it.

3 I’m a Conservationist...I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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SOIL CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN “One of the most rewarding things I’ve done was working NRCS Conservation technicians work directly with kids to plant shrubs for wildlife winter and foraging with farmers, ranchers, and foresters. You’ll survey cover. (This) will make an impression lasting their lifetime.” and design conservation practices, oversee their installation, and ensure they meet our quality Matt Walker Area Biologist standards. The conservation technician is key to Montana the success of NRCS, because most everything you do results in on-the-ground practices that directly improve, conserve, or restore our natural resources.

Qualifications: Knowledge of farm or ranch operations, “I never meant to stay this long, but or work experience that makes you familiar with every project I’ve had the chance to conservation practices is desirable (see Note on page 7). work on has been better than the one before.”

SOIL SCIENTIST Mark Clark As an NRCS soil scientist, you’ll map and classify Regional Soil Specialist soils. You’ll identify problems such as soil moisture Alaska and erosion. You’ll use digital and satellite imagery to map soils and write descriptions. You’ll sample soils and evaluate their quality, and work with information on watersheds, water quality, and changes in land-use patterns.

Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or higher in soil science or a closely related discipline that includes 30 “I understand that what I do here makes a difference on the semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or land; that’s what drives me…I like helping landowners reach earth science with a minimum of 15 semester hours in their goals and see the positive results of the conservation work they’ve done.” such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, Erasmo Montemayer soil physics, and soil fertility (see Note on page 7). District Conservationist Texas

5 I’m a Conservationist...I wouldn’t have it any other way!

have no doubtno importance have the about my of a be backg may devote bu ministrative help thepeople “I land...by taking much ofas the ad themselves to gettingthemselves conservation to the on g r r denoffourthey employees can...so I can as ound the playeround in game,I but conservation calling. I simplyI lovecalling. do.” I what a always was it job, a never was “ People Help Help Land.” the People Mission Statement NRCS theis true this practices...I believeconservation they app faces when get see smiles on the to is p “Myg W orking with natural with orking Human Resou Human r eatest District Conservationist DistrictConservationist DistrictConservationist r ewa meaning the of r ole.” James Currington James Currington r Eileen Jackson Jackson Eileen r d with NRCS with d ces Specialist

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and sustain natural resources. ways grazing use to animals as tools to improve and othergrazing land functions. grazing systems improve that quality the forage of NRCS range RANGELAND Note Note chemistr management, natural resource agriculture, sciences, biological Qualifications: restore streams wetlands, and and improve habitat. ways to habitat development or restoration. technical support and advice onfish agencies, andunits of government. time working onsite private with landowners, other As an BIOLOGIST 7). page on Note (see subjects m resource workrelated in hoursofcourse scientific three ofeachthese in hour least 1 at including sciences, soil and animal, plant, incourses the related of directly hours semester semester least 18 withat management, naturalresource and sciences soil and animal, ofplant, incombination semester a hours 42 least at thatdiscipline includes related a or management Qualifications: meet t tailor conservation plans that will help landowners wildlife, recreation, or a combination of these, you’ll want to use their rangeland supportto livestock, sustainable forage production. water on page 7). page on heir goals. management, invasive species control, and NRCS biologist, you’ll spend most your of manage fish land managementland specialists help plan

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ENGINEER “I can’t solve the world’s problems, but I can help one NRCS employs a large number of engineers who individual...make some real positive changes that will have have specialized skills in erosion control, water positive effects on a larger scale, and that is success.” management, structural design, construction, Brian Baiamonte hydraulics, soil mechanics, and environmental District Conservationist protection. We also employ those with general Louisiana engineering skills. Your job assignments may include restoring streams, controlling erosion, developing water systems for livestock, improving and conserving irrigation water, or restoring wetlands. As an NRCS engineer, you will help solve a host of natural resource problems, and may also become involved in helping communities recover “Being a public affairs spe- from natural disasters. cialist allows me to celebrate conservation—highlighting the profound contributions of our Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or higher land stewards while raising in engineering. Specialties include agricultural, awareness in the community.” environmental and civil engineering.

Jolene Lau Public Affairs Specialist Hawaii (Pacific Islands Area) ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN As an NRCS engineering technician, you’ll be involved in planning, design, and construction work.

You’ll help with surveying the land, plotting survey information, and laying out construction measures. You’ll gather data, make computations, and prepare maps and cross sections of profiles. You may serve “I know we are helping people today, providing hope for tomorrow’s generations, and building what many other as a construction inspector on a wide variety of employees have done in the past to give people and communi- projects. ties the opportunities to preserve pr natural resources.”

Jay Kehne Qualifications: Experience on a survey crew running Resource Conservation & Coordinator levels and transits or on construction layout and Washington inspection (see Note below).

Note: Qualifications for many jobs may be met with a combination of education and experience. Please contact your local NRCS Human Resources Office for details. 7 I’m a Conservationist...I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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NRCS Provides

TEAM APPROACH PLACEMENT AND SALARY At NRCS, we know that natural resource issues NRCS has more than 2,500 field locations are often complex, and sometimes require a variety throughout the United States. Regardless of your of skills to address a problem. That’s why NRCS location, there may be opportunities where you want believes in an inter-disciplinary team approach. If to work. you encounter a tough problem, you won’t be alone. Regardless of your job title, you will have access Starting salaries are competitive with those of other to, and back-up from, NRCS specialists in all our government agencies and the private sector. disciplines. We believe that by working together— each of us contributing our skills—we can tackle the toughest natural resource challenges.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY NRCS is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, politics, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status.

TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT You will get many chances for on-the-job and formal training. You’ll set career goals and NRCS will help you achieve them.

There are promotion opportunities. How fast and how far you advance depends on you. Advancement opportunities broaden as you gain experience with varied work assignments in different locations.

9 I’m a Conservationist...I wouldn’t have it any other way!

cost. on your salar The amount of insurance available to you depends Another dependent care and healthcare insurance and tax opportunity sign to up for both long program. NRCS o also variety medical of plans o yourof health insurance costs, and there are a NRCS pays portion a (approximately 80percent) HEALTH programs also are available. sharing, and telecommuting. Employee assistance may include various alternative work schedules, job personalwith and family responsibilities. helpto employees balance the demands work of NRCS o QUALITY injured while working. Special benefits careto for cover serious illnesses. Sick leave may used be also Y Each yea days. days. 20 earn you’ll leavevacation of days 13 During your first E E ou may accumulate sick leave without limit to m m

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Federal employees hired today covered are by the RETIREMENT and bond funds. anyin combination of government securities, stock, Depending onyour investment goals, you can invest NRCS match will up to 5 percent of that amount. Revenue Service) theto salary (up theto limits established by the Internal FERS employees may contribute any of percent their basic annuit This Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).

system three has components: Social Securit y , and a , anda tax

deferred Thrift SavingsThrift Plan, and

Thrift Savings Plan.

, a For Job Information

STUDENT CAREER EXPERIENCE

Each year, NRCS hires students under its Student Career Experience Program. If you are still attending college or graduate school, you may qualify.

You can alternate periods of work and study, or For information on how to apply, work on a part-time schedule while attending school. contact your local NRCS office, You’ll work for, and learn from, NRCS professionals or visit us online at in your field of study. You’ll learn by doing and earn http://www.nrcs.usda.gov while you learn.

NRCS also offers students other options such as See job opportunities at internships and temporary employment http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9nrcshqp.asp opportunities. Participation in these programs could lead to a job offer and a full-time career when you graduate. For more information, contact your school’s placement office or cooperative education department.

Every day, VOLUNTEERS—A VITAL PART OF THE TEAM! NRCS keeps its commitment to NRCS also provides volunteer opportunities. The Earth Team—the volunteer workforce of NRCS— protecting and conserving expands conservation work across America with volunteer time, talent, and energy. The Earth Team natural resources is continually looking for volunteers who want to help conserve, protect, and maintain our natural on America’s private lands. resources. Stop in and visit a local NRCS office or call 1-888-LANDCARE to learn more about becoming an Earth Team Volunteer.

United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service

Helping People Help the Land

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center on (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20050-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is a equal opportunity provider and employer.