A conservation scientist works closely with institutions and organizations that rely on natural resources for their operation, helping them organize their activities in a way that damages the environment in the least. Conservation scientists’ duties can include a variety of things, for example preventing soil erosion in locations that are prone to it. In other cases, conservation scientists may be required to develop a fire safety plan for areas of wildlife that are susceptible to fire incidents. A conservation scientist acts not only as an advisor, but also as a direct participant in the activities related to preserving wildlife.
A degree in a subject related to knowledge of nature is required to become a conservation scientist, though the range of accepted degrees is quite broad – biology and forestry are the two most commonly presented degrees by candidates for conservation scientists. Additionally, a strong general knowledge of nature is required, which includes basic survival skills, as conservation scientists tend to spend a lot of time in the wild on their own without direct supervision.
Compared to other jobs in the scientific sector, conservation scientists tend to be paid rather low for their efforts, as the annual salary goes between $33,000 – $55,000. Some companies with more flexible budgets can afford to pay their conservation scientists noticeably higher than the average pay rate, in some cases enabling scientists to earn up to $100,000 a year – however, attaining these specific jobs usually imposes far greater requirements. Conservation scientists tend to enjoy good benefit plans in general.