Conservation Scientists
O*NET 19-1031.00 · SOC 19-1031
Conservation Scientist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $73k a year with +5.3% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 2,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Assess soil and vegetation health on public forest lands.
- →Develop land management plans to reduce erosion on watersheds.
- →Review timber harvest proposals for environmental compliance.
- →Monitor restoration sites to evaluate conservation treatment effectiveness.
- →Advise landowners on sustainable forestry and conservation practices.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Conservation Scientist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Conservation Scientist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Conservation Scientist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Conservation Scientist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Conservation Scientists is projected to grow 5.3% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·26% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Conservation Scientist make?
The median Conservation Scientist earns $73k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Conservation Scientist jobs?
Our model puts Conservation Scientist at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 26% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Conservation Scientist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 2,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Conservation Scientist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Conservation Scientist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Conservation Scientist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Conservation Scientist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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