Soil Conservationists and Technicians

High School

While in high school, you should take at least one year each of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Take several years of English to develop your writing, research, and speaking skills as these are skills you will need when compiling reports and working with others. Science classes, of course, are important to take, including earth science, biology, and chemistry. If your high school offers agriculture classes, be sure to take any relating to land use, crop production, and soils.

Postsecondary Training

Conservationists hold bachelor degrees in areas such as general agriculture, range management, crop or soil science, forestry, and agricultural engineering. Teaching and research positions require further graduate level education in a natural resources field. Though government jobs do not necessarily require a college degree (a combination of appropriate experience and education can serve as substitute), a college education can make you more desirable for a position. Technicians typically hold an associate's degrees or a certificate in applied science or science-related technology.

Typical beginning courses include applied mathematics, communication skills, basic soils, botany, chemistry, zoology, and introduction to range management. Advanced courses include American government, surveying, forestry, game management, soil and water conservation, economics, fish management, and conservation engineering.

Visit https://www.careerplacement.org/colleges for a list of colleges and universities that offer courses and degrees in soil science, agronomy, crop science, and environmental science.

Other Education or Training

Participating in continuing education (CE) classes is a great way to keep your skills up to date and learn about new developments in soil conservation; CE credits may also be required to renew your certification. The Soil and Water Conservation Society offers professional development opportunities at its annual conference and at other events. Past offerings included "Communicating Effectively with Social Media" and "Water Erosion Prediction Project Model Application." The American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America also provide CE opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.