Conservation scientists and foresters manage how forests, rangelands, and other natural resources are utilized. The wood products, livestock feed, minerals, and water from these natural lands are vital to the vitality of our nation. Foresters and conservation scientists work with both government agencies and private landowners to ensure that lands are productive and healthy. Foresters and conservation workers can have varying work environments. Some spend most of their time in offices working normal office hours. However, many spend part of their time in the outdoors doing research and checking on the lands they are responsible to manage.
Foresters and Conservation Scientist Education Requirements
Most forestry and conservation scientist jobs require at least a bachelor's degree (4 years of study) in fields like ecology and the environment, forestry, environmental science, natural resource management, rangelands management, or other similar fields. Course work involved in these degrees often include forest ecology and biology, management of forest resources, public policy, wildlife habitat, GSO technology, statistics, mathematics, land surveying, computer courses, and others. Most colleges require students to take summer courses or internships classes where they actually get to work outdoors doing land management. There are 16 states that have credentialing programs for foresters. The general requirements for all these states are a 4 year degree in forestry and several years of experience working in the forestry or a related industry. Some licensing may also require candidates to pass a comprehensive written exam.
Environment and Ecology Career Field Salaries
As the world continues to realize how important natural ecosystems are to our very survival, the need for skilled foresters and conservation scientists expands. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, both of these fields are expected to grow by 12 percent through 2018. This growth will stem from a need to replace retiring workers in the industries. Growth will also come as state and local governments try to prevent and deal with the destructive impacts of forest and wildlife fires. Also, private funding will increase a need for jobs in the field as the private sector tries to find environmentally safe ways to deal with natural resources management and other environment issues. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, conservation scientists had average wages of around $58,000 annually in 2008. Foresters had average salaries of around $53,000 annually in 2008.
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Do you want a career where you can work to protect our planet's natural environment every day? You should find out about all the great benefits that college training in environment and ecology can offer you. The environment has become a buzz word in our society. Many people are trying to be environmentally minded in their daily actions. Careers like conservation scientists and foresters actually work every day to help keep the environment and ecology of our world protected. Ecology involves the study of how livings things exist together. It's the study of habitats and ecosystems and how changes in them impact the environment.
