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19-1031.00 · Task explorer

Conservation Scientists: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 30 tasks, including 29 marked Core and 1 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2022.

30 tasks shown

Core · Task 22138 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.

Core · Task 22153 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.

Core · Task 22135 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.

Core · Task 22134 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.

Core · Task 22133 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.

Core · Task 22140 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.

Core · Task 22139 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.

Core · Task 22141 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.

Core · Task 22145 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, or life expectancy of practices.

Core · Task 22137 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.

Core · Task 22143 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.

Core · Task 22136 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Visit areas affected by erosion problems to identify causes or determine solutions.

Core · Task 22146 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Provide information, knowledge, expertise, or training to government agencies at all levels to solve water or soil management problems or to assure coordination of resource protection activities.

Core · Task 22158 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Enter local soil, water, or other environmental data into adaptive or Web-based decision tools to identify appropriate analyses or techniques.

Core · Task 22147 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.

Core · Task 22151 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Develop, conduct, or participate in surveys, studies, or investigations of various land uses to inform corrective action plans.

Core · Task 22148 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate or implement technical, financial, or administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation or timely responses to requests for assistance.

Core · Task 22144 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Respond to complaints or questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information or clarification.

Core · Task 22159 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Compile or interpret biodata to determine extent or type of wetlands or to aid in program formulation.

Core · Task 22156 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Review or approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans or conservation district plans.

Core · Task 22150 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Review proposed wetland restoration easements or provide technical recommendations.

Core · Task 22162 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Develop soil maps.

Core · Task 22152 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Manage field offices or involve staff in cooperative ventures.

Core · Task 22154 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Initiate, schedule, or conduct annual audits or compliance checks of program implementation by local government.

Core · Task 22149 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Identify or recommend integrated weed and pest management (IPM) strategies, such as resistant plants, cultural or behavioral controls, soil amendments, insects, natural enemies, barriers, or pesticides.

Core · Task 22160 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, or watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.

Core · Task 22161 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Review grant applications or make funding recommendations.

Core · Task 22157 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Develop or conduct environmental studies, such as plant material field trials or wildlife habitat impact studies.

Core · Task 22142 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Conduct fact-finding or mediation sessions among government units, landowners, or other agencies to resolve disputes.

Supplemental · Task 22155 · 08/2022 · Occupational Expert

Develop water conservation or harvest plans, using weather information systems, irrigation information management systems, or other sources of daily evapotranspiration (ET) data.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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