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Soil Conservation Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY

$89K/yr

This position is located in a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state, area, or field ... Degree: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy ...

NY

$89K/yr

This position is located in a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state, area, or field ... Degree: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy ...

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Soil Conservation Service information

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$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do soil conservation service jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for soil conservation service in the United States is $36,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $38,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying conservation job?

In the field of soil conservation, senior roles such as Conservation Program Managers or Environmental Directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong project management skills, and they may oversee large-scale conservation projects or policy development.

What is the Soil Conservation Service?

The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was a federal agency in the United States, established in 1935, that aimed to reduce soil erosion and improve land management practices. It worked closely with farmers and landowners to implement conservation techniques such as crop rotation, contour plowing, and the establishment of windbreaks. In 1994, the agency was renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), but its mission to promote sustainable land and water use continues. The NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to help conserve soil, water, and other natural resources.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in soil conservation services, and how are these addressed on the job?

Professionals in soil conservation services often encounter challenges such as working with diverse landowners who have different priorities, adapting conservation plans to suit varying soil types and land uses, and staying updated with evolving regulations and conservation technologies. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing education, cross-disciplinary collaboration with agronomists, engineers, and local agencies, and by building strong relationships with landowners to encourage adoption of best practices. Regular field assessments and adaptive management strategies are also key to overcoming site-specific conservation issues.

How much does NRCS pay per acre?

The Soil Conservation Service, now part of the NRCS, typically does not pay per acre but offers salaries based on federal pay scales for conservationists and technicians. Compensation varies by location, experience, and job responsibilities, with entry-level positions generally starting around $40,000 annually. Payment is not calculated on a per-acre basis but rather as a fixed salary or hourly wage for staff performing conservation planning and technical assistance.

What is the difference between Soil Conservation Service vs Soil Conservation Technician?

AspectSoil Conservation ServiceSoil Conservation Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in agriculture, environmental science, or related fieldsOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree, with some technical training
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, field sites, rural and agricultural areasFieldwork in rural and agricultural settings, assisting with conservation projects
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation ServiceState and local agencies, conservation districts, USDA NRCS

While the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was the former name of the agency now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Soil Conservation Technician is a technical role within that agency. Technicians support conservation projects, perform field assessments, and assist in implementing soil and water conservation practices. The main difference lies in the SCS being an organization, whereas the Technician is a job position within that organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Soil Conservationist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Soil Conservationist, you need a strong background in environmental science, soil science, and land management, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, conservation planning tools, and regulatory standards is commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills set apart top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively developing and implementing conservation strategies that protect soil health and support sustainable land use.

How to become a soil conservationist?

To become a soil conservationist, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining relevant certifications, such as soil conservation or environmental management credentials, can enhance job prospects. Strong knowledge of soil science, environmental policies, and conservation practices is essential for this role.

What is the soil conservation service now called?

The Soil Conservation Service is now called the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It is a federal agency responsible for providing technical assistance to farmers and landowners to promote soil and water conservation. The agency offers programs that focus on sustainable land management and environmental protection.
More about Soil Conservation Service jobs
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What states have the most Soil Conservation Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Soil Conservation Service jobs include:

$118K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), State Resource Conservation. The purpose of this position is to serve as the State Resource Conservationist, formulating, recommending, and implementing policy and procedures applicable to resource conservation planning activities and various program activities, and performs an active role in developing and implementing a comprehensive soil, water, and resource conservation program for the state.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
Basic Education Requirement: Degree: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science. OR

Combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science.

Specialized Experience Requirement
For the GS-13 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in federal service or comparable experience not gained through federal service. Specialized experience is defined as: experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.Education:College Transcript: If this position has a basic education requirement and/or qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript with course number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g., special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college to ensure proper evaluation.
Your education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited toward qualifications. You may verify accreditation by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website. We will verify your education accordingly.
Foreign Education: You must submit verification that education completed in a foreign institution, was recognized by an accreditation body accepted by the U.S. Department of Education. You must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Your transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcript at the initial phase of the application process. However, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for instructions on submitting transcripts.Employment Type: OTHER