ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Soil Conservation Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoil Conservation Service Jobs

Soil Conservation Service information

See salary details

$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do soil conservation service jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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-level roles such as Soil Conservation Service managers or environmental directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced education, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and may involve overseeing large projects or programs related to land management and environmental protection.

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.

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.

What skills do you need to be a soil conservation technician?

A soil conservation technician needs strong knowledge of soil science, environmental regulations, and conservation practices. Skills in data collection, report writing, and use of tools like GPS and GIS are important. Physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are also essential.

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 can enhance job prospects; strong knowledge of soil management practices and environmental regulations is also important.

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 for soil and water conservation, and it operates under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency offers programs and certifications related to soil health and environmental management.
More about Soil Conservation Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Soil Conservation Service jobs? Cities with the most Soil Conservation Service job openings:
What states have the most Soil Conservation Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Soil Conservation Service jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Soil Conservation Service jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Soil Conservation Service jobs are:
Soil Conservation Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Soil Conservation Service job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
RESOURCE SOIL SCIENTIST

RESOURCE SOIL SCIENTIST

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Lima, OH

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

This position is located in Ohio of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The incumbent in this position serves as the Resource Soil Scientist responsible for maintenance, interpretation and distribution of soil survey information. Conducts information and education activities related to soils and soil surveys.
This position provides training to NRCS employees and other technical specialists, providing support to users of soil survey information.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 Requirement: GS-470:
  1. Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.

    or

  2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered:
Specialized Experience Requirement:
Must possess at least 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Investigating, analyzes and evaluating soil survey information and problems involving a wide variety of circumstances or unusual conditions
  • Resolving complex soil issues
  • Developing new methods and practices and modifying/adapting soils science guidelines to intricate issues.
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.Education:College Transcript: If 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

Apply