Plan and develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil and water conservation, and sound land use.

Other names for Soil and Water Conservationists: Agriculture Consultant, Aquatic Ecologist, Aquatic/Terrestrial Habitat Restoration Technician, Biologist, Botany Technician, Conservation Agent, Conservation Specialist, Conservationist, Department of Natural Resources Officer (DNR Officer), Ecologist Technician, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Erosion Control Specialist, Farm Planner, Land Manager, Land Reclamation Specialist, Land Resource Specialist, Range Conservationist, Research Soil Scientist, Resource Conservation Specialist, Resource Conservationist, Soil Conservation Technician, Soil Conservationist, Soil Scientist, Soil Surveyor, Terrestrial Ecologist, Watershed Program Manager, Wetlands Technician,

• Initiate, schedule and conduct annual audits and compliance checks of program implementation by local government.
• Compile and interpret wetland biodata to determine extent and type of wetland and to aid in program formulation.
• Manage field offices and involve staff in cooperative ventures.
• Review and approve amendments to comprehensive local water plans and conservation district plans.
• Review proposed wetland restoration easements and provide technical recommendations.
• Review grant applications and make funding recommendations.
• Conduct fact-finding and mediation sessions among government units, landowners, and other agencies in order to resolve disputes.
• Review annual reports of counties, conservation districts, and watershed management organizations, certifying compliance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Provide access to programs and training to assist in completion of government groundwater protection plans.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with local government staff and board members.
• Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
• Advise land users such as farmers and ranchers on conservation plans, problems and alternative solutions, and provide technical and planning assistance.
• Plan soil management and conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil and conserve water.
• Visit areas affected by erosion problems to seek sources and solutions.
• Monitor projects during and after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
• Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey and field information technical guides, engineering manuals, and calculator.
• Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices and plans.
• Coordinate and implement technical, financial, and administrative assistance programs for local government units to ensure efficient program implementation and timely responses to requests for assistance.
• Analyze results of investigations to determine measures needed to maintain or restore proper soil management.
• Participate on work teams to plan, develop, and implement water and land management programs and policies.
• Develop, conduct and/or participate in surveys, studies and investigations of various land uses, gathering information for use in developing corrective action plans.
• Survey property to mark locations and measurements, using surveying instruments.
• Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements and life expectancy of practices.
• Provide information, knowledge, expertise, and training to government agencies at all levels to solve water and soil management problems and to assure coordination of resource protection activities.
• Respond to complaints and questions on wetland jurisdiction, providing information and clarification.

• Desktop computers
• Digital cameras
• Levels
• Soil core sampling apparatus
• Global positioning system receivers
• Notebook computers
• Laser measuring systems
• Personal computers
• Theodolites
• Theodolites
• Water samplers

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Data base user interface and query software

Computer aided design CAD software

Analytical or scientific software

Internet browser software

Electronic mail software

Map creation software