Careers in Ag Conservation

The agricultural conservation sector is surging with job opportunities as Pennsylvania and states across the nation increasingly prioritize implementation of environmentally sustainable profitable practices on farms. Professionals in this field are in high demand, making it an attractive career path for those passionate about agriculture, water quality, soil health, or all the above. These positions may also be attractive to those seeking employment with a particular organization or in a particular location. Ag conservation offers a wide range of roles that require professionals with a variety of backgrounds and skill sets from the highly technical to the administrative, from entry level to managerial roles.   

Each ag conservation employer will have unique job descriptions and requirements; therefore, it is important to thoroughly read the job posting to understand the role you are applying for. However, there are several job titles you may come across in your search.  

Here are just a few of the jobs available to build a career in ag conservation: 

Agricultural Resource Technician/Resource Conservationist 

This position is commonly held at conservation districts in every county, though it may be called by different titles and have various expectations based on the employers. Ag Resource Techs provide technical and educational services to agricultural producers and landowners in conservation planning. The work often focuses on data collection in the field, developing conservation plans, procuring funding, and offering technical assistance in the implementation of conservation plans. Ag techs frequently work with farmers or partners in one-on-one settings.  These roles often have a mix of field and desk work. Ag tech positions may be open at the entry level, or with preference and adjusted starting pay for those with experience. 

Agricultural Engineer/Engineering Technician 

Engineers are in especially high demand as ag conservation projects frequently need engineered designs. In these roles, engineers focus on designing and implementing projects related to conserving natural resources on farming operations, often through management of water resources. Ag engineers provide technical services such as planning and managing the construction of conservation practices. These designs range from livestock watering systems in rotational grazing pastures to manure storage to roofed animal heavy use areas.   

While some employers are hiring agricultural engineers at the entry level, there are many that are looking for candidates with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Entry-level engineering positions may have the title of ‘engineering technician. Technicians often work under a licensed PE or another system such as NRCS Job Approval Authority (JAA) or the State Conservation Commission (SCC) Practice Approval System (PAS). Engineers working in ag conservation often start from a variety of disciplines, including civil, environmental, biological, chemical, and agricultural engineering. Field work can include tasks such as surveying and other data collection and construction inspections. Desk-based engineering work tasks can include completing the calculations for designs and writing reports among other responsibilities. 

Grants Coordinator 

Grants coordinators are typically responsible for managing the grant application and awarding process for an organization. This includes researching funding opportunities and writing grant proposals that are in compliance with the grant requirements. While this role is typically desk-based work that can also include other administrative tasks, some conservation districts or ag conservation organizations combine these tasks with some field based work such as working with farmers and collecting information necessary for grant applications. If awarded the grant, coordinators are often responsible for tracking the budget, monitoring the grant status, and submitting required reports.   

District Manager 

A manager at a conservation district, or similar ag conservation organization, plays a crucial role in overseeing and implementing programs, and in leading their team. They coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to develop and execute conservation plans that address natural resource issues on farm operations. Additionally, other tasks for a manager might include working with their board, managing program and project budgets, securing funding through grants, and ensuring compliance with environmental and human resource regulations. Managerial work is typically desk-based, however managers for ag conservation organizations often find themselves filling in the gaps in the field work as the need arises. While technical knowledge of agriculture, environmental science, and regulation is valuable for employees in these roles, strong leadership and organizational skills are paramount for managers to excel. 

Research Scientist 

In addition to jobs that implement conservation practices, agricultural conservation has a significant need for scientists to do the work of monitoring, analysis, and research. The ag sector is seeing the emergence of new technologies and methodologies of research that can inform decision-making for conservation. In addition to scientist positions, jobs such as policy advisors and environmental consultants may include research responsibilities. The topics of study within agricultural conservation range widely, and often require collaborating with farmers and partners as stakeholders of the research.   

Many more jobs within the agricultural conservation sector are hiring new employees.  For more information, check out the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) career profiles page. To learn where to find jobs in ag conservation, read this article to point you in the right direction. 

Lastly, it is beneficial to gain relevant education and experience to boost your resume. Associate or bachelor's degrees in environmental science, agriculture, or natural resource management can provide a solid foundation, but may not necessarily be required to apply.  Internships or volunteer opportunities with conservation organizations, farms, or government agencies can offer practical experience and networking opportunities. Be sure to build a resume that highlights your skills in soil health, water management, and farming practices that will make you a competitive candidate. Penn State Extension offers many webinars, workshops, and trainings that can help you gain relevant knowledge and skills. A job in agricultural conservation may offer you a rewarding opportunity to protect natural resources and serve your local community for your entire career to come.