SOC 19-1031
Conservation Scientists
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ36/100
Moderate
US Employment
๐ฅ25,590
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$68K
$45K โ $108K
Projected Growth
๐+3.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค75/100
High exposure
๐ก Conservation Scientists face a risk score of 36/100 โ 8 points below the national average of 44. With 75/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $68K ($22K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 36/100, Conservation Scientists faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic sample preparation and experimentation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 25,590 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in fieldwork in unstructured natural environments and interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Conservation Scientists?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Robotic sample preparation and experimentation
AI literature review and meta-analysis automation
Machine learning models replacing manual hypothesis testing
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Fieldwork in unstructured natural environments
Interpreting ambiguous results with domain expertise
Ethical oversight of research involving human subjects
Collaborative scientific discourse and peer review
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
๐ป Technology Skills
Document management software
Computer aided design CAD software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Analytical or scientific software
Data base user interface and query software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Education and Training
Biology
Mathematics
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 75% |
| Political Scientists | 25 | $139K | 82% |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians | 26 | $79K | 80% |