They often provide technical assistance based on their knowledge of agricultural and related sciences, such as agronomy, soil conservation, and hydrology. They also utilize basic engineering and surveying tools, instruments, and techniques. In doing this work, they take into account cost estimates of different practices, needs of land users, maintenance requirements, and life expectancy of various conservation practices. They compute design specifications for particular techniques to be adopted, using survey and field information, technical guides, and engineering field manuals. They submit their plans to land users for implementation, monitor projects during and after construction, and periodically revisit land users to review the land use practices and plans that have been adopted.
Furthermore, soil conservation technicians act as assistants to scientists, engineers, and other professionals in obtaining preliminary data that is used in establishing and maintaining soil-and-water conservation plans for successful agricultural jobs. They also work closely with landowners and operators to establish and maintain sound conservation practices in land management and use. Some of the specific duties of soil conservation technicians include the following farms jobs: assisting with preliminary engineering surveys, laying out contours, terraces, tile drainage systems, irrigation systems, planting grasses and trees, collecting soil samples and gathering information from field notes, improving woodlands, assisting in farm pond design and management, making maps from aerial photographs, and inspecting specific areas to determine conservation needs.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees the hundreds of millions of acres of public domain for farm work jobs programs for the farmers. Technicians in this federal agency assist professionals in surveying publicly owned areas, determining boundaries, and pinpointing land features to determine the best use of public lands. They may be called upon to supervise a surveying party of four to six workers in carrying out the actual survey. Technicians in the Bureau of Reclamation serve as assistants to civil, construction, materials, or general engineers. Their job is to oversee certain phases of construction on dams, irrigation projects, and the like. The ultimate goal is the control of water and soil resources for the benefit of farm, home, and city.
Job Requirements
Soil conservation technicians must be able to apply practical as well as theoretical knowledge. They need to have a working knowledge of soil and water characteristics, they need to be skilled in management of woodlands, wildlife area, and recreation areas, and they need to have a knowledge of surveying instruments and practices, mapping, and the procedures used for interpreting aerial photographs.
For successful agriculture careers, soil conservation technicians should also be able to write clear, concise reports to demonstrate and explain the results of their tests, studies, and recommendations. A love for the outdoors and an appreciation for all natural resources is also essential for success and personal fulfillment in this job. Opportunities for advancement in this field depend largely on specialized training. Employers of soil conservation technicians prefer to hire those who have completed two years of post-high-school training, such as is offered in a two-year technical institute program leading to an associate degree. A high-school diploma is an absolute necessity for admission to a technical institute or college.
As to the agriculture employment assignments, most soil conservation technicians find work with state, county, or federal agencies. The specific details of the application procedure will vary according to the level of government in which the technician is seeking work. In general, however, the students should expect to begin the application procedure during the fourth semester of their program and should expect that some competitive examination may be part of the process. College placement personnel can help students find out about the details of application procedures. Often, representatives of government agencies visit college campuses during the fourth semester to explain employment possibilities to students and sometimes to recruit for their agencies. Soil conservation technicians may continue their education while working, not only by learning on the job, but also by taking additional courses at night at local colleges or at technical institutes. Certain agencies that employ technicians may have a policy of “promotion within.” Because of this, there is a continuing opportunity for such technicians to advance through the ranks. The degree of advancement that all technicians can expect in their working careers is determined by their aptitudes, abilities, and their desire to advance further. Most soil conservation technicians are employed by the government. Therefore, employment opportunities will depend in large part on levels of government spending and the rest lie from the other public utility companies, banks and loan agencies, mining, and other companies.
Where to find the Jobs
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