Conservation Science Professor

Your Fit

Income

$101K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

5.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Conservation Science Professor?

A Conservation Science Professor is an academic professional who specializes in teaching and researching the preservation and management of natural resources. Their focus is on understanding, maintaining, and improving the health of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Sample job titles:

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Forestry Professor, Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Conservation Science Professor.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Conservation Science Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$59K per year	$81K per year	$101K per year	$125K per year	$155K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $51K above the national average.

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What does a Conservation Science Professor do?

Work environment

Conservation Science Professors typically work in universities and colleges, teaching in classrooms and laboratories. They also spend a significant amount of time conducting field research in various natural environments, often collaborating with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and environmental groups.

Quick task list

Teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in conservation science.
Conductis field and laboratory research on ecological and conservation issues.
Publishes research findings in scientific journals.
Supervises and mentors students in their research projects.
Participates in academic and community outreach programs related to conservation.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Wildlife Conservation: Focusing on the protection and management of wildlife species and their habitats.
Forest Conservation: Specializing in the study and preservation of forest ecosystems.
Marine Conservation: Concentrating on the protection of marine ecosystems and species.
Environmental Policy: Studying the development and impact of policies on conservation efforts.
Ecological Restoration: Working on restoring degraded ecosystems to a natural or semi-natural state.

Description

Conservation Science Professors play a critical role in educating future conservationists and conducting research crucial for preserving natural resources. They combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications to teach students about the complex relationships in ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment.

Their research often addresses pressing environmental issues, such as climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity conservation. This research is vital for informing conservation strategies and policies. Professors in this field not only contribute to academic knowledge but also often influence environmental policy and management practices.

The role involves a blend of teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. Conservation Science Professors must be able to communicate complex ideas effectively, inspire students, and collaborate with professionals from various fields. They are often involved in interdisciplinary projects and must stay current with evolving environmental challenges and technologies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a meaningful contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Inspiring and educating the next generation of conservationists.
Engaging in significant research that can influence conservation policies and practices.

You might make a good Conservation Science Professor if you are...

Passionate about the environment and committed to conservation efforts.
A strong communicator, capable of conveying complex scientific concepts clearly.
Analytical and detail-oriented, with strong research and problem-solving skills.
Interested in fieldwork and comfortable working in various outdoor environments.
Motivated to engage in interdisciplinary work and collaboration.

Pros:

Contributing to important environmental research and conservation efforts.
Varied work, including teaching, research, and fieldwork.
Opportunity to shape future conservation policies and practices.

Cons:

Academic pressure, including publishing research and securing funding.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with extensive research and fieldwork.
Environmental work can sometimes be physically demanding and requires travel.

How to become a Conservation Science Professor

Typical education

To become a Conservation Science Professor, a Ph.D. in Conservation Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field is usually required. This involves about 8-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate studies.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Environmental Science to understand ecosystems and conservation principles.
Chemistry and Physics to grasp the scientific aspects of environmental processes.
Geography and Earth Science for a broad understanding of natural landscapes and ecosystems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in environmental clubs or outdoor activities.
Volunteering with local conservation projects or environmental organizations.
Engaging in citizen science projects related to wildlife or ecological monitoring.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or work in conservation projects.
Pursue a master's degree and Ph.D. focusing on conservation science or a specific ecological area.
Participate in research projects, especially those involving fieldwork.

More resources

Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) - Offers resources for conservation professionals and students.
The Nature Conservancy - Provides information on conservation efforts and initiatives.
Ecological Society of America (ESA) - A community for ecological scientists and environmental professionals.
Conservation International - Focuses on global biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.