conservation scientist
Snapshot
Passionate about protecting our planet’s natural wonders? As a conservation scientist, you'll play a vital role in safeguarding forests, parks, and wildlife habitats for future generations. This career combines fieldwork, scientific analysis, and a commitment to preserving biodiversity.
Conservation scientists are dedicated to managing and protecting natural resources. Your days might involve conducting fieldwork to assess habitat health, analyzing data to understand ecological trends, and developing strategies to mitigate environmental threats. You’ll work to ensure the long-term sustainability of ecosystems, focusing on preserving wildlife, scenic beauty, and overall biodiversity within designated areas like forests and parks.
- • Conducting field surveys and collecting data on plant and animal populations, soil quality, and water resources.
- • Analyzing ecological data to identify threats to biodiversity and develop conservation plans.
- • Implementing and monitoring conservation projects, such as habitat restoration and invasive species control.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Denmark, Netherlands.
Longest-running shortage: Netherlands, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
Explore More
Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could conservation scientist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Adaptability/Flexibility?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Future Outlook for conservation scientist
The outlook for conservation scientist reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could conservation scientist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could conservation scientist change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- respond to enquiries
- interact professionally in research and professional environments
- evaluate research activities
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- use ICT resources to solve work related tasks
- manage open publications
- demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Tasks most exposed to automation
- synthesise information
- apply for research funding
- estimate duration of work
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a conservation scientist
09 09:00 · Morning conduct educational activities
10 10:30 · Mid-morning advise on nature conservation
12 12:00 · Midday educate people about nature
14 14:00 · Afternoon identify plants characteristics
15 15:30 · Late afternoon manage intellectual property rights
17 17:00 · Wrap-up operate open source software
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
-
ecosystem management
The set of approaches that takes into account the effect of a management decision on other elements of an ecosystem. It also addresses the optimization of diverse management strategies and the challenges that arise from fragmented landscapes.
-
geographic information systems
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
-
habitat restoration
The process of repairing and rehabilitating areas that suffered habitat destruction, alteration of seafloor or the threat of extinction of some animal and plant species. Habitat restoration also involves the mitigation of pollution, erosion, and deforestation. The restoration procedure to recreate biodiversity and an operating ecosystem requires knowledge on protection, management and re-establishment of species by returning biotic and abiotic factors to historical levels.
-
reforestation
Methods for the recovery of deforested areas to reverse the destruction of forests and regreen an important number of hectares. Strategies as planting new trees, protecting ecosystems from destruction or sowing seeds are part of these reforestation methods.
-
sustainable forest management
The stewardship and use of forest lands in a way and at a rate that maintains their productivity, biodiversity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfil now and in the future relevant ecological, economic and social functions at local, national and global levels and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems.
-
agroforestry
The application of land management systems and technologies that integrate trees and other woody perennials with traditional cropland farming in order to sustain agricultural production while ensuring the protection of the natural environment.
- animal species
- biology
- business management principles
-
manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
-
perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
-
apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
-
promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
-
integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
-
conduct research across disciplines
Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.
-
draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
-
disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
-
write work-related reports
Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
-
publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
-
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
-
manage intellectual property rights
Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.
-
manage contracts
Negotiate the terms, conditions, costs and other specifications of a contract while making sure they comply with legal requirements and are legally enforceable. Oversee the execution of the contract, agree on and document any changes in line with any legal limitations.
-
use ICT resources to solve work related tasks
Choose and use ICT resources in order to solve related tasks.
-
manage open publications
Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.
-
educate people about nature
Speak to a variety of audiences about e.g. information, concepts, theories and/or activities related to nature and its conservation. Produce written information. This information may be presented in a range of formats e.g. display signs, information sheets, posters, website text etc.
-
mentor individuals
Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.
-
measure trees
Take all relevant measurements of a tree: use a clinometer to gauge the height, tape to measure the circumference, and increment borers and bark gauges to estimate the growth rate.
-
manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
-
interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how conservation scientist aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does conservation scientist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of fieldwork can I expect as a conservation scientist?
- Fieldwork is a significant part of this role. It can involve hiking in remote areas, collecting samples, observing wildlife, and using specialized equipment to monitor environmental conditions. The specific tasks depend on the project and location.
- Do I need a specific degree to become a conservation scientist?
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field like biology, ecology, environmental science, or natural resource management is typically required. Advanced degrees (master’s or doctorate) can open up more specialized research and leadership opportunities.
- What skills are particularly important for success in this career?
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in challenging environments are crucial. Excellent communication skills are also essential for collaborating with diverse groups and presenting your findings effectively. The key work styles highlight a focus on careful analysis, attention to detail, systematic planning, and a commitment to following procedures.
- Conservation Scientist — is there a shortage in Europe?
- No. In the 2025 ELA/EURES edition, a surplus was reported in 7 of the 9 European countries that assessed this occupation group: Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany and 3 more. 2 countries reported a shortage. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Conservation Scientist — what does it pay in the United States?
- $67,950 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $50,080 to $99,400. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.