Breadcrumb
Rangeland Resource Science, B.S. | Class of
Tiffany Perez
Soil Conservationist
Employer: USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service
Job description: I work with private landowners that are agriculture or rangeland producers or have non-industrial forestland to create conservation plans that address resource concerns of soil, water, plants, animals, air, and those of people. This work is 80% office work that involves extensive documentation or field visits, conversations with producers, inputting and organizing contract documentation, and completing an environmental evaluation process for each conservation plan. The other 20% of the work is in field and involves taking inventory of resources, surveying the property, creating a working relationship with landowners, creating a conservation plan with the landowner, and providing technical assistance with project implementation.
About Tiffany
Why did you choose this program?
I originally had entered HSU through the environmental science program with an emphasis in ecological restoration. Part of the general courses to take was an intro to soils course. I was hooked after this course and had an interest in specializing my studies.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
It gave me an understanding of soil properties and its movement/development at the site-specific and landscape level. It gave hands-on experience in taking inventory and observing resource concerns in the field in forestlands, rangelands, and wetlands.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
The field trips and wonderful colleagues and professors who provided companionship, guidance, and support.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
Do your research and talk to alumni, professors, and professionals beforehand! We are willing to provide our guidance and experience. It can be difficult to know what you want to focus your studies and career on, solely based on a website description of a program. It is all an ambiguous concept until you actually ask the hard questions about what kind of person you really are and what kind of work you are willing and wanting to do. Any program you choose will have its shortcomings and challenges, but also great perks, lessons, and triumphs.