WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.566 --> 00:00:04.599 When today’s farmers and ranchers need help with their farmland, 2 00:00:04.600 --> 00:00:06.833 they count on conservation scientists. 3 00:00:06.833 --> 00:00:10.299 To help resolve problems with soil conservation or range management, 4 00:00:10.300 --> 00:00:14.333 working in this field often means literally working in a field! 5 00:00:14.333 --> 00:00:18.099 Conservation scientists usually start by analyzing how land use patterns 6 00:00:18.100 --> 00:00:22.733 contribute to problems identified by farmers, such as overgrazed rangeland, 7 00:00:22.733 --> 00:00:26.099 soil erosion, or a shortage of water reservoirs for cattle. 8 00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:29.333 These scientists review the results of lab work on soil samples. 9 00:00:29.333 --> 00:00:33.899 They record, analyze and map data to formulate plans that will correct problems 10 00:00:33.900 --> 00:00:36.500 without endangering the environment, for example 11 00:00:36.500 --> 00:00:38.866 using better plowing and planting methods. 12 00:00:38.866 --> 00:00:42.666 They must consider laws, costs, and the time required to achieve improvement. 13 00:00:42.666 --> 00:00:45.232 They may put their plan into action and monitor progress, 14 00:00:45.233 --> 00:00:48.099 or they may follow up with others who implement their plan. 15 00:00:48.100 --> 00:00:50.800 Like most jobs in scientific research, these scientists 16 00:00:50.800 --> 00:00:55.000 need to possess a healthy degree of curiosity, detailed knowledge of their field, 17 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:58.866 and the discipline required for a trial and error approach to problems. 18 00:00:58.866 --> 00:01:03.266 While most conservation scientists hold a bachelor's degree, often in a natural science, 19 00:01:03.266 --> 00:01:07.099 a doctorate is required to lead research projects or to teach. 20 00:01:07.100 --> 00:01:11.300 Conservation scientists enjoy the challenge of giving nature a little extra help.