Logan Peterson
Year Graduated: 
2009
Soil Scientist
Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA)

Job description

As an NRCS Soil Scientist, my primary duty is to create and update soil mapping. This involves a balance of fieldwork, GIS, remote sensing, and database management. Beyond this, I spend a lot of time developing ecological site descriptions, measuring snowpack, providing technical assistance to land managers, and educating the general public.

Why did you choose this program?

My goal in transferring to HSU was to prepare myself for a field-based career in natural resources management without incurring crippling debt.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

My major was well-designed to give me the basic skills I need as a soil scientist. Additionally, the Range emphasis of the curriculum has enabled me to distinguish myself as a competent field ecologist. Beyond my requisite competence in pedology, my plant ID skills are on-par with those of my colleagues with Range positions. Since I am the first in my family to earn a degree, access to an astute and engaged advisor was immensely helpful in my pursuit of a degree and career. The many field-based classes I took gave me the platform I needed to become a seasoned field scientist.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I most enjoyed the many outdoor classes and field trips, as well as access to many approachable and competent professors. My classes in Soils, Forestry, and Plant Sciences were challenging, engaging, and well-taught.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

For those seeking to study or manage landscapes, a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of soil science is both critical and rare. This, coupled with knowledge of wildland ecology, provides a great basis for those who wish to work in non-agronomic ecosystems. While there are several excellent Soils programs in the US, HSU's distinguishes itself in its focus on forest and rangeland systems.

Other comments?

My degree has more than paid for itself, and I am out of debt. More importantly, I have been able to study and enjoy spectacular landscapes across the West, and to provide the public with the information they need to sustainably manage these complex landscapes.

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