Erosion control specialists help protect land from the natural forces that can make it erode. This may include wind or water erosion, and it can have a big impact on the land, reducing soil quality, wildlife habitat and crop productivity. On a larger scale, erosion can also cause pollution in waterways, landslides and increase flood risks. This is why erosion control specialists are so important for the environment and home builders alike.

There are several methods of erosion control, with the most common being creating some form of barrier between the eroding force and the land. Whether this is rocks, more unorthodox barriers or simply more vegetation, this will help to keep the soil in place, preventing further damage. For example, revegetation is a popular way to prevent erosion, using grass species with deep roots that can hold the soil in place as it grows. Another method is using more permeable barriers, such as sand-filled geotextile blankets and silt fences.

Erosion Control Specialists: Expertise in Sustainable Land Protection

Some erosion control techniques are more specific to the property itself, such as the use of berms, terraces and swales to slow down the flow of water and prevent erosion on sloped land. Others are more general, such as the use of erosion control blankets and netting, which can help to stabilize bare ground and prevent further soil movement.

For those looking to get into this career, it is best to have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or geology and some on-the-job experience. Then, you can start your career with a construction company or excavations business that offers erosion services, or you can go on to become a certified erosion control specialist yourself through the International Erosion Control Association.