Scott regularly works with diverse stakeholders, ranging from non-profits and federal agencies to private companies, to develop conservation actions, assess their effectiveness, and involve students and the public in restoration projects. Scott has worked in a variety of ecosystems including eastern forests, Midwestern oak savannas and prairies, western forests, and arid lands in the U.S. and internationally. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers, including eight with graduate students, and authored the 2015 book titled Conserving America's National Parks.