What Roles Do Natural Resources Professionals Fulfill?

Natural resource managers fulfil a variety of roles in protecting our natural resources. Their job is to ensure that all land use activities comply with regulations and meet the needs of land-owners while protecting the environment. Some specialize in specific areas of land use such as range management, forestry, or soil and water conservation. 

Responsibilities for natural resource managers vary and can include everything from forming the policies and procedures for land use programs to hiring staff, overseeing budgets, and conducting scientific studies. Your role as a natural resource professional will depend on the field you go into and your employer. Additionally, employment of conservation scientists and foresters is estimated to increase 5% from 2021 to 2031.

What is a Natural Resource Professional?

Natural resource professionals play a vital role in conserving and managing our environment for future generations. Their work often involves policy development and implementation for sustainable use to ensure that our natural resources are protected and well-managed. Natural resource professionals work to protect our oceans, waterways, soil, plants, and wildlife. They develop and carry out plans that provide for the day-to-day management and restoration of natural habitats. The field includes: 

• Conservation scientists
• Foresters 
• Conservation workers

Experience and Education Requirements

Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree, but a high school diploma and on-the-job training may suffice for a position as a conservation worker. An associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctorate degree in natural resources or a related subject is often required. A degree in one of the following areas is preferred:

• Environmental Science
• Natural Resource Management
• Agricultural Science 
• Forestry
• Forestry Resource Management
• Environmental Management

In some cases, a bachelor’s degree and experience in environmental engineering, environmental sciences, environmental management or natural resources may be substituted for an advanced degree. It may also be necessary to refresh your education with workshops or courses, with some positions requiring recertification occassionally.

Additionally, designation as a Certified Forester or Certified Professional in Rangeland Management attests to your skills and knowledge in forestry or range management and increases your credentials in these fields.

Positions as a Natural Resource Professional requires specific skills. While each position is different, these skills are beneficial for most:

• Ability to work outdoors in natural environments for all or most of each day
• Familiarity with environmental policy and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of policy and regulations for environmental assessment and management
• Oral and written communication skills, report writing
• Ability to work independently or with a team and convey information to clients and management
• Mechanical skills and ability to use equipment to maintain natural areas
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety
• Physically fit 

Common Industries for Natural Resource Professionals

Careers as a natural resource professional are available across the United States. The largest employers for conservation scientists and foresters are local, state, and federal governments, including the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Other jobs are found in environmental quality and housing programs, colleges, universities and other schools, consulting firms or research firms, water management, and the logging industry.

Job Duties and Responsibilities for Natural Resource Professionals

Jobs in natural resources management may encompass a wide variety of responsibilities and duties, depending on the employer and industry segment. Natural resources professionals may be responsible for:

• Develop resource management plans for sustainable land use
• Rebuild and restore natural resources
• Manage regeneration of forests
• Protect forests from disease and insect damage
• Manage the planting, cultivation and health of natural and park areas
• Administer environmental management projects
• Develop policies and procedures for natural resources management programs
• Hiring and training staff
• Overseeing programs and administering the department budget
• Conduct scientific studies and writing reports

A Typical Day Working as a Forester

A typical working day for a natural resource professional will vary depending on the career path and employer. A typical day for a Forester may include a variety of activities:

• Supervising employees and other forestry workers
• Monitoring results of activities, ensuring compliance with government regulations
• Provide advice and recommendations on forestry issues to owners, firefighters, companies, or government agencies
• Taking inventory of timber on private or government properties
• Managing timber cutting and sales to help companies achieve production goals
• Plan, direct, report results, and make recommendations based on studies

A Typical Day Working as a Conservation Worker

A conservation worker performs the manual labor necessary to manage and protect our forests, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands. They usually work under supervision at such activities as raising and planting seedlings, combating insects and diseases, controlling water, erosion and soil leaching. Daily tasks may include:

• Sowing or harvesting cover crops
• Ensuring that equipment is operating properly
• Using insecticides and herbicides to protect plants from disease and competing plants
• Maintain inventories of trees and tree sizes
• Identify damaged and diseased trees and remove them
• Work with a team to identify work needs, cutting heights, and other issues affecting resource management

A Typical Day Working as a Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists often work for the government on a local, state, or federal level, advising organizations and landowners on how to best care for and use the land. They spend a lot of time outdoors surveying sites, gathering samples, and observing the land conditions. 

Conservation scientists may consult on how to best reclaim land lost to fire or flood, or they may spend time developing management practices to combat erosion or other sources of land damage. The job varies depending on the location and employer. In general, conservation scientists concentrate on protecting the land from overuse and damage from local environmental conditions.