Consider a career in natural resources

By Indeed Editorial Team

If you're considering a career in natural resources, there are many career options to choose from. Many individuals pursue natural resource positions to support environmentally friendly practices and influence environmental policy creation. Researching the different types of jobs in this industry can help you find roles that align with your experience, skills, education and goals. In this article, we discuss the work environment of many natural resource jobs and review 16 types of jobs in natural resources for you to consider. These 16 job types are just illustrative list. Specialist rank of job are not listed here. 

Where are natural resource jobs located? Individuals in natural resource positions can work in a variety of locations. Some roles balance their work locations between indoor and outdoor environments. Common work environments for natural resource positions include: 

• Office environment
• Indoor facilities
• Outdoor sites
• Field locations

Certain types of jobs in natural resources

Review this list of 16 types of jobs in the natural resource industry to understand more about opportunities in this market. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, please click on the links below:

1. GIS technician National average

Primary duties: GIS technicians create custom Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to manipulate and understand more about land data. These professionals prepare graphic representations of land data to understand more about spatial relationships. They also generate construction quotes based on land data and historical construction costs. Some additional duties these professionals complete include providing GIS database support, presenting database presentations and maintaining or updating GIS database information.

2. Environmental technician

Primary duties: Environmental technicians’ identity environmental pollution or contamination risks. They also inspect businesses and industrial facilities to ensure compliance with governmental regulations and policies. Some technicians also host educational seminars to help community members understand more about how to help the environment and reduce pollution. Environmental technicians might also work in laboratories to collect and analyze a variety of air, water and soil samples, which can help identify pollution or contamination trends.

3. Soil technician

Primary duties: Soil technicians improve soil quality, reduce soil erosion and foster sustainable land usage techniques. They accomplish this by conducting extensive land surveys to identify soil pH levels, nutrient levels and other soil health measurements. These professionals also apply irrigation, fertilization and other farming measures to encourage positive soil health. Additional duties these professionals might complete include hosting landowner meetings, attending conversation events and supervising facility construction to ensure compliance with soil conservation practices.

4. Extension agent

Primary duties: Extension agents develop education programs to educate community members about economic development, community development, agriculture, the environment and other topics. These professionals survey and collect community data to determine issue areas and develop educational programs. They also host seminars and answer questions to help improve individual learning outcomes. Some additional duties these professionals can complete include writing research grants, developing volunteer networks and leading local youth clubs.

5. Wildlife specialist

Primary duties: Wildlife specialize in the management or removal of nuisance wildlife or pests. These professionals provide wildlife or pest control services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. They also develop wildlife management plans to foster position community and wildlife relations. Specialists might also repair wildlife damage, provide pest control recommendations and inspect customer facilities for any additional wildlife concerns.

6. Recreation manager

Primary duties: Recreation managers that work in natural resource environments, such as parks and campgrounds, help schedule community activities or events in their recreation areas. These professionals also develop advertising and funding activities to increase event awareness and increase event budgets. They also generate recreation data reports and analyze community trends to create events or activities that appeal to the surrounding community. Some additional duties these managers might complete include gaining sponsorships, ensuring customer or visitor compliance with established rules and reporting any accidents or injuries that occurred at their location.

7. Water resources engineer

Primary duties: Water resources engineers manage community water usage and treat water supply systems. These professionals collect data to determine community water needs, design water treatment plans and test treated water to ensure its safety. They also inspect water supply systems and identify any maintenance requirements to ensure the proper and safe delivery to community residential and commercial facilities. Engineers might also manage consumer wastewater, report wastewater trends and attend natural resource meetings to identify industry trends.

8. Natural resources educator

Primary duties: Natural resources educators develop lesson plans and course objectives that foster a stronger understanding of natural resources. They accomplish this by evaluating current educational programs, researching natural resource discoveries and completing additional research projects. These professionals also create volunteer opportunities for students or other individuals to help with resource management projects and educational programs. Educators might also lead outreach programs, write research grants and analyze student learning outcomes.

9. Environmental consultant

Primary duties: Environmental consultants provide insight and recommendations about environmental concerns to organizations. These professionals also offer advice about property acquisitions, economic development, construction activities, public works, infrastructure, health compliance and safety regulations. They also collect and analyze air, water and samples to provide accurate and comprehensive advice to customers. Some additional duties these consultants might perform include providing renewable energy recommendations, researching environmental regulations and auditing company manufacturing processes. Related: Learn About Being a Consultant

10. Forester

Primary duties: Foresters manage forested locations for economic, recreational or conversation services. These professionals review and inventory standing timber to determine the forest's health and potential worth. They also negotiate timber purchase contracts, establish timber harvesting plans and develop conservation programs in compliance with environmental regulations. Foresters also create tree planting schedules, monitor tree growth and determine harvesting schedules.

11. Parks and recreation director

Primary duties: Parks and recreation directors manage and supervise city recreation programs and special events. They also coordinate park and recreation maintenance activities and inspect park facilities to certify location safety and operation. These directors also support city committees by providing parks and recreation reports, documenting expense information and participating in committee meetings. Directors also train and supervise parks and recreation employees, develop department policies and collaborate with educational institutions.

12. Natural resources technician

Primary duties: Natural resources technicians complete forest management, wildlife conservation and natural resource monitoring activities. These technicians also help develop natural resource management plans to improve natural resource conservation efforts. They also analyze economic, environmental and social data to create effective resource management plans. Some additional duties these technicians might complete include collecting research samples, conducting community surveys and presenting data to policymakers.

13. Land planner

Primary duties: Land planners develop blueprints for land commercial, residential, agricultural and industrial land development. They also analyze recent land acquisitions to ensure development plans follow safety and environmental regulation guidelines. These professionals also process zoning permits, develop land proposals and create land usage plans. Planners also collaborate with policymakers, land developer organizations and local community members to develop applicable land-usage strategies.

14. Environmental policy analyst

Primary duties: Environmental policy analysts research the correlations between governmental policies and the environment. These professionals also offer policy recommendations to help mitigate environmental challenges. They also analyze policy information to create speeches or briefs that educate community embers about the policy and how it might affect these individuals. Analysts also perform duties, such as conducting environmental research, reviewing current policy information and coordinating awareness campaigns.

15. Biologist

Primary duties: Biologists study plant life and other organisms to further the scientific understanding of the natural world. These professionals also research, identify and classify plants or animals to show how they operate and relate to each other. They also take pictures, collect samples and record measurements to help document their findings in research papers and scholarly articles. Biologists also tag or track wild animals to learn more about their natural behaviors, which can help them relocate these creatures as needed.

16. Environmental engineer

Primary duties: Environmental engineers create solutions to new or existing environmental challenges. They also monitor local and regional pollution levels to identify potential environmental risks. These engineers also collaborate with architects and land developers to design and build environmentally conscious buildings. Additional duties these professionals might complete include leading environmental projects, offering waste management solutions and monitoring improvement projects.

All photo courtesy: Pixabay.com