Natural resource specialists manage, protect and maintain our planet's ecosystem. A bachelor's degree in this field covers the subjects of environmental conservation and management. One may wish to become a conservation scientist or forester.
Essential Information
Degree programs in natural resource management train students to work in the fields of resource conservation and environmental management. Natural resource management professionals create, plan, monitor, direct and evaluate programs that preserve the environment. Most professionals who want to work in the natural resource management field need at least a bachelor's degree.
| Career Titles | Conservation Scientist | Forester |
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 5% | 4% |
| Average Annual Salary (2020)* | $69,020 | $66,000 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Options
Some areas of specialty within natural resource management are conservation and forestry. These professionals often work for government agencies and non-profit organizations and focus on environmental law, public policy and land use. Their job is to maintain a balance between human interests and environmental health.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation scientists manage and protect natural resources by making sure conservation and land use are following federal and state environmental standards. Their goal is to maximize the use of natural resources, from soil to water, without damaging the environment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that conservation scientists can expect to see job opportunities in the field grow five percent from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for all other jobs. As of May 2020, conservation scientists earned an average annual salary of $69,020.
Forester
Foresters have been educated to oversee the use of publicly and privately owned woodlands. They work for such entities as state and federal governments, logging companies and environmental agencies. Some common job titles are forest manager, wilderness and trails specialist, forestry consultant, forest ranger and timber investor. Depending on their specific position, foresters can have varying duties; however, general forestry responsibilities include:
- Planning and overseeing the regeneration of forests
- Maintaining forest wildlife and ecosystems
- Monitoring forests for disease
- Executing controlled burns
- Inventorying timber for procurement and contracting with loggers
According to the BLS, foresters can expect to see a four percent job growth between 2019 and 2029. The BLS also notes that while wildfire management will account for much of the demand for natural resource managers, the timber industry will see an increase in job creation as well. In 2020, foresters earned an average salary of $66,000 per year.
Individuals in natural resource management are concerned with maintaining and improving ecological health. Jobs in this field typically entail leading and organizing conservation efforts and environment-conscious campaigns. A bachelor's degree is normally required for these jobs.
