12 Types of Jobs You Can Get as a Natural Resources Professional

Natural resources professionals are becoming increasingly important in this day and age. As the effects of climate change become more noticeable, the ways in which we use the land around us fall under greater scrutiny. Studying the evolution of ecosystems, preserving wildlife, and planning for a more sustainable future are all key roles natural resource professionals will help to play. 

Natural resources jobs cover a surprisingly wide range of fields. From parks and recreation ranger to conservationist biologist, a qualification in natural resources opens up a plethora of job opportunities. Continue reading to learn more about each job. 

1. Natural Resource Management 

Starting with the most obvious, a job in natural resource management. This is a fairly broad job with a wide range of responsibilities, and as of 2022, individuals in Natural Resource Management roles could expect an average annual salary of around $72,463. As a natural resource manager, you would be expected to: 

• Monitor the environment, for example keeping records of soil, water, and air quality and constituents. 
• Develop solutions for environmental management and rehabilitation. 
• Develop ecologically sustainable techniques for using vital land and water resources. 

This role is typically performed at parks, historic locations, construction sites, and mining sites. Basically, any human activity that may harm — or benefit — the environment requires a natural resource management team to ensure as little damage is done to the local ecology as possible.  

2. Ecosystem Science and Sustainability 

Ecosystem science and sustainability is a natural resources job that’s sure to play a vital role in human development in years to come. The primary role of ecosystem science and sustainability jobs is to investigate the physical, chemical, and biological conditions of an environment — both natural and human-modified. This research is in service of developing systems and procedures to tackle growing environmental challenges. More than just lessening the impact of industry on the environment, it also seeks to positively impact the quality of life and future generations. 

As the impacts of human activity on the environment come under increasing scrutiny and criticism, ecosystem science and sustainability are becoming more important than ever before. 

Professionals in the field of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability can expect salaries that vary considerably based on their specific job role, educational qualifications, years of experience, the sector they're employed in (public or private), and the geographical location of their work.  

3. Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology 

Fish, wildlife, and conservation biology combine fieldwork, lab research, and state-of-the-art technology to study and help protect native wildlife in its natural habitats. 

This is a great field for those who like to get hands-on with nature. Observing and studying animals in their native habitat is key to fish, wildlife, and conservation biology. Identifying plants and animals, knowing how to successfully record native wildlife without interfering with their daily habits, and even the safe capture and release of animals are all a part of this career path. The goal of these studies is, again, to ensure sustainable interactions with the environment. 

The salary for professionals in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology varies based on several factors like specific job role, education, experience, and location. As of 2023, those in this field can expect a salary range of roughly $50,000 to %77,000. 

4. Geosciences 

Geoscience is a bit different to the other natural resources jobs we’ve mentioned above. Here the focus is less on examining different environments and habitats, and more on researching the Earth — as a whole. 

This field covers the study of everything to do with the Earth — its composition, structure, the atmosphere, the oceans and rivers, and how all of these systems interconnect, interact, and can be sustainably used. 

Geoscience allows for many specializations. Perhaps you’re interested in studying the future sustainability of fossil fuels? Petroleum geologists are a subspecialty of geoscience that does just that. Or maybe you want to study plate tectonics? Volcanology? Ocean-river transition areas? All of these, and more, can be studied through geoscience. As of May 2022, the median annual wage for geoscientists was $87,480. 

5. Restoration Ecology 

Many of the above natural resources jobs focus on sustainability — how to continue, or even start, to use a resource in a way that prevents damage to that ecosystem. 

Restoration ecology focuses on fixing damage that has already been done. The goal is to repair ecosystems that have been damaged — typically by human industry, but sometimes by natural disasters — to their natural and healthy state. 

Restoration ecologists tackle restoration from multiple fronts. Primarily they are tasked with designing and implementing rehabilitation programs. However, they are also responsible for designing public education materials to help grow community awareness of conservation and ecology. This multi-faceted approach helps to not just restore the ecology — but ensure it stays restored. Finally, the average salary for a Restoration Ecologist as of October 2023 was roughly $66,946. 

6. Conservation scientists  

Conservation scientists work with landowners to help them better manage, improve, and protect a country’s natural resources. 

When we say “landowners”, we mean everyone from private landowners (such as farmers) to local, state, and even federal governments. It is the role of conservation scientists to understand the ecology of local habitats, their vulnerabilities, and the risks being posed to them. They also need to understand and monitor existing conservation programs and be able to assess them thoroughly. 

They then work to develop schemes and plans to rehabilitate and conserve the environment to ensure its longevity and sustainability. This covers everything from a large personal estate, to sprawling natural parks and conservation areas. As of May, 2022 the average salary for conservation scientists was $64,460. 

7. Environmental scientists and specialists  

Environmental scientists and specialists analyze samples, surveys, and other research data to identify threats to the environment. They look at everything — from terrain and altitude, through to sources of nutrition, predation, and human impact — to assess the health and outlook of a given ecosystem. 

Their role is to develop conservation and management policies for biological resources, such as fish populations in rivers. They are also in charge of helping to create policies to rehabilitate damaged ecosystems, working with restoration ecologists to create new standards and procedures. 

While much of the work is office-based, there is the opportunity for fieldwork and community outreach in parks and recreational areas to help better educate the community. Environmental scientists can expect to earn an average salary of $76,530 as of May 2021. 

8. Park & Recreation Ranger 

Parks and recreation rangers are a bit of an outlier on this list. Where other roles are largely focused on scientific research and policy design, park and recreation rangers are more about encouraging people to enjoy interacting with nature in a fun, safe manner. They design and lead activities to help people stay active, improve fitness, and have fun while interacting with nature. This can include conservation areas, national parks, or even summer camps. 

An ability to identify plants and animals, as well as understand the local ecology, are all key aspects of a successful park and recreation ranger. Foundational knowledge of natural resources is essential to ensuring activities won’t harm the local environment — or the participants. 

The salary for a Park and Recreation Ranger can vary significantly depending on factors such as the level of government (local, state, or federal), the ranger's level of education and experience, the specific responsibilities of the position, and the location of the park or recreation area. On average, Rangers at large state and national parks can expect to make roughly $80,000 annually. 

9. Soil and Materials Testing 

Professionals specializing in soil and materials testing are pivotal in various sectors, including land development, agriculture, and environmental conservation. These experts are responsible for collecting and analyzing soil and environmental samples, helping to determine factors such as soil fertility, contaminant presence, and suitability for specific projects. Their work often informs decisions related to land use, remediation efforts, and sustainable agricultural practices, making them integral to projects that seek to balance development with environmental preservation. 

Soil and materials testing professionals often receive competitive compensation for their specialized skills, with salaries varying based on qualifications and experience. As of October 2023, a typical soil tester in the United States could expect to earn roughly $66,000 annually. 

10. Water Management and Conservation 

Water management and conservation experts are vital in protecting and overseeing one of our most precious natural resources. These professionals focus on the careful allocation, distribution, and conservation of water, ensuring that communities, industries, and ecosystems have adequate access to quality water supplies. Their work often involves comprehensive assessments of water sources, the implementation of conservation strategies, the restoration of aquatic ecosystems, and compliance with relevant regulations and standards. In the face of challenges like water scarcity and climate change, their role is increasingly critical. 

In the field of water management and conservation, salaries can reflect the level of responsibility and the complexity of the work involved. Professionals in this area might see annual earnings that, as of 2023, typically ranged from around $59,000 for entry-level positions to over $68,000 for those with more experience and advanced roles. 

11. Educator and Community Outreach  

Environmental educators and community outreach specialists play an essential role in connecting the public with the natural world. They develop and implement educational programs and materials that foster environmental awareness, engage community involvement, and promote sustainable practices. Whether through school programs, community events, or collaboration with environmental organizations, Environmental educators work to inspire a culture of stewardship and active participation in conservation efforts at the local, national, and global levels. 

Environmental educators and community outreach specialists' salaries can vary significantly based on the employer, location, and the individual's background. In general, professionals in environmental education and outreach could expect to earn anywhere from $43,000 to $67,000 annually, with opportunities for higher earnings in certain sectors or with advanced qualifications. 

12. Forester 

Foresters are dedicated to the management and conservation of forests and woodlands. Their work encompasses a range of activities, including planning and executing forestry projects, monitoring the health of forest ecosystems, and developing management strategies that consider both ecological sustainability and human needs. They might work on restoring areas affected by natural disturbances or human activities, ensuring compliance with environmental policies, or collaborating with various stakeholders to conserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of forest resources. 

Foresters' salaries can fluctuate based on factors like state vs. private employment, geographical location, education, and years of experience. As of 2022, the median annual salary for foresters in the United States was around $64,000. 

Natural resources professionals have a world of career pathways open to them. Even with the jobs listed above, there are sub-specialties abound, giving people the opportunity to focus their area of interest on something they are truly passionate about. Want to know more? Get in touch with us today to learn more about certifications that can get you one step closer to landing your dream natural resources job.