What is Natural Resource Management?

Natural resource management is the practice of sustainably using and protecting natural resources. Natural resources include land, water, air, minerals, forests, fish, and wildlife. Managing natural resources is a way to ensure that they will be available for current and future generations.

People who manage natural resources also manage human interactions with the environment and prioritize ecological balance. They use skills in land use planning, water management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource extraction to maintain healthy, productive ecosystems.

Natural resource management is an interdisciplinary field including ecology, economics, social sciences, and policy. Addressing environmental issues is a complex process that may involve conservation, restoration, regulation, monitoring, and community engagement practices.

What Do Natural Resource Managers Do?

Natural resource managers take on a variety of responsibilities as part of their role as conservation scientists. They analyze and study scientific data to inform their decisions, and may develop and carry out scientific studies. They may also create policies and develop project budgets that comply with environmental laws and best practices. Some natural resource managers negotiate contracts with stakeholders, including landowners, government agencies, and private companies.

Natural resource managers can work for a national or state park, a conservatory, or a historical site. They can work for a state or region to preserve natural ecosystems in a specific geographic area. Other natural resource managers will find positions in the private sector, assisting businesses in decreasing their carbon footprints and minimizing their environmental impact. 

Many natural resource managers specialize in a particular area, such as land use, wildlife, or fisheries. They may maintain fish populations at a fishery, or help private landowners implement sustainable forestry practices. Some natural resource managers protect endangered species and their habitats, ensure equitable access to water resources, or plan land use to minimize environmental impacts. Others help restore damaged natural resources or manage wildland fires. 

Although natural resource managers may not always be in charge of environmental regulations, they often advise those who are. They can suggest adjustments or alternatives to recreational hunting practices, recommend limits to the number of trees loggers should cut or plant per season, or monitor the execution of drilling and mining operations. They might regulate land use for things like recreation, transportation, agriculture, residential buildings, or commercial plans.

What Careers Are There in Natural Resource Management?

Gaining education and experience in natural resource management opens up a wide variety of job opportunities. Some natural resource managers work in the field gathering data on water, wildlife, resources, and other environmental factors. Others work in a laboratory setting studying that data, while others work in an office setting advising private companies or helping to shape environmental policies. Many jobs in natural resource management offer a combination of settings and responsibilities. The job market is growing steadily or faster than average for many natural resource management occupations.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Environmental scientists work to protect the natural environment and human health by conducting research, preparing reports, and developing policies related to natural resources, pollution control, and conservation. They work to identify, abate, or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards that affect the environment or public health. Their research often includes measurements or observations of air, food, soil, and water. Demand for natural resource management professionals in this field is growing faster than average due to increasing demand for environmental expertise and the need to replace retiring workers, with about 8,500 openings per year through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Conservation Scientists

Conservation scientist roles are a steadily growing occupation with a wide range of applications. Conservation scientists manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. They manage the use and development of natural resources such as forests, rangelands, and wildlife habitats. They also work with landowners and government agencies to develop plans that ensure sustainable land use. A conservation scientist may conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion and protect range lands. Many work with farmers and agricultural production managers to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water. They may work with ranchers to determine the best types of livestock and forage plants for their ranges, as well as help improve fencing and water reservoirs.

Foresters

There is a steadily growing job market for foresters due to the need to thin forests to prevent wildfires and an increased demand for timber and wood pellets. Foresters manage private and public forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. They can be involved in activities like timber harvesting, forest regeneration, and conservation efforts.

Environmental Engineers

Environmental engineers research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties that help prevent, control, and remove environmental hazards. Their positions may include work in waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology. They use a variety of engineering disciplines to develop solutions to environmental problems, including those related to natural resource management, water and air pollution control, and waste management. Employment opportunities for environmental engineers is projected to grow faster than average through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Hydrologists

In the field of natural resources, hydrologists can help manage water and soil resources. Hydrologists study and develop plans for water conservation, flood control, and sustainable water use. They research distribution, circulation, and physical properties of water located both underground and on the Earth's surface. They also study the form and intensity of precipitation as it infiltrates the soil, moves through the ground, and returns to the ocean and atmosphere.

Wildlife Biologists

Wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife, as well as how they interact with their ecosystems. They may work in natural resource management by developing conservation plans for wildlife habitats. They typically study the origins, behavior, diseases, and life processes of wildlife. In the field, they collect and analyze biological data to determine how wildlife is affected by the present and potential human use of land and water habitats.

Environmental Science and Protection Technicians

Environmental science and protection technicians assist environmental scientists in protecting natural resources by collecting samples, conducting field and laboratory tests, and monitoring environmental conditions for sources of pollution and contamination. Demand for these technicians is growing faster than average, with a projected annual growth of around 4,100 openings per year through 2033 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Fish and Game Wardens

Fish and game wardens enforce laws related to wildlife conservation and natural resource protection. They may patrol natural areas, investigate violations, and work with the public to promote conservation efforts. They also work to prevent fish and game law violations, investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife, and may even compile biological data that aids other natural resource managers. Job outlook for this occupation is expected to have little to no change nationally; however, job opportunities will vary based on geographic location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates just under 7,000 people currently work in this occupation in the United States.

Soil and Plant Scientists

Soil and plant scientists study the composition of soils and plants to improve agricultural practices and manage natural resources, ensuring the sustainability of land use. They research breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops, agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock. They also study plant growth in soils and pest control. They may also study the chemical, biological, physical, and mineral composition of soils in relation to crop growth. Some soil and plant scientists classify and map soils and explore alternative practices on soil and crop productivity. Job opportunities for this occupation are expected to grow faster than average through 2033 in both the public and private sectors according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and regional planning is a steadily growing occupation. These planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and manage natural resources. They work on issues such as land use, zoning, and environmental regulations in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. They may work for local, state, or federal government, or in the private sector for architectural, engineering, or consulting services. 

What Skills Do Natural Resource Managers Need?

Natural resource managers need a combination of environmental knowledge, project management, and communication. They should possess the ability to work well with others, and be adaptable and flexible enough to work both outdoors and indoors in a variety of weather conditions. They need to understand how humans impact the environment, know environmental regulations and policies, and use critical-thinking skills to analyze environmental impacts. 

In order to manage natural resource projects, they should be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. A natural resource manager needs to plan, implement, and monitor projects, and may need to use technology like resource management software. They should have strong communication and interpersonal skills. A natural resource manager may be asked to solve problems and make decisions based on their analysis of data and research. 

Education requirements vary based on the occupation and employer, but many natural resource managers need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology, ecology, forestry, or environmental science.

What Tasks Do Natural Resource Managers Do?

Natural resource managers perform a variety of tasks, which will vary depending on their specific job or role. They may assess resources by conducting surveys and studies to evaluate the condition, abundance, and distribution of natural resources. They develop and implement plans to sustainably manage and conserve natural resources. This may include land use strategies and conservation goals. These assessments also require natural resource managers to evaluate potential impacts humans have on natural resources and ecosystems. 

Natural resource managers also conduct scientific research studies to better inform their decisions and better understand ecosystems. Natural resource managers implement and manage budgets for projects to protect and restore natural habitats, which could include reforestation, wildlife habitat enhancement, and invasive species control. They then monitor and track how effective these management strategies and conservation efforts are through continued data collection and analysis.

Whether working in the public or private sector, natural resource managers also ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations related to the resources they manage. They may collaborate with government agencies, local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders to create consensus on resource management decisions. They may be in charge of public education and outreach programs to promote conservation practices.

How Much Do Natural Resource Managers Earn?

Natural resource management salaries vary depending on job position, employer, and geographic location. Mean salaries can range from around $60,000 to over $100,000 per year. Natural resource managers in states like California, Washington, and Ohio tend to have higher salaries on average. More experienced managers also tend to earn higher salaries. Government agencies may offer different salary structures than private companies.

The Future of Natural Resource Management

The future of natural resource management will be shaped by a focus on sustainability across occupations. The field is expected to prioritize social equity while adapting to climate change. The primary focus will be managing resources efficiently while ensuring their availability for future generations through practices like renewable energy, circular economy models, and responsible resource extraction. Natural resource managers must consider the future of environmental, social, and economic factors equally. 

Technological advances like artificial intelligence and data analytics could influence natural resource managers’ ability to accurately assess the resources, projects, and lands they manage. These technologies can be used to monitor resource use, predict demand, optimize extraction processes, and identify potential environmental risks. Artificial intelligence, or AI, is particularly useful for optimizing crop yields, tracking water quality and availability, and analyzing aerial imagery of forests to improve logging practices. 

Pursuing a Natural Resource Management Degree

There are several paths you can take to a career in natural resource management. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as:

• Wildlife Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Forestry
• Natural Resource Management

You should also ways to get practical experience in the field. This may be offered as part of your degree, but can also be gained through volunteering, internships and cooperative education opportunities, and entry-level positions. Many state and federal agencies, such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, offer relevant experience opportunities for those pursuing a career in this field. You will need to develop skills in data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), and project management. If you are interested in a specialized role, you may want to pursue additional certifications or a master’s degree. Connecting and networking with professionals in the field is also an essential step for anyone interested in pursuing a career in natural resource management.

Tips for High School Students

If you're currently in high school and are considering getting into a natural resource management field, here are some steps you can consider taking to set yourself up for success:

• Volunteer in local environmental groups, tree planting initiatives, wildlife surveys, or habitat restoration projects. Your local library or parks service may have resources to get you started in your search for these opportunities. 
• Focus on your biology, chemistry, environmental science, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, as these will form the basis for your natural resource management education. Additionally, courses related to ecology, geology, forestry, and wildlife management may also help if they are available. Your enjoyment (or not!) of these courses could tell you a lot about whether or not natural resource management is right for you.
• Practice your math and statistics skills to prepare for data analysis responsibilities in your future as a natural resource manager.
• Join clubs focused on nature exploration, hiking, or bird watching. 
• Seek internships with parks departments, wildlife agencies, or environmental consulting firms. You can also shadow professionals working in natural resource management to gain knowledge about their role and responsibilities in the field.
• Read overviews of different wildlife management, environmental science, forestry, and natural resource management degrees to get a sense for what kind of degree is right for you.
• Develop your skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. You can do this by writing reports and presenting research findings as part of your normal classwork.
• Stay up to date on environmental news, publications, and organizations.

Choosing a College/University for Natural Resource Management

Selecting a school to study a natural resource management field can be a difficult decision. These tips can help you choose the right school for your career path.

• Research colleges and universities that would put you on a successful path. It's not necessary to major in a program called “natural resource management” to have a successful career in this industry! Look for degrees that fall within the natural resource management umbrella, such as environmental science, wildlife management, or forestry.
• Consider the program’s focus area, such as forestry, fisheries, or wildlife. 
• Explore the university’s geographic location near relevant ecosystems, as this may impact field and research opportunities. You can also research existing connections with natural resource agencies, outdoor laboratory access, and program reputations in the field.
• Check faculty profiles for their expertise.
• See whether the college has student chapters of professional organizations, such as the Society of American Foresters, that may offer you experience and networking opportunities.
• Make sure the schools you're considering offer accredited degrees, since most employers will only consider graduates from accredited institutions.
• Visit the schools you're interested in and ask lots of questions about the program(s), scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and application requirements and deadlines.
• Research cost of attendance and financial aid to determine your best options.
• Look into the program’s alumni network and job placement rates for careers in natural resource management, as well as networking opportunities.

Apply to the schools you think are the right fit for you and your goals sometime between your junior year and the beginning of your senior year. Don't miss those deadlines!

Tips for College Students

If you’re currently in college, our College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science advisor recommends considering these tips to help ensure your success in the natural resource management field of your choice.

• Work with your academic advisor to choose the appropriate program and courses that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in a natural resource management field. These skills should include a strong science background, data analysis and quantitative skills, and knowledge of environmental policies and economic factors.
• Gain experiences in real-world natural resource management projects. Look for opportunities through student organizations, professional conferences, co-ops and internships, and volunteer and research projects at your institution.
• Build your writing and presentation skills and become comfortable with communicating complex scientific information to diverse audiences, including stakeholders and the broader public.
• Form relationships with faculty members in your program, alumni of your institution, and natural resource professionals. These connections will help you as you look for relevant natural resource management experience during and after your college career. Whether you're at a conference or an on-campus career fair, seize every opportunity to form connections with professionals in the field—you never know when they could come in handy!
• Keep your resume up to date and brush up on your interviewing skills. Your institution may hold regular career fairs or even have a dedicated career center that can help you.