The Natural Resources concentration in the Environmental Science major familiarizes students with applications of physical and biological science for the conservation and management of natural resources, such as wildlife, rangelands, recreation areas, water supplies, and forests. Graduates will be prepared for work as research scientists, recreational land use planners, land and water managers, conservationists, and consultants. This concentration is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in geography, landscape architecture, hydrology, arid lands resource science, or environmental law. Some of the job titles listed below may require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Management
- Conservation
- Recreation
- Research
- Education
- Advocacy
- Planning
- Policy
- Communications
Sample Employers:
- Land trust agencies
- Wildlife preserves
- Park and forest services
- Nonprofit organizations
- Research institutes
- Government agencies
- Water treatment facilities
- Outdoor education programs
- Colleges and universities
- Energy companies
- Development and planning firms
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Range Scientist
|
$30,000 - $80,000
|
|
Natural Resources Technician
|
$22,000 - $49,000
|
|
National Park Service Employee
|
$27,431 - $33,979
|
|
Park Naturalist
|
$36,000 - $59,300
|
|
Recreation Planner
|
$30,000 - $40,000
|
|
Conservation Nonprofit Director
|
$35,000 - $65,000
|
|
Land Trust/Preserve Manager
|
$35,190 - $58,720
|
|
Conservation Officer
|
$28,000 - $70,000
|
|
Water Resources Manager
|
$67,300 - $116,000
|
|
Wetland Scientist
|
$31,610 - $51,080
|
|
Renewable Energy Scientist
|
$18,440 - $53,360
|
|
Research Associate
|
$23,600 - $60,700
|
|
Fish and Game Warden
|
$30,400 - $48,930
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).