Natural Resources: Wildlife Conservation & Management Emphasis

The knowledge gained from a Natural Resource major with a concentration in Wildlife Conservation and Management of economics, communications, ecology, microbiology, and wildlife behavior and conservation, forms a strong career foundation. Graduates may work as resource managers, rehabilitation or conservation planners, environmental advocates, or educators for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational programs, or wildlife sanctuaries. This concentration is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in arid lands resource science, environmental science, public policy, or law.

Potential Career Areas: 

 

  • Plant/animal surveying
  • Wildlife refuge management
  • Pollution monitoring
  • Research
  • Habitat improvement
  • Pest management
  • Environmental education
  • Computer modeling

 

Sample Employers:

 

  • State fish and game departments
  • Park services
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • Biological surveys
  • Land trust agencies
  • Wildlife sanctuaries
  • Outdoor education programs

 

Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges: 

 

Job Title

Salary Range

Fish and Wildlife Officer $30,000 - $80,000
Wildlife Scientist $31,450 - $50,330
Science Museum Education Director $18,000 - $45,790
Environmental Protection Agency Special Agent $17,803 - $42,647
Natural Resources Technician $22,000 - $49,000
Nonprofit Communications Director $30,000 - $60,000
Field Education Coordinator $30,000 - $50,000
Research Technician $20,000 - $69,000
Pollution Control Technician $21,500 - $35,800
Policy Analyst $39,000 - $108,000
National Park Service Employee $27,431 - $33,979
Conservation Officer $28,000 - $70,000

 

Sources of Information:  United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).