The depletion of natural resources is a hot topic that is frequently discussed. If you have a passion for the environment and would like to conserve resources for future generations, consider a degree in Natural Resource Conservation.
Classes in Natural Resources Conservation include ecology, biology, and forest resource measurement and will focus on topics, such as climate, air, soil, water, land, fish and wildlife, and plant resources. Business and computer science courses are also incorporated into the curriculum to equip you with the skills to review conservation proposals and analyze their possibilities. As a conservationist, you will be able to help humanity conserve coal, oil, and trees and incorporate renewable resources into everyday life.
Under the umbrella of the Natural Resources Conservation major are specialties that include Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Environmental Studies, and Environmental Science.
Required Skills
Natural resource conservationists work to ensure that humanity will not deplete all of the world's resources. They are able to estimate how projects will affect the environment and how to protect what resources still remain. This type of job requires strong analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. Conservationists must be able to make sound decisions when determining what steps should be taken to conserve resources. They also work closely with other scientists, foresters, and conservation workers making strong communication skills a necessary trait.
Work hours and conditions vary depending on the location and type of work conservationists are performing. Some conservation scientists work outdoors in all types of weather, occasionally in remote areas. This may require walking long distances through dense woods and underbrush to reach a certain location. Some work may also be physically strenuous.
Internships and summer jobs in parks or with conservationists are valuable when pursuing a career in Natural Resource Conservation. These provide you with experience within the field before beginning your own career. Employers prefer graduates with a degree from a program that is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
Careers
A career in Natural Resources Conservation can take you all over the world. Conservationists hold jobs in offices, labs, outdoors, and doing fieldwork in remote locations. Although it's not necessary, some conservationists decide to continue their education to receive either their master's degree or Ph.D. This is a career field that is experiencing slow growth. Take this into account when researching your options.
Here is a small sample of the careers that a degree in Natural Resources Conservation might open up.
