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Natural Resource Manager

Natural resource managers develop conservation plans for nature reserves, land and other natural resources, so that people can use these resources in an ecologically sustainable way.

Natural resource managers specialising in water and soil resources may apply their skills to several areas.

These include irrigated agriculture, drainage, water supply, water catchment management, pollution control and rehabilitation after mining activities.

Natural resource managers specialising in land and biological resources work in agencies where they can apply ecological and planning principles to the management of renewable resources such as forests, grasslands and agricultural landscapes.

TASKS

Natural resource managers may perform the following tasks:

assess techniques for flora and fauna conservation
monitor components of the environment, such as soil, water and air
develop practical solutions for environmental management and rehabilitation
develop techniques to ensure the development and use of vital land and water resources is ecologically sustainable
undertake plant and animal pest management
undertake bush regeneration activities
work with land managers to improve biodiversity on private lands
organise geological, plant and animal research
undertake laboratory work
develop resource management policy
work with government and environmental groups
run community education programmes

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

interested in conservation and management of the environment
aptitude for science
good oral and written communication skills
able to work indoors and outdoors
patient and able to persevere
good project management skills

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a natural resource manager you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in conservation and land management. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in environmental management, environmental science, sustainability or wildlife and conservation biology. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, physics, chemistry, earth and environmental science, biology and mathematics are normally required.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Natural resource managers are employed in the areas of catchment management, land care, recreation, research, soil conservation and wildlife management. They work in universities, the minerals industry, environmental organisations and government agencies that manage community-owned land (such as conservation parks, forest or local government reserves and Crown land).

With greater community concern about environmental issues and increased demand for government accountability, resource management is a growing field. However, competition for entry-level positions is very high. Gaining practical experience in conservation and land management is recommended.