Natural Resource Manager
What does a natural resource manager do?
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 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.
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.
Why does a natural resource manager do this?
Natural resource managers are interested in conservation and management of the environment and 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).
How does a natural resource manager do this?
Some typical tasks may include:
- 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 programs
Tertiary study
Undergraduate studies begin with a Bachelor of Science. You could study subject areas such as:
- Agricultural Science
- Climate and Weather
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Ecosystem Science
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Geology
- Plant and Soil Science
- Plant Science
- Zoology
You could then go on to graduate study to gain specialised theoretical knowledge and practical experience. You could consider studying in:
- Master of Ecosystem Management and Conservation
- Master of Environment
- Master of Environmental Science
- Master of Geography
- Master of Geoscience
- Master of Science (Earth Sciences)
- Master of Science (Ecosystem Science)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Science)