How to Be Natural Resources Conservation Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 14, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Natural resources conservation managers play an important role in preserving the environment by ensuring the efficient and sustainable use of natural resources. By implementing conservation strategies, they help reduce the negative effects of human activities on the environment, such as pollution, soil erosion, and deforestation. They also help conserve energy, water, and other natural resources, by developing and implementing policies for resource management.

In addition, they coordinate and monitor activities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, as well as monitor progress related to research and conservation initiatives. As a result of their efforts, conservation managers help protect the environment, reduce waste, and ensure that natural resources are available for future generations.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers prefer to hire natural resources conservation managers with at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, forestry, soil science, or a related field.
Obtain Relevant Work Experience. Completing an internship or volunteer work in the field of natural resources conservation can help students gain practical experience that is attractive on job applications.
Consider Certification. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified by the Society of American Foresters or the Certified Wildlife Biologist program.
Obtain a Master's Degree. A graduate degree in a related field such as natural resource management or environmental science can provide additional qualifications that may help a candidate stand out from the competition.
Pursue Professional Development Opportunities. Professional development opportunities such as seminars and conferences can help natural resources conservation managers stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies in the field.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as The Wildlife Society or the Society of American Foresters can help natural resources managers build their network and stay abreast of new developments in the field.

The proper management of natural resources is essential in order to maintain environmental sustainability and stability. Conservation managers play a key role in this endeavor by providing reliable and competent leadership and guidance. Their duties involve designing and implementing strategies to conserve natural resources, such as land, water, timber, and minerals.

They also monitor the use of these resources, ensure compliance with regulations, and assess the economic, ecological, and social impacts of their decisions. Conservation managers are responsible for making sure that resources are used in a responsible and sustainable manner. By doing so, they can help ensure that our natural resources are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

You may want to check Marine Resources and Coastal Zone Management Officer, Conservation Educator, and Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee conservation and management of natural resources.
Develop strategies for natural resource management and conservation.
Monitor and assess the condition of natural resources through surveys, studies, and other research.
Develop plans for natural resource use and protection.
Monitor compliance with laws, regulations, and policies related to conservation and management of natural resources.
Develop and implement plans for restoring and enhancing natural resources.
Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement plans for sustainable resource use and conservation.
Provide technical advice to government agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders on matters related to natural resources conservation.
Coordinate activities with other agencies and organizations to promote natural resource conservation and management.
Prepare reports on natural resource issues and present them to stakeholders and the public.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of natural resource laws and regulations
Expertise in conservation, sustainability and land management principles
Ability to analyze data, develop plans and strategies, and assess progress
Strong organizational and communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
Knowledge of environmental and ecological science
Understanding of ecological systems and processes
Knowledge of GIS/GPS systems
Experience working with local and state governmental agencies
Understanding of budgeting and resource allocation principles
Familiarity with renewable energy technologies
Proficiency in data collection and analysis techniques
Proficiency in computer applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database management systems

Effective natural resources conservation managers must possess a variety of skills, but perhaps the most important is the ability to understand the link between human activities and the environment. This understanding enables them to identify the cause-and-effect relationships between human activities, such as industrial development and pollution, and the impact on local ecosystems. Conservation managers need to have a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections between different elements of the environment, such as the water cycle, soil erosion, and climate change.

They must also be able to identify and prioritize conservation strategies that will help protect and conserve resources, such as reducing energy consumption, improving water efficiency, and protecting wildlife habitats. Finally, effective natural resources conservation managers must be able to communicate and coordinate with other stakeholders, such as local governments, businesses, and private citizens, to ensure that all conservation efforts are successful.

Species Conservation Officer, Conservation Ecologist, and Natural Resource Conservation Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in natural resources conservation management?
How do you stay up to date on current natural resources conservation trends?
What strategies would you use to ensure compliance with environmental regulations?
How would you handle a situation where you need to balance conflicting interests between environmental regulations and economic interests?
What challenges have you faced when implementing conservation plans?
How do you collaborate with stakeholders to ensure their needs are met while protecting natural resources?
How do you identify and assess potential environmental impacts of a project?
What strategies do you use to motivate and engage staff members in conservation initiatives?
What methods do you use to measure success of conservation projects?
How do you ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to meet conservation goals?

Common Tools in Industry

Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth's surface. (eg: ArcGIS)
Remote Sensing Software. Software used to capture and analyze data from satellites, drones, and other sources. (eg: ENVI)
Hydrological Modeling Software. Software used to simulate water flow, sediment transport, and other hydrological processes. (eg: HEC-HMS)
Soil Analysis Software. Software used to collect and analyze data on soil characteristics including texture, structure, color, and fertility. (eg: SSURGO)
Landscape Planning Software. Software used to create models of potential land use scenarios and their potential impacts. (eg: Green Info Networks Ecosystem Planning Tool)
Climate Change Modeling Software. Software used to simulate climate change scenarios and their potential impacts on natural resources. (eg: ESRI Climate Change Analysis Tool)
Data Visualization Tools. Tools used to present data in visual formats such as tables, graphs, and maps. (eg: Tableau)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Agronomy
Soil and Water Conservation Society
Natural Resources Conservation Service
National Association of Conservation Districts
Wildlife Management Institute
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
The Nature Conservancy
National Park Service
International Association for Landscape Ecology
American Water Resources Association

We also have Conservation Education Specialist, Stream and Watershed Conservation Technician, and Conservation Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Natural Resource Management. The practice of managing natural resources such as land, water, air, and biodiversity in a way that meets environmental, economic, and social needs.
Conservation Biology. The study of the conservation, management, and restoration of natural ecosystems and the species they contain.
Sustainability. Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Ecosystem Services. The benefits that people obtain from ecosystems, including clean air, water, food, recreational opportunities, and protection from natural disasters.
Biodiversity. The variety of life forms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, within an area or region.
Sustainable Development. Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Climate Change. The long-term change in average weather patterns due to the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Environmental Impact Assessment. A systematic process for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of a project or activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of a Natural Resources Conservation Manager?

The primary purpose of a Natural Resources Conservation Manager is to manage, protect and conserve natural resources including land, water, air, plants and animals.

What qualifications are required for the role of Natural Resources Conservation Manager?

Qualifications for the role of Natural Resources Conservation Manager typically include a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, environmental science or a related field, as well as several years of related experience.

What is the job outlook for Natural Resources Conservation Managers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Natural Resources Conservation Managers is 8% growth from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

What types of tasks does a Natural Resources Conservation Manager typically perform?

Typical tasks for a Natural Resources Conservation Manager may include monitoring natural resources and creating policies and plans for their conservation, conducting surveys and studies for environmental impact assessments, advising on land use planning and developing management strategies.