Natural Resources
Natural resources a 'natural' fit for Michiganders
As the Great Lakes State with more than 3,000 miles of shoreline and more than 19.3 million acres of forested land, Michigan has a need for professionals in the natural resources industry.
Outlined below is a sampling of careers the natural resources sector has to offer. The amount of training required is a general guide. More or less training could be necessary for a specific job.
High school tips
If you're in high school and interested in a natural resources career requiring a four-year degree or additional education, it is recommended you take biology and business courses in addition to the suggested college preparatory courses determined by the college of your choice. It is also beneficial to take career and technical education courses relating to agriculture, business or mechanics.
If a natural resources career requiring less training than a four-year college degree appeals to you, you're encouraged to participate in a career and technical education program relating to agriculture, business or mechanics.
Careers that require advanced degrees:
- Environmental Lawyer
- Research-Ecology, Silviculture, Forestry
Careers that require a 4-year college degree:
- Camp Director
- Conservation Officer
- Consulting Forester
- Convention and Visitor Bureau Director
- Ecologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Economics Analyst
- Environmental Management Specialist
- Environmental or Industry Lobbyist
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Environmental Quality Analyst
- Fisheries/Wildlife Biologist
- Fisheries/Wildlife Technician
- Fishery Manager
- Forest Ecologist
- Forest Manager
- Forest Planner
- Forest Ranger/Naturalist
- Groundwater Technician
- International Development Officer
- Land Conservancy Director
- Land Management Planner
- Legislative Assistant
- Logging Operations Manager
- Marina Manager
- Natural Resource Specialist
- Park Interpreter
- Park Law Enforcement Ranger/Officer
- Park Recreation Planner
- Park Superintendent/Manager
- Real Estate Investment Trust Forester
- Research Technician
- Resort Manager
- Resource Management Specialist
- Sawmill Quality Control Manager
- Silviculturist
- Soil Conservationist
- Solid Waste Coordinator
- State Park Explorer Guide
- Trail Manager
- Travel Coordinator
- Urban Forester/Arborist
- Water Quality Analyst
- Wetland Monitoring Assistant
- Wood Procurement Specialist
Careers that require at least some post-high school training or a 2-year degree:
- Land Surveyor
- Lumber Mill Operator
- Outfitter/Guide
Careers that do not require a college degree but require certifications and training:
- State/National Park Seasonal Worker