Forestry
Careers in forestry and natural resources are exceptionally varied, challenging and personally satisfying. Opportunities are available in rural and urban settings worldwide. Participation in internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development. Positions are available in industry, education, consulting, public service, and government agencies.
Examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- forest manager
- forest/park ranger
- land use planner
- geospatial information systems specialist
- environmental policy and conservation consultant
- fire-fighter/manager
- natural resource journalist
- naturalist
- forest products business person
- and many more…
Rangeland Ecology
Rangeland Ecology careers are available with the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, various state and city agencies, and private industries such as mining companies, ranches, and environmental consultants. These agencies and firms monitor livestock and wildlife grazing, identify and measure plant communities and soil conditions, manage ranches, restore mined land, manage forests, and appraise real estate.
The numerous summer jobs that are available to Rangeland Ecology majors and minors allow students to gain valuable work experience in a wide variety of rangeland and forest opportunities. Successful seasonal employment can give students additional marketability through improved skills and experience.
Examples of career opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- restoration ecologist
- soil conservationist
- plant ecologist
- range management specialist
- rangeland conservationist
- ranch management
- mine rehabilitation specialist
- rangeland scientist
- soil scientist
- riparian ecologist
- commercial sales and service rep
- international rangeland specialist
- consultants
- and many more…
Natural Resource Management
Graduates apply their education in science, technology and the social sciences to solve today’s most critical natural resource and environmental problems. The NRM degree will allow students to choose from a variety of interesting and exciting careers. Graduates will be able to qualify as professional foresters and work with traditional national and international resource organizations.
They can also pursue employment in fields such as:
- land use planning
- computer technology
- law
- mining reclamation
- business
- real estate management
- youth agency administration
- natural resource communications
- law enforcement
- conservation biology
- and many more…
In general, competition in the field is quite intense while some positions require a graduate degree. Participating in seasonal and voluntary work, internships and cooperative education opportunities will enhance your chances for permanent full-time employment. The summer field experience and summer at the CSU Mountain Campus help to make graduates competitive candidates.
For additional information about career paths, please visit career services.