Careers in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

Use this section to research career paths, typical job titles, and how to start building skills to get prepared for this industry. Below are a few platforms you can use to explore and learn more about Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences:

• A Guide to Green Careers
• Ag Careers Career Profiles
• Agriculture Future of America (AFA)
• American Geosciences Institute (AGI): Career Resources
• American Geosciences Institute (AGI): Career Compass
• Careers in GIS
• Careers in Sustainability
• Ecological Society of America (ESA): Exploring Ecological Careers
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Career Possibilities
• Environmental Science: Agriculture and Forestry Careers
• Esri: What is GIS
• Geoscience Resources on Opportunities in the Workforce (GROW)
• Jobs in Wildlife
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Atmospheric Scientists
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Conservation Scientists and Foresters
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Geological and Hydrologic Technicians
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Geoscientists
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Engineers
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Scientists and Specialists
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Natural Sciences Managers
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
• Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) Workforce Hub
• Science Societies Career Center
• Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute: Zoo and Wildlife Careers
• Sustainability Career Mingle Recording
• Top Careers in Forestry
• USDA Forest Services Careers
• USGS Career Cards

Please consider viewing other industry clusters pages besides Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences as there can be overlap, especially if you are interested in the business aspects or science/research aspects of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences.

Student Organizations

You can view a list of student organizations related to Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences on VolLink or by going to the Student Organization website for the Herbert College of Agriculture. Below are a few examples of some student organizations:

• American Society of American and Biological Engineers
• Crop, Soil, & Environmental Science Club
• Earth and Planetary Sciences Student Association (GeoClub)
• EcoVols
• Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS)
• Plant Sciences Club
• Students Promoting Environmental Action in Knoxville (SPEAK)
• Society of American Foresters
• UT Alliance for Geographers and Sustainers
• UT Compost Coalition
• Wildlife and Fisheries Society
• Wildlife Disease Club

Research

Research is another experience that can be helpful in exploring careers and gaining relevant experience. If you are considering a Masters or PhD, gaining research experience is very important (possibly even critical) for graduate school admissions. Explore the following resources for ideas on how and where to get started.

• UT’s Office of Undergraduate Research
• Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Undergraduate Research
• Department of Geography Research
• Herbert College of Agriculture Undergraduate Research

For specific research opportunities, students are encouraged to reach out to faculty directly by browsing the department websites to learn about research areas and sending a direct email to the faculty member. Students should make sure their email is professional and may want to consider attaching a resume.

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer within the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences industry. We recommend researching organizations of interests and following them on social media or signing up for newsletters to find more volunteer opportunities. Below are a few highlighted resources:

• University of Tennessee Office of Sustainability Volunteer Opportunities
• Beardsley Community Farm
• Keep Knoxville Beautiful
• Ijams Nature Center
• Tennessee State Parks
• UT Gardens

Professional Organizations can be helpful in exploring more about certain sub-industries within Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, finding job opportunities, and connecting with professionals in your area of interest. Many have their own job search boards along with a way to sign up for job alerts. You can view a list of Professional Organizations associated with your area/major on What Can I Do With This Major. Below are a few examples of some professional organizations:

• American Fisheries Society (AFS)
• American Association of Geographers
• American Water Resources Association (AWRA)
• The Geological Society of America (GSA)
• American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
• American Society of Horticultural Science
• American Society of Plant Biologists
• International Society of Sustainability Professionals
• National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
• Crop Science Society of America
• Entomological Society of America
• Society for Range Management
• The American Phytopathological Society
• Society of Wetland Scientists
• Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)
• Society of American Foresters (SAF)
• Tennessee Geographic Information Council (TNGIC)
• The Wildlife Society

Graduate School Application Resources

Many graduate school resources can be found on our Prepare for Graduate School website, including deciding on graduate school, resumes, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays/personal statements. Graduate School Applications take time and will require roughly 6-9 months of preparation. The key to applying to a graduate program within Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences will be exploring each school and program’s process for obtaining a faculty mentor. You will likely need to research faculty associated with the program of interests and contact them to inquire about research opportunities and faculty mentorship. Below are some links you may find helpful:

• American Association of Geographers: Guide to Geography Programs
• University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture Master’s Programs
• University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture Doctoral Programs

Current Graduate Student Resources

Graduate students at the University of Tennessee have access to all of the resources offered by the Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration. Please see the “Meet with your career coach” section above to explore all your professional development options.

Check out these sites in addition to our Handshake feed below. Below are a few platforms you can use to research specific job opportunities within Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences:

• Ag Careers Job Search
• American Conservation Experience (ACE) Job Board
• American Geosciences Institute (AGI) Job Board
• Conservation Job Board
• Earthworks Job Board
• Ecojobs.com
• Ecological Society of America (ESA) Job Board
• Entomological Society of America Job Board
• Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Jobs
• Environmental Careers
• Esri
• GeoScience Job Board
• GreenBiz
• Idealist
• Science Careers
• Science Societies Career Center
• Student Conservation Association Job Board
• Texas A&M Natural Resources Job Board
• The Geological Society of America (GSA) Job Board
• Usajobs.gov