What is an Environmental Resource Manager?

Environmental Resource Management involves participating in scientific efforts to conserve the overall quality of various lands, including forests, parks, mountain ranges, and other areas of natural splendor.

What Does an Environmental Resource Manager Do?

Environmental Resource Managers observe various conservation efforts and other land-use activities to ensure that all government regulations are properly implemented and that the land will remain usable for future generations. They are often responsible for the actual planning and management of various lands containing natural resources, including the negotiation of contracts with companies and other entities that may wish to use these lands. In short, Environmental Resource Managers work with private landowners, companies, and the government to improve the quality of our natural resources, while protecting the long-term health of the land.

Where Does an Environmental Resource Manager Work?

Most Environmental Resource Managers spend a great deal of time in offices and laboratories studying samples and planning efficient ways to use the lands they are charged with. However, Environmental Resource Management often requires a great deal of fieldwork, meaning that much of their time will be spent outside. This can potentially expose them to adverse weather conditions, as well as other hazards like venomous animals and poisonous plants. When working for logging operations or other industrial companies, Environmental Resource Managers may be required to wear construction gear and work around heavy machinery. Most Environmental Resource Managers work full-time, standardized schedules. Any emergency situations - such as forest fires - may require additional hours with little to no notice.

FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content

What Is the Average Environmental Resource Manager's Salary?

Environmental Resource Managers make an average of $61,100 a year, with the highest 10% earning around $90,870 and the lowest 10% earning around $38,350.
Most Environmental Resource Managers work for the federal government, though others work for the state or local governments, as well as various environmental advocacy groups and non-profit organizations.

StateTotal EmploymentBottom 25%Median SalaryTop 75%
Alabama100$53,970$73,380$88,050
Alaska370$55,460$67,800$89,560
Arizona280$52,650$66,920$76,350
Arkansas150$48,940$67,330$79,600
California1,760$57,360$79,180$98,070
Colorado1,300$54,250$66,390$85,130
Connecticut50$63,720$97,840$109,250
Delaware60$42,920$52,330$65,560
District of Columbia150$57,990$94,110$129,870
Florida510$41,970$60,330$88,060
Georgia320$46,880$61,620$81,600
Hawaii170$53,510$62,750$85,380
Idaho290$49,910$63,260$77,550
Illinois650$45,800$61,220$80,710
Indiana250$42,730$67,340$83,770
Iowa560$42,660$54,400$65,310
Kansas160$42,760$69,370$83,160
Kentucky120$49,370$75,510$79,600
Louisiana630$48,910$60,180$76,660
Maine90$52,280$61,230$69,390
Maryland360$55,460$72,070$106,010
Massachusetts410$53,220$68,140$82,450
Michigan440$48,660$61,510$80,250
Minnesota630$55,000$62,770$81,270
Mississippi840$44,460$50,590$59,150
Missouri440$45,030$60,720$77,560
Montana520$50,730$65,300$79,600
Nebraska220$53,970$69,380$79,590
Nevada200$39,210$55,160$75,830
New Hampshire70$48,950$61,370$85,600
New Jersey310$61,950$84,600$109,250
New Mexico220$50,770$69,370$78,260
New York470$54,010$65,850$88,430
North Carolina330$45,840$58,220$80,720
North Dakota290$50,590$65,310$80,720
Ohio820$40,680$55,390$73,010
Oklahoma200$50,600$63,140$78,260
Oregon740$59,040$72,050$89,510
Pennsylvania830$38,780$53,960$71,550
South Carolina160$55,650$71,520$83,220
South Dakota320$45,500$58,150$73,370
Tennessee210$54,870$62,960$88,050
Texas2,050$44,420$58,040$67,690
Utah240$50,600$63,270$75,500
Vermont100$45,500$67,560$80,270
Virginia490$46,960$60,900$83,160
Washington1,020$51,900$58,630$75,030
West Virginia230$41,360$52,450$61,820
Wisconsin750$54,450$65,660$79,570
Wyoming190$62,570$71,420$79,600

Table data taken from BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191031.htm)

What Is the Job Demand for Environmental Resource Managers?

Job demand for Environmental Resource Managers is expected to grow by 3% in the next 10 years, which is slower than other occupations. Increased demand for natural resources and further awareness of environmental issues will create more opportunities for Environmental Resource Managers. In fact, one of the largest government concerns has become the suppression of wildfires, which requires the help of Environmental Resource Managers.

What Are the Education Requirements to Become an Environmental Resource Manager?

Becoming an Environmental Resource Manager usually requires a bachelor's degree. The preferable fields of study are ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources, or other related field. If you'd like to add an extra boost to your degree, consider attending a program that is accredited by the Society of American Foresters. Some Environmental Resource Managers go on to earn their master's or PhD's, which allows them to conduct research or create environmental policy.

What Kind of Societies and Professional Organizations Do Environmental Resource Managers Have?

Environmental Resource Managers and those who wish to become Environmental Resource Managers can look to the following government websites for guidance:

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    The EPA is a department of the federal government that offers all of the latest information about policies relevant to environmental issues. This resource can help Environmental Resource Managers remain updated on the latest federal laws and regulations implemented to preserve land and conserve natural resources.

Environmental Resource Managers can also browse through these organizations and websites for valuable resources:

  • Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP)
    ANREP is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of environmental professionals and resource managers. This association is particularly useful for those trying to educate themselves further about current environmental issues and promote strong communication between states to create a more efficient resource management structure.
  • National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)
    NAEP is a multi-disciplinary professional association for any professionals involved in environmental protection or resource management. They provide a forum through which to communicate industry-specific information, a network for environmental professionals to work within, and an ethical guide that environmental professionals may follow and live by.
FIND SCHOOLS
Sponsored Content

Online Master's of Natural Resources Degree Information

Online masters of natural resources allow students the flexibility to study this complex, growing, cross-disciplinary and multipurpose subject in a manner that works for them. The small number of presently available degrees in this subject is part practical and part academic, covering the range of methods, tools and research skills. Students of these subjects will get a good grounding in all areas but they should carefully consider which path they might wish to follow as a career. The nature of each program will be slightly different.