What is Land Management?

If you've ever visited a national park, stayed at a campsite, hunted or fished on public land, or even just gone for a hike somewhere, then you've benefited from a land manager. Everything from trail maintenance to trash disposal is planned and done by someone in land management. Non-public areas, like wildlife preserves, also need to be managed. The following careers work hands-on to create and maintain natural spaces:

• Public/Private Land Manager
• Consultant
• Forester
• Habitat Manager
• Natural Resource Technician
• Park Manager
• Roadside Vegetation Manager

In addition to the actual manager (the person overseeing operations), management teams need technicians and other employees to help with projects. So don't look past a job opening just because it doesn't contain the word 'manager' in the title.

To obtain a career in one of these fields we recommend pursuing a degree in

Animal Ecology

Forestry

Land management can be done with either of our degrees, and there is a lot of overlap between job requirements and duties. What matters is the knowledge base you want to build. Do you want to focus on learning about wildlife or ecosystems?

Each of our majors requires you to select a specialization, known as an Option. Each major has four options, and these are the ones you can choose from for this type of career:

Tips for pursuing these careers:

• Become a team player!
  Management is rarely done alone. You'll likely be part of a team, and you may even be a supervisor in charge of other team members. Take opportunities to learn how to communicate in a team, what your strengths are in a group setting, and also what challenges you may face.
• Pick up additional skills!
  Ever used a chainsaw? Driven a skid-loader? Many natural resource jobs require the use of special tools and equipment. Learning how to safely use and maintain equipment can prepare you for tasks you'll be given in your future career.

Looking for something to complement your major?