blog navigation

NRES Career Information
Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

blog posts

  • How to Differentiate Yourself

    This HBR IdeaCast interview with Dorie Clark is about how to become a "thought leader", but the advice is very useful for students considering how to differentiate themselves in the job search. It's 19 minutes well spent. Listen at  https://hbr.org/ideacast/2015/10/why-the-term-thought-leader-isnt-gross.html.

  • UCSB Global Studies MA & PhD Info Sessions November 6 & 30, 2023

    General Program Information
    MA and PhD Funding
    Application Tips
    Q&A w/ Current Students

  • The Institute by LeaderShape

    The Institute™ by LeaderShape® is a nationally recognized four-day, three-night leadership retreatheld for Illinois undergraduate students that will take place January 10-13, 2023, at the Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello, IL. The online application opened on Monday, September 26 and closes Monday, October 24.

  • Career Center Events and Workshops 10/19/15 - 10/30/15

  • Graduate & Professional School Fair is Tomorrow!

    Wednesday, October 19, 2016
    Noon-4:00 pm
    Illini Union, Rooms A, B, & C

    Speak with universities from across the country about graduate and professional school programs, including health profession programs!

    Get a sneak peek at schools who are attending the fair: https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/GNP_School_Listing_Book_2.pdf

  • Director, US Meat Animal Reserach Center

  • Career Center Events and Workshops 11/02/15 - 11/13/15

  • Graduate Student Position for Landowner Survey on Wildlife Management (Deadline: December 2, 2022)

    The University of Maryland Extension is seeking a graduate student to assist in conducting research of private landowner knowledge and actions related to wildlife and habitat conservation. The purpose of this project is to inform future educational and extension initiatives related to wildlife conservation. Because 92% of Maryland's land area is under private ownership, wildlife and habitat conservation in the state relies heavily on the actions of private landowners. The graduate student will work with the principal investigator, Dr. Luke Macaulay, and a postdoctoral researcher in implementing the project.The graduate student will be focused on the implementation of the survey, analysis, and publishing results. A significant amount of preparation and design work for the survey has been completed, including conducting focus group meetings, establishing a statewide sample of landowners with both addresses and emails, and pre-testing and piloting the questionnaire. The student will be able to draw on this work in making final adjustments to the survey. The survey will consist of both written and electronic delivery of the survey to maximize response and minimize bias.

  • Career Center Events and Workshops 11/09/15 - 11/20/15

  • Coordinating Wildlife Biologist I - Prescribed Fire (Northern Missouri - Milan, MO preferred; due Dec. 1)

    The Prescribed Fire Coordinating Wildlife Biologist will work as a member of the Missouri Quail Forever Team in close coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, and other key partners. The primary responsibilities of this position are prescribed fire planning, outreach, training, and coordination. This position will work closely with a wide range of individuals and resource professionals promoting the development and implementation of prescribed fire in Missouri. This position will require a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills and a strong work ethic. This prescribed fire partnership effort will provide an opportunity to make significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources across Missouri.

  • Crew Lead/Researcher. (University of Wisconsin-Madison) (Madison, Wisconsin)

    The Peery lab (https://peery.russell.wisc.edu/) is hiring a crew/lead researcher to help conduct their large-scale bioacoustics program in the Sierra Nevada in California monitoring for several avian species including owls, woodpeckers and several species of conservation concern. The project is crucial to multiple well-funded projects and is expected to directly inform management planning and practices in an ecologically sensitive and high-profile region.

    The researcher would report to a project manager while recruiting, training, and leading 2-5 technicians each summer to deploy, collect, and assist with processing data from acoustic recording units across the landscape in remote areas of the southern Sierra Nevada. The researcher would spend the remainder of the year (mid-August to mid-April) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI as part of the Peery research group. The fall/winter would be spent processing and analyzing acoustic data, while the spring would be spent largely on field preparation work.

    The position ideally would start on February 1, 2023 but can be shifted if necessary, and includes a full-time salary with a benefits package, including health insurance, and retirement. The position would be for 2 years with the potential to extend.

  • Wildlife Biologist Eastern South Dakota (Wildlife Diversity Program), Department of Game, Fish and Parks (Sioux Falls, SD; due Nov. 28)

    The incumbent will coordinate South Dakota's Natural Heritage Program, manage Natural Heritage Database, and interact with NatureServ staff; collaborate with Environmental Review Coordinator and Natural Heritage and Wildlife Diversity Program team members to write comment letters, provide recommendations for rare species and habitat conservation, and provide oversight, maintenance, and training for an online Environmental Review Tool to streamline environmental review requests; oversee and assist with periodic rank reviews of animal species monitored in Natural Heritage Database; assist with environmental review of significant projects, including site visits for development projects to confirm presence/absence of species and provide recommendations for mitigation; provide technical assistance and collaborate with habitat biologists for habitat enhancement for nongame and rare species in eastern South Dakota; and more.

  • Various eeCorps positions with Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (varied Dec. deadlines)

    The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education has numerous open jobs found throughout Colorado. Please visit if interested in facilitating or running such programs & educating others on different aspects of the environment!

  • Extension Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), Crop Sciences (Urbana, IL; due Dec. 6)

    Work as a member of the interdisciplinary Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) team to collectively create, prepare and conduct training programs for commercial and private pesticide applicators and operators in Illinois.

  • Big Sky Watershed Corps Member (Jan.-Nov. 2024; various MT locations)

    BSWC members develop and implement climate resiliency initiatives through stream and riparian restoration projects, re-vegetation projects, low-tech process-based restoration, drought planning, water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian fencing, river clean-ups, terrestrial/aquatic invasive species removal, abandoned mine reclamation, beaver mimicry, irrigation infrastructure improvements, watershed inventories and so much more! BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural resource conservation through outreach and education by engaging local communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, trainings, and volunteer opportunities. Overall, BSWC members confront climate change with innovative solutions developed in direct partnership with community organizations and local stakeholders.

  • WW Teaching Fellows Opportunity

    The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation is offering several fellowships through its Institute for Citizens and Scholars. The program recruits and prepares the nation's best and brightest recent graduates and career changers with STEM backgrounds to teach in middle and high school science and math classrooms. It also works with university partners to change the way these top teacher candidates are prepared, focusing on an intensive full-year experience in local classrooms and rigorous academic work.

    The WW Teaching Fellowship is currently recruiting in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It offers offers a $32,000 stipend toward completion of a yearlong M.Ed. at Duquesne University, West Chester University, or the University of Pennsylvania.  Application Deadlines: November 4, 2020; January 11, 2021; March 1, 2021

  • Land Conservation Coordinator, TennGreen Land Conservancy (Nashville, TN; due Dec. 31)

    TennGreen Land Conservancy is looking for a Land Conservation Coordinator. The position is a multi-faceted position with responsibilities that include assisting with conservation easement, land acquisition, and land conservation outreach projects. The Land Conservation Coordinator reports to the Deputy Director.

  • Urban Agriculture Associate, Pollinator Partnership (flexible/remote within OH or MI; due Dec. 15)

    Pollinator Partnership (P2) is looking for two experienced and passionate professionals who possess the skills to lead and advance sustainable urban agriculture in Ohio and Michigan.

  • Natural Resource Specialist position in South Dakota

    The Northwest Area Joint Board of Conservation Districts is seeking a self-motivated person, able to work independently and/or as a member of team in rural northwestern South Dakota. Application deadline is May 15, 2016.

  • Traveling Outdoor Educators (March-June 2023), Nature's Classroom (Portsmouth, NH)

    Do you enjoy teaching kids, exploring new places, and meeting other nature and scienceenthusiasts?

    Become a Nature on Wheels Instructor this spring and travel across New England providing outdoor learning experiences to elementary and middle school students.

  • Water Resources Internship Program (summer 2024), Iowa State University (Ames, IA; due Feb. 5)

    Have an interest in the environment, conservation, and agriculture, particularly water and soil quality?  We are seeking undergraduate student interns for summer 2024 who are self-motivated, detail-oriented, strong communicators, enthusiastic, and have a sense of fun! The Iowa State University water resources internship program serves as an outstanding springboard for careers in agriculture, engineering, the environment, and/or further studies.  

  • Conservation Fellow (May 17-Oct. 6, 2023), Montana Conservation Corps (due Feb. 12)

    MCC’s Conservation Fellow (CF) program makes a measurable difference in conservation efforts whilestrengthening the experience of young adults. CFs serve a five-month term of service from May –October at partnering federal/state agencies, nonprofits, tribal offices, and other community-basedconservation organizations across Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. Projects include: climateresiliency, habitat restoration, rangeland science, soil monitoring, invasive species treatment, developedrecreation management, GIS mapping, stream and wetland restoration, cave and karst feature surveys,conservation education and outreach, volunteer management and more.

  • Boneyard Creek Community Day April 22 at Scott Park (register online by April 17)

    Looking for a class volunteer project or a new way to bring the family together? Join us in making a difference at one of Champaign-Urbana’s natural treasures. Help restore the beauty of the Boneyard Creek in Champaign, Urbana, and Campus-town by participating in this organized clean-up.Free lunch will follow at Scott Park!  

  • Program Coordinator, International Field Studies (Columbus, OH)

    The Program Coordinator has two main responsibilities: 1) act as the liaisonbetween IFS and the trip instructor/students to ensure that all details of eachtrip are handled properly and IFS is of maximum assistance to theinstructor/students and 2) responsible for administration of trips includingbilling, form collection and coordinating travel. The employee performs a fullrange of office support assignments.

  • Consulting Utility Forester, CN Utility Consulting (Springfield/Bloomington, IL)

    As a Consulting Utility Forester, you’ll keep communities informed about the trees and power lines, while ensuring safe delivery of their power and pursuing opportunities to develop sustainable habitat throughout the utility right-of-way. In this role, your office is the great outdoors! Other work locations available.

  • CONTENT SPECIALIST & EVALUATION ASSOCIATE

    The Content Specialist & Evaluation Associate works as part of the Science Education Research Center (SERC) team at Carleton College to develop new and improve existing websites, support professional development programming, maintain SERC collections, and assist in education research and evaluation projects. The Science Education Resource Center is a grant-funded office at Carleton College, founded to improve education in the Earth sciences and beyond. Today we are a team of 13 educators, researchers and technical specialists who have worked with over 100 award winning education projects across the STEM disciplines and allied fields.

  • Biological Science Technician (soils), Agricultural Research Service (Lincoln, NE; due May 5)

    Duties include collecting, preparing, evaluating, and verifying soil samples and supporting records, performing routine soil laboratory techniques using specialized equipment for microbiological analyses, tabulating, statistically analyzing and summarizing data using personal computers and software packages, preparing solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, maintaining detailed records of experimental data, and assisting in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of technical duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment.

  • Multiple positions at the Great Basin Institute (western U.S.A.)

    Multiple positions at the Great Basin Institute across the Western United States.

  • Biological Science Technician (Recent Graduate), Agricultural Research Service, Soil Management Research Unit (Morris, MN; due May 26)

    Duties include assisting in one or more phases of the research process by performing a variety of standardized or routine duties, in a laboratory, field, or greenhouse environment, common to the assigned area of work, maintaining inventory of chemicals, preparing solutions and reagents for use in the laboratory, field, or greenhouse, safely disposing of waste material (both chemical and biological), recording instrument readings, collecting samples, and taking measurements, keeping detailed records of experimental data, tabulating, analyzing, and summarizing data using personal computers and software packages, performing routine and recurring techniques and studies using a variety of specialized equipment, maintaining, calibrating, and modifying equipment and automated systems used for test and evaluation procedures, and more.
  • Eat Safe Fish Program Specialist, Lansing, MI (due, June 28, 2020)

  • Fisheries Technician, Illinois Natural History Survey (Havana, IL; due July 21)

    Field technicians (1-4 possible) are needed to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data with additional targeted data collection. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be located in Havana, Illinois mid-August – October 31, 2022, with potential extension to December 2022 and beyond.  Starting date can be adjusted slightly depending on candidate’s availability.

  • Assistant Research Scientist, Large River Ecology - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Large River Ecologist to Administer research activities of the Survey by developing, planning, directing, and conducting basic and applied research for the aquatic macroinvertebrate component of the Long-Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRM), an element of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program (UMRR).

  • Purdue University Ecological Sciences and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program Fall Preview Day Sept. 28

    The Ecological Sciences and Engineering (ESE) Interdisciplinary Graduate Program is hosting a Fall Preview Day for prospective students. Please join us to learn about the ESE program, meet current students and faculty, and have your questions answered by our staff. This is a free, in person event that requires an RSVP via the provided QR Code. If you are considering a graduate program to work toward environmental solutions we would love for you to join us!

  • Agricultural Program Coordinator, Schuylkill Conservation District (Pottsville, PA)

    The primary responsibilities of this position are to manage programs that provide important technical and financial resources to help protect and improve farmland, including the Agricultural Conservation Technical (ACT) Assistance Program, the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) and the Schuylkill County Farmland Preservation Program.

  • Urban Soil Health Specialist, Urban Soil Health Program (Fort Wayne, IN; due Sept. 25 or until filled)

    Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, facilitating and leading local SWCD Boards and staff to work with partners to form local Urban Soil Health Working Groups, providing technical assistance, education, and outreach to local USH Working Groups, coordinating with partners to cultivate coverage of urban and small-scale agriculture and soil health programming regionally and statewide, representing the USH Program and IASWCD in public appearances to inform the public of the purpose of the Urban Soil Health Program and its events, and the SWCDs and local USH Working Groups, and more.

  • Career Center Events and Workshops 10/05/15 - 10/16/15

  • UT San Antonio: Associate Professor in Natural Resource Management

  • "Graduate School" Means Many Different Things

    At this time of year, there is a lot of discussion of “grad school” as an option for what to do after graduation. This can be an excellent next step in your career development, but “grad school” is not just one thing. Any student making a decision about whether or not to pursue an advanced degree needs to be aware of the different types of options.

  • Piper's Advice on Searching for Research Based Graduate Program

    Once you know that you want to pursue a research based graduate program, you may feel overwhelmed by the idea that, for many programs, you are supposed to find an advisor before you even apply. I frequently get asked, "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?" So here is my advice:

  • Big Sky Watershed Corps (Jan. - Nov. 2023), AmeriCorps (Montana)

    Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program that assists Montana’s watershed communities to make a measurable difference in local conservation efforts while strengthening the experience of young professionals.BSWC members develop and implement climate resiliency initiatives through streams and riparian restoration projects, re-vegetation projects, low-tech process-based restoration, drought planning, water quality/quantity monitoring, riparian fencing, river clean-ups, terrestrial/aquatic invasive species removal, abandoned mine reclamation, beaver mimicry, irrigation infrastructure improvements, watershed inventories and so much more! BSWC members also promote watershed health and natural resource conservation through outreach and education by engaging local communities through lessons in schools, community field days, workshops, training, and volunteer opportunities. Overall, BSWCmembers confront climate change with innovative solutions developed in direct partnership with community organizations and local stakeholders

  • Administrative Officer (Department of Agriculture Grand Forks, ND) Due 11/16

    Job Description: This position is located in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Location Support Staff, located in Grand Forks, ND.The primary purpose of this position is to provide leadership in the mangement of business functions in support of research programs. The incumbent works closely with the location's management team to efficiently and effectively carry out all administrative operations.This position is being concurrently announced under Delegated Examining Procedures on announcement number ARS-S18W-0009 open to any US Citizen. Current and former Federal employees may apply to both announcements, but should be sure to apply to this announcement ARS-M18W-0010 to maximize opportunities for consideration since different referral criteria apply to each announcement type.

    Job Duties: Serves as the primary advisor and technical resource to officials on accounting and financial management matters.Leads and guides a staff in a variety of administrative areas including budget and finance, human resources management, internal controls, reimbursable agreements with other organizations, information management, property management and office support services.Advises management officials regarding procedures, laws, regulations, and policies dealing with workforce diversity, recruitment, merit promotion, employee and labor relations, career development, training, and other human resources related activities.Procures supplies and services timely and within budget.Advises management officials and staff regarding procurement and contracting regulations, procedures, alternatives, and availability of funds.

    Required Qualifications:  At the GS-09:  One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service which has equipped the candidate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Specialized experience includes supporting a variety of administrative operations which includes budget, human resources, agreements, purchasing and contracting, and facilities; assisting with budget formulation, execution and administration; and preparing administrative reports and analysis to support the operation of an organization.  OREducation: Completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree; related degrees may include Business, Business Management, and Business Administration; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. ORA combination of education and experience as described above

    To Apply: Create a USAJOBS account and apply at  https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/483520400

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate (Population, Climate, and Disease Modeling) - Illinois Natural History Survey

    The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to collaborate on a project developing predictive models of avian disease in the Laurentian Great Lakes. This position will be based out of Champaign, Illinois.

  • 2016 Seasonal Timber Positions

    The Bridger-Teton National Forest will be hiring seasonal positions for the 2016 summer season starting in January of 2016.  The Forest will be filling up to 4 seasonal positions in timber. Government housing will be available for these positions.  The jobs will be posted starting January 8th   thru January 27th based on the grade of the position.

  • Summer Internship, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (various locations) due 1/18

    The NGRREC internship is an amazing research based opportunity for undergraduates.

  • Summer and Year Internships, Mt. Cuba Center (Hockessin, DE)

    Internships are Mt. Cuba Center’s greatest investment in the future. Our goal is to inspire students to have an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a desire to protect the environments that sustain them.

    We offer two types of programs: a summer program that runs for 12 weeks for college undergraduates or recent college graduates and a one year program for recent college graduates.

  • Internship Opportunity for Underrepresented Students deadline February 8th

     The goal of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment is to diversify the conservation workforce by finding and developing the next generation of land, water, and wildlife professionals among traditionally underrepresented groups. 

    Doris Duke Scholars are eager to be immersed in an experiential learning program that incorporates diversity and inclusion into their understanding of conservation practices.

    Doris Duke Scholars are committed to becoming a part of and changing the conservation arena, bringing new ways of looking at, understanding, and protecting the earth's land, water and wildlife.

  • Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Various) due 2/10

    The Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP) is a fellowship program in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The DFP is designed to provide a fellowship opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to participate full time for at least 11 weeks on projects that meet the qualification of a rigorous internship program.

    Participation in the DFP will offer the selected fellows an opportunity to demonstrate to supervisors and managers their potential for success. Management may directly hire a fellow who has successfully completed their fellowship program and requirements for his or her degree program.

  • Northwest Field Crew Member

    Looking for an exciting way to spend your year? Apply for a field crew! AmeriCorps Northwest Minnesota Field Crew Members (ages 18-25) work outdoors and gain valuable field skills. Crew members receive on-the-job training in natural resource management, fire control and conservation methods, and then put those skills into practice on natural resource projects across the Midwest.

  • Monsanto Graduate Student Scholarship

  • Shooting Sports and Wildlife Instructor and Counselor (summer 2023), Camp Wildlife (Summerton, SC; due March 1)

    The camp is located on YLI’s Camp Bob Cooper directly on Lake Marion (South Carolina’s largest lake). Amajority of the camp week will focus on hunting and fishing techniques, wildlife ecology, outdoorsurvival skills and shooting sports activities (shotgun, rifle and archery). Instructors will be trained andcertified through USA Archery, South Carolina 4H Shooting Sports, and South Carolina Department ofNatural Resources. In addition to these activities, we will also utilize other components such asswimming, team building, and various recreation activities. To see more about the camp, visithttps://wildlifesummer.camp/.