Ryan Johnson Career Guidance
Top 10 conservation careers: working for nature
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In a world where conservation has become a popular buzz word, there are also more conservation careers available. People can contribute to the worldwide discussion on nature and wildlife in various ways. Here is a condensed list of careers you can consider if you’re passionate about playing your part in conservation.
1. Photojournalist
Modern media practitioners are now doing just about everything: writing, taking photos, being social media ninjas and even editing videos. Being a photojournalist in conservation gives you the opportunity to use all these media skills for a good cause. In this career, you can combine freelance photography with written environmental articles and provide them to various platforms on a freelance basis. The media – both print and online – is the most important channel for spreading news and information about important subjects. Environmental media is no exception.
2. Ecologist
Ecology is the study of interaction and relationships between living things in nature. This includes animals, plants and their environment. An ecologist is a person who followed this specific area of study and training. They are able to study and monitor the behaviour of organisms in their ecosystems. This means that they are the ones able to tell us about what the environment and its inhabitants are going through. Through ecologists’ study of nature and natural history, we are able to see what changes are taking place in the environment and the reasons behind it. This contributes to the global discussion on environmentalism and what we can change in order to conserve wildlife.
3. Marine biologist
This is a biologist who specialises in marine life and the study of marine species. Marine biologists use science to determine what marine life needs in order to survive. This leads to fewer marine species being lost to the deteriorating state of our oceans and natural environment.
4. NGO member or volunteer
If you haven’t established yourself in a conservation career yet, you can start out by becoming a volunteer or member of a non-profit organisation working to protect nature. Here, you will learn from those who are passionate about saving our planet and its wildlife. You’ll also have the chance to serve a good cause by contributing in various ways. Whether you’re a runner, a marketer handing out flyers, or a weekly participant in beach cleanups, there are always ways to help bigger organisations make a difference.
5. Game ranger
This career requires formal education and training. Game rangers are informed about wildlife facts and animal behaviours. They know how to track and monitor different animal species. Furthermore, they are trained to handle wildlife encounters and are able to guide and educate other people (guests of a game reserve, for instance) on this wildlife information. Game rangers are animal lovers. They have a strong drive to protect wildlife from human-associated dangers, such as poaching, trophy hunting or culling. However, there’s more to it: game rangers also need to manage the wildlife on a game reserve in an ethical and sustainable way and contribute to scientific research in the field by providing wildlife data to biologists or ecologists.
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6. Wildlife vet
This entails becoming a wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitation manager. Vets who are passionate about wild animals are usually part of wildlife capture attempts in cases where wild animals are injured or abused. They will then oversee or personally handle the treatment and rehabilitation process, and be involved in releasing the rehabilitated animals back into the wild. Wildlife vets also sometimes keep and care for wild animals who are not able to survive on their own in the wild anymore.
7. Conservation activist
This is a public figure or speaker that advocates for the rights of animals. They can be normal, everyday people with something to say about wildlife, or they can be a founding member of an organisation like CACH or Greenpeace. Activists aren’t afraid to speak their minds and they use their voice and presence in the media to convince others to care for wildlife.
8. Academic research
What if you decide to continue studying? You can contribute to the knowledge we have about the environment and conservation. Academics study anything in biology, forestry, agriculture, sustainability, environmental sciences, climate change, energy sources and more. These findings are used by environmentalists and journalists to spread facts about the environment to others. True change starts with knowledge, and the academic world provides this.
9. Tour guide/operator
A tour operator works in environmental tourism, like private game reserves or sanctuaries. They are experts on the wildlife in their specific location, and they inform and guide guests on wildlife facts and conservation info. Tour guides will work for one company or they can freelance for several companies, but their main focus is educating tourists on the place around them and the importance of protecting nature.
10. National park employee
A national park is a wildlife reserve that the government of a country is in charge of. The management, maintenance and protection of the park is the responsibility of the government. National parks are usually open to the public, whereas with private game reserves, booking ahead essential. Working for a national park as a tour guide, game ranger or administrative staff member provides more conservation careers that allow you to work for nature.
These are the top 10 conservation careers you can follow. Which one do you think suits you best? If a wildlife media career looks like something you’d enjoy, check out the training programs we offer in writing, photography and film.
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FAQs
How can I make money working in nature? ›
- Groundskeeper.
- Ski instructor.
- Landscape laborer.
- Fish hatchery technician.
- Nature photographer.
- Wildland firefighter.
- Horticulturist.
- Tour guide.
- Using alternative energy resources. ...
- Establishing protected areas. ...
- Protecting biodiversity. ...
- Hunting restrictions. ...
- Proper planting.
Conservation scientists manage, improve, and protect natural resources. They work with private landowners and federal, state, and local governments to find ways to use and improve the land while safeguarding the environment.
What is a career for a person who loves nature? ›Environmental Scientist
Environmental science is a great path for lovers of nature to pursue. For many people employed in this field, there's no better one-two punch than being able to work in the great outdoors while simultaneously helping protect the environment.
- Environmental Science. Environmental science is one of the most popular majors for nature lovers. ...
- Wildlife Management. ...
- Botany. ...
- Forestry. ...
- Geology. ...
- Archaeology. ...
- Sustainability. ...
- Landscape Architecture.
- Logger. National average salary: $26,913 per year. ...
- Forest and conservation worker. National average salary: $30,640 per year. ...
- Recycling worker. ...
- Farm worker. ...
- Environmental technician. ...
- Green HVAC technician. ...
- Wind turbine technician. ...
- Safety coordinator.
- Data entry clerk. ...
- Proofreader or copy editor. ...
- Administrative, virtual, or executive assistant. ...
- Social media coordinator or manager. ...
- Social media influencer. ...
- Graphic designer. ...
- Writer.
Hiking and trekking has become one of the fastest growing activities in the outdoor adventure industry, and it has opened up many opportunities for outdoorsy people who would like to make a living doing something they love. The hiking guide profession is exactly that – a profession.
What are the 4 types of conservation? ›- Environmental Conservation.
- Animal conservation.
- Marine Conservation.
- Human Conservation.
ACE version 3.0 now includes four distinct biological summaries: Species Biodiversity, Significant Habitats, Habitat Connectivity, and predicted Climate Resilience.
What are the 9 types of conservation? ›
They are (1) biodiversity conservation, (2) water conservation, (3) ocean conservation, (4) soil conservation, (5) conservation of grazing lands, (6) forest conservation, (7) mineral conservation, (8) energy conservation, and (9) urban conservation. Each kind of conservation has different problems and solutions.
What do you call someone who works in conservation? ›Conservationist vs.
Professionals in environmental jobs may study the relationship between the environment and living things, such as humans, plants and animals, while conservationists typically focus on coming up with creative solutions to prevent further ecological damage.
Most conservation scientist careers would follow something like this: A degree in biology/zoology – Or perhaps chemistry, geography, or something similar. A Masters – Not essential (I don't have one), but quite a common stepping stone to a PhD. If you're set on a PhD, then MRes courses give great project experience.
Why do I want to work in conservation? ›Animals are becoming extinct
The conservation of endangered species is not only important for our natural world, but it is also important for humans as well. A well-balanced ecosystem gives us clean air, a healthy water system to support marine life, and land for agricultural production.
- Hiking. ...
- Backcountry Camping. ...
- Mountain and Road Biking. ...
- Kayaking and Canoeing. ...
- Rock Climbing. ...
- Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing. ...
- Gardening.
- Tree planter. Tree planting is fulfilling, though at times a very very difficult job. ...
- Conservation Scientist. ...
- Geologist. ...
- Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist. ...
- Botanist. ...
- Park Ranger. ...
- Archaeologist. ...
- Landscape Architect.
What you'd do: Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. Their duties include protecting wilderness areas, enhancing habitats for animals, facilitating public recreation, and putting out wildfires.