Overview
Natural resources, environment and biological science careers in state government focus on managing public lands and ensuring the responsible use of natural resources. These careers support the protection of air and water quality, wildlife and agricultural systems throughout the state.
There are many ways to enter these fields, including laboratory work, environmental monitoring and field research, as well as regulatory compliance roles. Those interested in applying scientific thinking in their day-to-day work while supporting healthier communities would be a great match for this work.
What You Might Work On
In state government, professionals in this field often:
- Manage state lands and wildlife areas to support habitat restauration, public visitation and invasive species control
- Conduct field or laboratory research to support conservation efforts, public health, agriculture or ecosystem management
- Review permits, inspections and compliance data to ensure adherence to state regulations
- Develop guidance and public resources for local governments, community organizations and the public for clear communication of scientific findings
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Enjoy analyzing data and conducting research to solve problems
- Want to do hands-on work, like environmental data collection or parks maintenance
- Are motivated by protecting ecosystems and public health long-term
- Can communicate complex scientific concepts and data clearly to non-experts
Where You Could Work
State government is broad — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area or the kind of impact you want to make (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many state agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Water quality: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Wildlife conservation: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Agriculture and food safety: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Environmental permitting: Utah Department of Environmental Quality
Sample positions
Hydrologist Associate
| Employer / agency | Department of Water Resources |
| Location(s) | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Mission context | Arizona hydrogeologists safeguard the public’s health, safety and economic welfare by protecting, conserving and enhancing Arizona’s water supplies. |
In this role, you may:
- Develop new regional-scale groundwater flow models
- Generate project reports and presentations communicating model results to technical and non-technical audiences
- Collect, analyze and interpret geologic and hydrological data
- Prepare and maintain modeling project work plans and schedules
Park Ranger 1
| Employer / agency | Parks and Recreation Department, Umpqua State Park |
| Location(s) | New Winchester Bar, Oregon |
| Mission context | This role protects, maintains and operates state park lands, performing and overseeing tasks to care for natural and cultural resources, park structures, facilities, equipment and operational systems. |
In this role, you may:
- Use skills across multiple building and maintenance trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and landscape maintenance
- Work as part of a team in basic park resource and facility operations and maintenance and/or resource interpretation
- Ensure the safe, efficient, and enjoyable operation of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department programs and properties
- Resolve customer complaints related to overnight camping and park rule interpretation
Biologist II
| Employer / agency | Division of Arkansas Heritage |
| Location(s) | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Mission context | This position leads a team in the planning, implementation and monitoring of ecological restoration efforts for Arkansas’ System of Natural Areas for the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. |
In this role, you may:
- Conduct surveys and monitoring activities related to wildlife, aquatic ecosystems, plant species or habitats. Collect biological samples, record field observations and utilize specialized equipment for data collection
- Ensure quality control and proper handling of data collected in the field
- Prepare detailed technical reports, biological assessments and summaries for internal use and regulatory compliance
- Conduct environmental impact assessments and provide biological input on regulatory decisions
Fisheries Management Specialist
| Employer / agency | Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife |
| Location(s) | Brainerd, Minnesota |
| Mission context | Fisheries management specialists in Minnesota protect and improve fish and aquatic habitat in public waters so that aquatic resources are maintained or improved. |
In this role, you may:
- Assist with planning and coordinating angler creel and recreational use surveys, compile and analyze results and present data in written reports so that management decisions can be based on sound angler use and fish harvest data
- Maintain and promote public relations so that various clienteles are informed of fisheries management programs and educated in aquatic resources issues
- Assist with fish propagation and distribution programs so that individual lake stocking objectives are met and healthy sport fisheries are maintained in public waters
- Assist with planning, implementation and reporting of lake and stream investigations so scientific data is available for management purposes to detect significant changes in the aquatic environment and to evaluate management issues
