We rely on earth's natural resources for our daily needs. As the earth's population increases, the added concern of the sustainability of these resources becomes very real. The natural resources program gives graduates a working knowledge of a broad span of natural resources, their diversity and interdependence, and the critical relationships between humans and their natural environment. Topics within the major include resource ecology, land use, water resources, environmental policy, resource technology, natural resource education. Students in this department often pursue graduate degrees in fields of environmental sciences.
Degree: B.S. in Natural Resources, Minor in Natural Resources
Options: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Option, Individual Specialty Option
Natural Resources Faculty
Career Options(Some occupations may require further education/licensure) |
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| Aquaculturist Arboriculturist Bioresource Engineer Cell Biologist Conservation Officer Conservationist Consultant Consumer Counselor Ecologist Editor Educator Environmental Lawyer |
Farmer/Rancher |
Plant Scientist Policy Analyst Rangeland Management Specialist R&D Manager Research Technician Soil Scientist Surveyor Toxicologist Waste Management Specialist Water Quality Specialist Wildlife Biologist Writer Urban/Regional Planner |
Where are OSU Natural Resources alumni working?(Data obtained from LinkedIn) |
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| Field Technician, United States Geological Survey Project Manager, Sustainable World Coalition Water Resources Consultant, GSI Water Solutions, Inc. Rangeland Ecologist, Bureau of Land Management Safety Manager, Weyerhaeuser Conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture Fish & Wildlife Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service Digital Content Strategist, BioProcess International Environmental Health Specialist, Deschutes County Health Consultant, Coast Range Timberland Management, INC Owner, Graham Landscape & Design, LLC Field Editor, Werner Publishing Program Analyst, US Forest Service Researcher & Report Writer, Elance |
Where have OSU-Cascades students participated in experiential learning (internships/research/etc.)? |
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Upper Deschutes Watershed Council |
Job Search
In addition to our general job, internship, and volunteer search resources, below are some industry specific resources to help you search for opportunities in natural resources. Don't forget the important process of researching employers and networking with professionals in companies/organizations that you are interested in.
- Dr. Ron Reuter's Blog
- College of Forestry Job Board
- Texas A & M Job Board
- USA Jobs (USFS, USFWS, BLM)
- EcoJobs
- Earthworks
- Green Jobs
- Green Dream Jobs
- Farm and Ranch Jobs
- The Nature Conservancy
- Student Conservation Association
Research Resources
- Cause IQ: Bend Environmental Organizations
- Research at OSU
- Pathways to Science
- National Science Foundation
- National Institute of Health
- SURF
Graduate School
In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in natural resources.
- Students in Natural Resources may pursue graduate programs in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Economics, Wildlife Conservation, Soil and Water Resource Management, Range Management, Environmental Science and Natural Resources
Professional Associations
Involvement in professional associations can expand your network, keep you up to date on current trends in the field, and give you access to additional job and internship opportunities. This is a sampling of professional associations that you could get involved in.
- American Fisheries Society
- Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals
- American Farm Bureau Federation
- Botanical Society of America
- International Association for Society and Natural Resources
- Ecological Society or America
- National Association of Conservation Districts
- Natural Resource Protective Association
- National Recreation and Park Association
- Society for Ecological Restoration
- Society for Range Management
- Society for American Foresters
Additional Resources
- OSU Natural Resources Leadership Academy
- A Guide to Green Careers
- Federal Job and Internship Application Tips (OSU Tip Sheet)
- Education Requirements for Positions With USFS
- OSU Corvallis information on Natural Resources
Career Development Center
The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.