Natural Resource Manager Duties and Responsibilites

By LeadLake Team   /   Job Category   /   2026
Back to Natural Resource Manager Job Description

Primary Duty

There are several career options available for individuals with a natural resources management degree. These include wildlife specialist, with an average annual salary of $40,277. Another option is a natural resource technician, earning around $47,351 per year. Alternatively, one could consider becoming an extension agent, with an average annual salary of $48,646. Lastly, a zoo manager is another potential career path, offering an average annual salary of $56,414.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in natural resources management, there are various degree programs available. These programs can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in this field. Additionally, there are several other career options within this field that you can explore and consider.

Administrative Functions

According to certain definitions, natural resources that can renew themselves and require management based on their regenerative abilities. For instance, oil is generally not considered a focus of natural resource management, while others are. (Source: Britannica)

What are the professional organizations for natural resource managers?

The Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) serves as the primary professional organization for natural resource managers in the United States.

ANREP organizes a biennial conference, providing an opportunity for professionals to share their work and ideas on natural resource management.

To become a natural resource manager, you can explore career paths and educational opportunities through resources such as GameWarden.org.

How was natural resource management created?

Natural resource management emerged as a result of the combination of rationalization and bureaucratization, creating the first bureaucracies to oversee nature. The extent of state involvement in natural resource management varied greatly among different states.

The objective of natural resource management is to ensure the sustainable use and preservation of natural resources. It involves making decisions and implementing practices that balance economic development with environmental conservation.

Throughout history, there have been diverse approaches and strategies employed by different countries in managing their natural resources. These approaches are influenced by various factors such as cultural values, political ideologies, and socioeconomic conditions.

What Do Natural Resources Managers Do?

To become a natural resources manager, one option is to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management. This path provides the necessary academic training required for a career in this field.

Role in Project Management

Effective resource management is crucial for successful project management. It is essential to determine the resource needs at the beginning and planning stages of the project life cycle in order to estimate costs and develop a project budget.

Resource management involves a systematic approach, utilizing various processes, tools, and techniques to optimize the allocation and utilization of resources throughout the project.

By effectively managing resources, project managers can ensure that the right resources are available at the right time, avoiding delays, minimizing costs, and maximizing productivity.

How do project managers manage resources?

Implementing effective resource management in a project requires the utilization of resource management tools and techniques, like project management software. ProjectManager is a comprehensive project management software that offers valuable resources such as Gantt charts, real-time dashboards, and other resource management tools aimed at monitoring project resources. Begin utilizing ProjectManager today at no cost to enhance your resource management capabilities.

How do I become a resource manager?

A resource manager is expected to hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as human resource management, business, management, or a similar field. Additional qualifications like completing a project management certification course or similar resource management courses (e.g. Project Resource Management) can provide a distinct advantage.

The role of a resource manager entails specific responsibilities that involve effectively managing and allocating resources within an organization. This includes overseeing resource planning, coordinating resource allocation for projects, monitoring resource utilization, and ensuring efficient utilization of resources to meet project objectives.

Role in Decision-making Process

Strategic natural resource management decisions often pose challenges that can be addressed using a decision-theoretic approach. In this approach, a decision is viewed as a selection between multiple alternative measures. The application of basic principles of decision making in natural resources can provide valuable insights and guidance in such situations.

What is effective natural resource management?

Gifford Pinchot, a well-known figure in the early 20th century, defined effective natural resource management as "providing the greatest good for the greatest number, in the long run" (Pinchot 1947). The interpretation of this principle has changed over time, depending on how the terms "greatest" and "good" were defined. Decision making in the field of natural resources is guided by fundamental principles.

What is structured decision making (SDM)?

Structured Decision Making (SDM) is a systematic and methodical approach used to analyze and make decisions about natural resource management. It is based on decision theory and risk analysis, and offers a set of concepts and steps to guide problem-solving without being overly rigid.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recognizes the value of SDM in assisting with complex decision-making processes related to natural resource management.

What are the biggest natural resource management challenges?

The biggest challenges in natural resource management are the differing perspectives on the value and usage of these resources within society. Scientists at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center address these challenges by developing methods under a "structured decision making" (SDM) framework.

Structured decision making is a systematic approach used by the U.S. Geological Survey to effectively manage resources while considering the various viewpoints and demands. By using this framework, the scientists at Patuxent strive to find solutions that can balance the diverse perspectives and ensure sustainable resource management.

By employing structured decision making, the experts at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center aim to overcome the challenges posed by conflicting interests in resource utilization and provide effective management strategies that meet the needs of society.

Performance Metrics

Here are five commonly used key performance indicators (KPIs) for resource management. These KPIs offer valuable data for managers to improve planning, forecasting, and understanding of resource data. It would be beneficial for your business to consider implementing them.

One frequently used KPI in project management offices (PMOs) and project teams is this, as it proves to be highly advantageous.

What are resource utilization metrics?

Resource utilization metrics play a crucial role in evaluating and maintaining the progress of a project, as well as ensuring adequate funding and support. They provide valuable insights into project health and allow for effective monitoring. For instance, in a scenario where project tasks are on track but require excessive effort to meet the timeline, resource utilization metrics can help identify and address the issue.

It is essential to measure and analyze the top four resource utilization metrics to gain a comprehensive understanding. These metrics can be easily tracked and assessed, allowing project managers to make informed decisions. To learn more about measuring these metrics, you can refer to the article "Top 4 Resource Utilization Metrics & How To Easily Measure Them" on thedigitalprojectmanager.com.

How can we tell the story of natural resource management?

Sharing ecosystem services metrics can effectively communicate the impact of natural resource management projects by connecting environmental data with the values and concerns of people. This approach helps in telling the story of these projects and highlighting their significance.

The Nicholas Institute has been working on developing ecosystem services metrics for forest systems. This initiative aims to quantify and assess the benefits that forests provide to communities and the environment, thus emphasizing the importance of sustainable forest management.

By using these metrics, stakeholders can gain a better understanding of the value of ecosystem services and make informed decisions regarding forest conservation and management. The Nicholas Institute is actively involved in advancing this field of research and promoting the integration of ecosystem services into policy and decision-making processes.