On the right side, a boy appears on the screen, his expressions and body language reflecting deep thought. On the left side, three images are displayed sequentially. The first depicts hiking, the second showcases a stream flowing in lush greenery, and the third features a dense forest.
Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you the kind of person who removes your shoes and dips your toes into a stream? Do you want to see nature’s beauty and power preserved for future generations?
With a farm in the background, a circular illustration appears on the screen. It reads "Career Pathways" in the center, announcing its central theme. Surrounding it are key sectors like Animal Systems, Biotechnology Systems, Environmental Service Systems, Food Products and Processing, Natural Resource Systems, Plant Systems, Power, Structural and Technical Systems, and Agribusiness Systems. "Natural Resource Systems" is highlighted on the choice wheel.
If so, then an SAE and a career in the natural resources systems pathway may be perfect for you.
Four people stand in the woods discussing a device in their hands.
People with careers in natural resources systems apply scientific principles and techniques to the management of our natural resources. A goal of these professionals is to be good stewards of these resources… using them and maintaining them for future generations.
An underwater videographer, in his diving gear, captures footage of a sea turtle. Next, A student examines the leaves of a tree and jots down his observations in a notebook.
In the Natural Resources pathway, you may learn more about wildlife, plants, topography, and environmental factors… knowledge that can be applied to manage natural resources systems.
Three people stand near a body of water on a shore with a boat behind them. Next, A woman photographer stands on a cliff, capturing the flowing river with her camera.
You may also learn to use drones and other monitoring technology to assess natural areas. Or you may learn about the laws and regulations governing the wise use and stewardship of natural resources.
On the right side, a thoughtful young man appears on screen. The man seems to be thinking something. On the left side, three circular images follow a sparrow and a girl planting with the help of two men. In the third image, a bat house is built on a home.
Examples of SAEs in Natural Resources are wide ranging. For instance, you could contract with landowners to provide food for wildlife, process and deliver tree seedlings to elementary students, or build bat, bird, duck or squirrel houses for use or sale.
A fish swims underwater between the water plants. A fox stands beside a wooden wall.
You could also research best practices for improving fish habitats at a local pond or study the effects of excessive lawn chemicals on local wildlife.
The screen transition shows a picture of a snowmobile club near the snow-covered mountains. In a hilly area, two excavation machines operate. Nearby, a truck transports materials.
You could volunteer to manage and maintain hiking or snowmobiling trails with a local club. This might mean removing fallen tree limbs from the trails or repairing areas that are highly eroded.
An expert examines trees in the forest with a device in his hands. The screen transition shows that the group of young hikers enjoys the beauty of the mountains and greenery around them.
So, if you enjoy being outdoors and want to ensure that future generations also can enjoy our wild spaces, you may find a match with a Natural Resource SAE.
Three professionals assess water quality by a stream. While discussing their observations, they collect samples in a test tube.
Careers in this pathway work to develop, maintain and manage minerals, forests, water and land provided by Earth.
An expert and two students discuss a tree’s health in the forest. The woman makes notes in her notebook.
People working in natural resources balance consumption of natural resources with stewardship to ensure sustainable consumption for many years to come.
A man climbs up a tree with the help of a rope. The screen transitions to the man wearing all the safety gear.
One example of a career in this pathway is an arborist. These people plant, grow, maintain and remove trees. Additionally, they help manage tree health and determine and prescribe needed care.
An Arborist determines the health of a tree with the help of a machine, wearing all necessary safety gear.
Most arborists work in urban or suburban areas to maintain greenspaces.
Examining aquatic animals in large containers, a woman carefully records notes in her notebook. A middle-aged man sits outdoors at a table. The man talks on his mobile phone and looks at the laptop screen in front of him.
Other careers include aquaculturists, who work to bring healthy fish, lobsters and crabs to our dinner table and game wardens, who work at the state or federal level, enforcing laws related to hunting and fishing.
A technician inspects a bare tree near an electricity pole, standing on the basket of a cherry picker truck. Subsequently, A man examines the tree while standing on the cherry picker truck.
Within the natural resource pathway, jobs can require a wide range of education. Tree and shrub technicians could require just a high school diploma, while some jobs in ecology require a Master’s degree.
A professional takes water from a pond in a test tube for quality check. The screen transitions to A youngster standing by the lake, capturing photos of the scenic surroundings with his phone.
If you feel comfortable in hiking boots and are curious about the natural world, then perhaps a career in natural resources is great for you. Now, let’s go conserve natural resources and teach people to be good stewards of our precious natural wonders.