A How-To Guide for Pursuing a Career in Natural Resources

Natural resource professionals have some of the most challenging and important jobs of any profession. The resources we have on this Earth sustain everything else and must be managed for multiple uses and multiple interests.

by Colorado Youth Corps Association, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

This Guide prepared by the Colorado Youth Corps Association and the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education is written specifically for youth and entry-level candidates currently in or recently graduated from college. Although the material focuses on jobs at local, state and federal government agencies, much of the information is applicable to jobs in any sector. This Guide also has specific information for veterans, people with disabilities and youth, as many government agencies have special hiring programs for those groups. You do not need to read this Guide cover-to-cover. Instead, it was designed as a series of resources of which you can refer to independently.

We realize that this is only one piece of the puzzle in the larger scope of natural resource careers. There are certainly natural resource jobs in the private, non-profit and education sectors and information for a much broader audience is needed. We hope to fill those needs in future Guides.

Published June 2014

About the Authors


CYCA promotes youth development and conservation by supporting youth conservation corps across the state of Colorado.


CAEE works to ensure everyone in Colorado has an opportunity to learn about the environment where they live. We value inclusiveness and welcome everyone to the field of environmental education.

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