WHAT IS NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND WHO IS A NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER?
Natural resources management is a career dedicated to sustainability and protection. It is the general management of lakes, forests, plants, soil and other natural resources. It is a broad term that can be applied to several conservation and environmental management projects, such as protecting state property from overdevelopment or planning for effective, sustainable land use. It is a field that comprises programs of study such as: Integrated Environmental Management, Sustainable Agriculture science, science in Agroforestry, Plant and Environmental Sciences, wood science, Sustainable Natural Resources Management and Clinic, as well as Science in Forestry.
A Natural resources manager is someone who has a qualification in any one of the above-mentioned programs. Their aim is to protect and manage wildlife, trees, plants, soil and water.
WHERE DO NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER WORK?
Natural resources managers can work for government under the ministry of lands, ministry of fisheries and livestock as well as under the ministry of agriculture where they are tasked with monitoring and enforcing compliance with resource usage regulations and laws. They can also work for department of water affairs for the government.
They often have broad, interdisciplinary science backgrounds and work for non-governmental organisations, and learning institutions as lecturers. They also work for game parks such the Kafue national park, Luangwa national part etc. and they also work for historic and heritage sites where they provide and present educational programs for community groups, schools and visitors, which requires extensive interaction with people and good communication skills.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
The day to day job for natural resources managers involves overseeing and implementing conservation and sustainability plans for publicly and privately owned land, including parks, nature preserves, historic sites, mining operations and building construction projects. Their work also covers human activities that may benefit, influence or harm the natural environment.
Their tasks sometimes involve hands-on work in restoring and maintaining natural areas and resources, therefore requiring knowledge of plant and animal ecosystems. Natural resource managers may oversee the work of employees who stock fisheries, regulate land and resource use by the public, plant seeds for forestry programs and monitor wildlife populations.
As a natural resources manager, also called a conservation scientist, their primary goal is to oversee the operations of those projects. Some tasks could include formulating the policies and procedures for a natural resources management program or hiring and training staff. They may be tasked to set a budget, oversee program facilities, meet with government officials and conduct scientific studies. They also spend time in the field conducting experiments and observing the land use patterns of humans as well as animals.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER?
Natural resources managers that work for a government department typically follow the normal 08hrs to 17hrs work schedule Monday to Friday. Natural resources managers who work elsewhere except in government spend time in the field conducting experiments and observing the land use patterns of humans as well as animals.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The beauty of a degree in Natural Recourses Movement is that you can work in many places. But the unfortunate part is that there is no direct deployment or recruitment by the government, you have to search for employment on your own. If you want you can be self-employed. However, some natural resource managers may choose to specialize in one specific conservation or natural resource activity to become a forester, wildlife manager, range manager, fisheries worker, parks manager or another type of resource manager. But job prospects are mainly available in government ministries and in Non-government organisations.
SALARY RANGES AND WHAT CONTROLS IT?
A person working in Natural Resources Management in Zambia typically earns around 4,020 ZMW per month. Salaries range from 2,230 ZMW (lowest average) to 10,500 ZMW (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
Natural resources managers must have the kind of personality that exhibits innovative science, research, and business management skills to keep organizations’ legal, social, and economic policies in line with environmental developments. They should also have good communication, administrative, and marketing skills. These are the assets in this field that will enable you to enjoy a career in natural resources management.
WHERE CAN I STUDY NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, FOR HOW LONG, TO EARN WHAT QUALIFICATION?
The main institutions offering training in natural resources management in Zambia are CBU, Kapasa Makasa University, and the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC). Programs on offer include; Integrated Environmental Management, Sustainable Agriculture science, science in Agroforestry, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Wood science, Sustainable Natural Resources Management and Clinic, Science in Forestry, Animal Science, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Horticulture, and Water engineering. Diploma programmes run for 3 years while degree programs run for 4-5 years.
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
In general, the subjects covered in the first year of study are A’ level mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. In latter years each specific program, has its own set of subjects covered. Comprehensive lists of subjects covered in each program can be found in the course structures provided by the learning institution of choice.
WHAT MODES OF STUDY ARE AVAILABLE?
The programs are offered on both full time and distance.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Minimum entry requirements are 5 O’ level credits including Mathematics, English, Biology and/or Agricultural science. Actual cut off point depends on the institution of choice. Those accepted to the university will typically have scored 12 points or better at grade 12.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGER?
As alternatives to qualifications in natural resources management, someone can instead decide to pursue either a diploma in environmental technology or a degree in environmental engineering. These professions, similar to natural resources management, aim at improving protecting and conserving environmental resources.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
Once you study any of the programs under Natural Resources Management, you may decide to pursue a master’s degree in Forestry, or Environmental Sciences or science in Agroforestry or Sustainable Agriculture science or wood science or Integrated Environmental Management. A master’s degree gives you an upper hand when it comes to finding new jobs in competitive environments especially abroad. It’s a sign that apart from general skills, you have taken keen interest to master one area of your job more than other people. With a master’s degree one would become a university lecturer as well.