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Natural Resources Management

Natural Resource Management

In this program, you will explore the great outdoors by learning principles of plant science and the conservation of resources like soil, water, and forests. You will gain skills used in park management including chainsaw and power tool safety, commercial mower, and skid-steer use. You will experience the business side of the industry, analyze budgets, develop marketing plans, and design educational programs for public recreation.

A group of people wearing safety helmets work together to clear brush in a wooded area.

Career Expectations

  • Work outdoors in various types of weather conditions
  • Use outdoor power equipment (commercial mower/mini skid steer/ trimmer/chain saw)
  • Work with bulk landscape materials (mulch/topsoil/gravel/rock)
  • Extended standing, stoop/bend, lift/carry objects < 80 pounds
  • Clean/maintain equipment/growing areas
  • Complete natural resource inventories
  • Identify plant/insect/animal species
  • Maintain natural areas, manage invasive animals/plants and care for habitats
  • Build trails/boardwalks and other small construction projects that provide recreation opportunities
Students learning water safety on bright blue kayak by the water's edge, wearing life jackets.

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Development Courses

Year 1

  • Natural Resources
  • Park and Recreational Management 

Year 2

  • Urban Forestry
  • Business Management for Agriculture and Environmental Systems

 

View complete course guide here

Next Ready Skills

At Great Oaks, you’ll do more than learn a trade; you’ll master NextReady skills like clear communication and problem-solving that help you get hired. You will get a head start on building a professional reputation for being dependable, adaptable, and technically skilled before you even graduate

Effective Communicators

Maintain documentation of park assets, plan/deliver visitor education, obtain feedback and engage in agency collaboration.

Critical Thinkers

Collect/organize ecological data for land management, analyze park facilities, manage environmental risk, and reflect on project successes and identify areas of improvement.

Adapt­able Navigators

Follow changes in conservation practice, be flexible in the field, use multiple perspectives when making decisions, and respond to environmental changes.

Account­able Employees

Uphold stewardship standards while caring for natural resources, take ownership of park safety, show respect to colleagues/guests, and maintain conservation ethics.

Skilled Professionals

Model effective leadership in public service, master the use/maintenance of equipment, demonstrate expertise of natural resource management while prioritizing public safety.

Bottom Line: If you prefer fresh air over an office, like the challenge of managing green space using professional equipment & want to ensure visitors have great experiences, Natural Resource Management may be right for you.

Contact the Instructor

Craig Anderson

Live Oaks