Natural resource Careers
for Indigenous Youth

A wide variety of career paths exist for Indigenous youth who are interested in pursuing work in the outdoors. The downloadable guides linked below cover a general overview of conservation and outdoor recreation careers, along with specific options in the federal, non-profit, for-profit, and education sectors, and recommendations for navigating the job search process.

1. INTRODUCTION

Researching career opportunities in the outdoors and conservation fields can feel like a daunting task. The resources below provide a general overview of the many options that are available.

WEB PAGE Indigenous Youth Opportunities

Countless outdoor and conservation career paths exist specifically for Indigenous youth. The opportunities on this page give young people the chance to learn and work in direct partnership with the federal government.  

GUIDE Introduction and Overview to Natural Resource Careers

Want to work in the outdoors but not sure where to start? Use this guide to learn about the many opportunities that exist in outdoor recreation and conservation.

GUIDE Case Studies for Natural Resource Careers

Learn about different career options from real life examples of people with natural resource careers. This guide introduces many of the different outdoor and recreation fields that one might focus on to pursue a career in the outdoors.

2. GOVERNMENT OUTDOOR CAREERS

Pursuing a government job can be a great choice. There are many fields and jobs to choose from in the outdoors and recreation. This section will introduce both federal and regional government opportunities and help you navigate the sometimes-complex process of applying for a government job.

GUIDE Federal and Regional Government Outdoor Fields of Occupation

This guide introduces many of the different outdoor and recreation fields that one might focus on to pursue a career in the outdoors.

GUIDE Case Studies for Natural Resource Careers

Learn about different career options from real life examples of people with outdoor recreation and conservation careers. This guide introduces many of the different outdoor and recreation fields that one might focus on to pursue a career in the outdoors.

GUIDE Regional Government Agencies: Natural Resource Career Opportunities

This guide takes a look at close to home outdoor career opportunities that can be found locally and on a statewide level.

GUIDE Finding and Applying for a Government Job

Government jobs often have their own unique hiring process which is different that the hiring process for other sectors. This guide will help you understand and navigate this process.

GUIDE Navigating the USAJobs.com site

Understanding USA Jobs is an essential part of applying for a job with the federal government. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step and give you tips and tricks to help demystify the process.

GUIDE Creating a Resume and Resources for Federal Government Jobs

Resumes and cover letters for government jobs are unlike traditional job openings. Use this guide to help you navigate this unique landscape so you can put your best foot forward.

3. NONPROFIT, EDUCATION,
AND FOR PROFIT OUTDOOR CAREERS

While the government sector provides many outdoor career opportunities, there are a few more important sectors you should consider. The nonprofit, education, and for profit sectors offer great career opportunities to share your passion for the outdoors with others. Despite offering similar career options they are very different than working for the government.

GUIDE Nonprofit and Education Natural Resource Career Opportunities 

This guide will help you understand and navigate the many career opportunities within the nonprofit and education sectors that will allow you to work in or for the outdoors.

GUIDE For Profit Sector Natural Resource Career Opportunities

There are many opportunities to work for companies in the outdoor recreation and natural resource sectors. This guide provides descriptions of potential positions and employers, example careers, and education and experience necessary to pursue a career in these sectors.ill allow you to work in or for the outdoors.

Guide Resources for Starting a Natural Resource Career

This toolkit covers the basics you need to apply for and get the job you want. Get advice on resumes, cover letters, interviewing techniques and more.

4. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Now that you have decided you want a career in the outdoors, how do you put your best foot forward? This section provides additional resources.