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Natural Resource Manager Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... natural resources, land-use planning, and geo-design. The team you will work with is collaborative ... Manage projects and support customers throughout the entire project life-cycle, including ...

... natural resources, land-use planning, and geo-design. The team you will work with is collaborative ... Manage projects and support customers throughout the entire project life-cycle, including ...

Background in natural resource management , preferably fisheries, with knowledge of IUU fishing and seafood supply chains. * Experience in law, natural resource law, or policy . * Strong analytical ...

... natural resources, land-use planning, and geodesign. The team you will work with is collaborative ... Manage complex projects and programs * Support customers with developing meaningful strategies that ...

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Natural Resource Manager information

See Reston, VA salary details

$16.6K

$97K

$145.1K

How much do natural resource manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for natural resource manager in Reston, VA is $96,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,700.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary of a natural resources manager?

The average salary of a natural resources manager in the United States is approximately $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Professionals in this role often require knowledge of environmental regulations, project management skills, and sometimes certifications such as the Certified Natural Resources Manager (CNRM).

What are the highest paying jobs in natural resources?

High-paying roles in natural resources include senior positions such as Natural Resource Directors, Environmental Managers, and Petroleum Engineers, often requiring advanced degrees and specialized certifications. These roles typically offer higher salaries due to their responsibility levels, technical expertise, and the need for experience in environmental policy, geology, or engineering. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and level of experience, with executive and specialized technical roles generally earning the most.

What are some common challenges Natural Resource Managers face when balancing environmental conservation with community and stakeholder interests?

Natural Resource Managers often encounter the challenge of balancing ecological sustainability with the needs and interests of local communities, industry partners, and government agencies. Navigating conflicting priorities—such as conservation goals versus economic development or recreational use—requires strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Managers must frequently facilitate stakeholder meetings, mediate conflicts, and develop creative solutions that aim to satisfy diverse groups while ensuring long-term resource health. This aspect of the job offers opportunities to build consensus and demonstrate leadership in resource stewardship.

What are Natural Resource Managers?

Natural Resource Managers are professionals who oversee the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources such as land, water, forests, and wildlife. They work to balance environmental, social, and economic needs by developing and implementing management plans, monitoring resource conditions, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Their goal is to protect ecosystems while allowing for responsible use of resources, often collaborating with government agencies, private organizations, and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Natural Resource Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Natural Resource Manager, you need a strong background in environmental science, ecology, or natural resource management, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental monitoring tools, and regulatory frameworks is essential for effective resource planning and compliance. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help navigate stakeholder interests and foster collaborative solutions. These competencies ensure the sustainable management of natural resources, balancing conservation goals with community and regulatory needs.

What degree do you need to be a natural resource manager?

A natural resource manager typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with experience in conservation, land management, or environmental policy.

What does a natural resource manager do?

A natural resource manager oversees the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources such as water, land, forests, and wildlife. They develop management plans, monitor environmental conditions, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure resources are preserved for future use, often using tools like GIS and requiring relevant environmental certifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Natural Resource jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Natural Resource jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Natural Resource Manager jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Natural Resource Manager jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Natural Resource Manager jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Natural Resource Manager job openings:
Natural Resource Specialist

Natural Resource Specialist

US Department of Commerce

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$74K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 693 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Vacancies may be available in each listed location. Additional duty locations are listed for future vacancies and/or vacancies that may be filled at a later date. Please select locations for which you want to be considered.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:

To qualify for the 0401 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZP-3 or GS-11 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Participating in biological studies, habitat assessments, or environmental monitoring or permitting programs;
  • Gathering, reviewing, or cataloging scientific data related to resource management, conservation, or preservation programs; and
  • Drafting research summaries or regulatory reports pertaining to natural resource management.

OR

SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION:Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.


To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Leading biological studies, habitat assessments, or environmental monitoring or permitting programs;
  • Developing guidance or evaluating plans related to the management of watershed, coastal or ocean resources; and
  • Reviewing research summaries or regulatory reports pertaining to natural resource management prior to publication.
Education:

College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.ken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER

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