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Natural Resources Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Frisco

Natural Resources Manager - Parks

Frisco, TX · On-site

$84K - $130K/yr

Under the direction of the Director of Parks and Recreation, or designee, the Natural Resources Manager is responsible for managing, supervising and coordinating the programs, activities, maintenance ...

Moapa Band of Paiutes

Natural Resources

Moapa, NV · On-site

Project Management * Serve as the contact for water-related initiatives, from concept through ... Ensure natural resource activities align with Tribal values, cultural preservation, and ...

Moapa Band of Paiutes

Natural Resources

NV · On-site

Project Management * Serve as the contact for water-related initiatives, from concept through ... Ensure natural resource activities align with Tribal values, cultural preservation, and ...

Travis County

Natural Resources Specialist Sr.

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$61K - $77K/yr

Job Summary At Travis County Natural Resources, we are committed to preserving biodiversity and ... Manage and maintain ecological datasets, including GIS-based territory maps, survey records, nest ...

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Natural Resources Manager information

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$16K

$93.2K

$139.5K

How much do natural resources manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for natural resources manager in the United States is $93,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a natural resources manager?

Natural Resources Managers are professionals who oversee the sustainable use, protection, and restoration of natural resources such as land, water, forests, and wildlife. They develop plans and policies to balance environmental conservation with economic and recreational activities. Their responsibilities may include conducting environmental assessments, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing conservation projects, and collaborating with government agencies, landowners, and the public. Natural Resources Managers play a vital role in ensuring the long-term health and availability of natural ecosystems.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a natural resources manager?

To thrive as a Natural Resources Manager, you need expertise in environmental science, resource management, and regulatory compliance, usually supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact assessment tools, and permitting processes is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication skills help to effectively balance ecological, economic, and community interests. These skills are crucial for making informed, sustainable decisions that protect natural assets while supporting organizational and public goals.

How do natural resources managers balance fieldwork and office responsibilities?

Natural Resources Managers often split their time between fieldwork—such as conducting site assessments, overseeing conservation projects, and monitoring ecosystems—and office tasks like data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder meetings. The balance may shift seasonally or depending on project phases, but most managers can expect to regularly coordinate with field teams while also handling planning and compliance documentation. This dynamic structure allows for both hands-on resource management and strategic oversight, making adaptability and organizational skills essential for success.

What is natural resources management?

As a natural resources manager, you oversee the responsible use and handling of natural materials and resources like water, air, land, minerals, and wildlife. Your duties include studying scientific data, developing policies in accordance with environmental best practices and state and federal laws, and negotiating use contracts with stakeholders like landowners, companies, and government agencies. Your responsibilities are to conserve and to minimize negative environmental impact from human activities. The qualifications for this career are a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, previous job experience in environmental and conservation, and strong leadership skills.

What is the difference between Natural Resources Manager vs Environmental Specialist?

AspectNatural Resources ManagerEnvironmental Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, forestry, or related field; certifications like RPF or CPESC often preferredBachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field; similar certifications may apply
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, site management, and project planning in natural resource areasResearch, data analysis, and compliance monitoring often in offices or labs
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, forestry, conservation organizations, resource companiesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sectors

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Natural Resources Managers primarily oversee the sustainable use and management of natural resources, often involving fieldwork and resource planning. Environmental Specialists tend to focus on environmental compliance, research, and data analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

What is the average salary of a natural resources manager?

The average salary of a natural resources manager typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals in this role often require knowledge of environmental regulations, project management skills, and relevant certifications.
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Natural Resources Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Natural Resources Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,206 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Natural Resources Manager

Western Piedmont Council of Governments

Hickory, NC • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Salary: $63,047.00 Annually
Location : Western Piedmont Council of Governments, NC
Job Type: Full-TIme
Department: Community & Regional Planning
Division: Natural Resources
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt
General Statement of Duties
The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is seeking a Natural Resources Manager to oversee the Natural Resources, Environmental Education, and Stormwater programs. This position provides leadership and supervision for division staff and oversees the administration of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II stormwater program for WPCOG service areas.
The Natural Resources Manager will play a key role in water quality planning, watershed protection, stormwater management, environmental education, grant development, program administration, and technical assistance to local governments. The position also works with community partners and local government members to develop programs that address regional environmental and water quality needs.
WPCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Example of Duties
  • Provide oversight of the Natural Resources, Environmental Education, and Stormwater programs.
  • Supervise the administration of the Stormwater program within the WPCOG service area.
  • Supervise and support staff within the division.
  • Assist with the preparation, presentation, advertisement, and participation in the Western Piedmont Water Resources Committee and stormwater committees.
  • Design and implement educational programs for contractors, developers, farmers, homeowners, and the general public regarding erosion control and water quality.
  • Work with design consultants to coordinate necessary changes and issue appropriate permits.
  • Coordinate with the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Land Quality Division on larger projects.
  • Assist design engineers and the Stormwater Administrator in evaluating water quality features and minimizing environmental impacts.
  • Collect and analyze data used to develop watershed and stormwater rules and regulations.
  • Provide technical assistance to local governments in developing watershed and stormwater rules and regulations.
  • Develop and pursue contract opportunities with local governments inside and outside the region.
  • Research and interpret watershed, stormwater, and water quality plans, policies, programs, statutes, ordinances, and related documents.
  • Provide technical assistance and presentations to local government staff, elected officials, state officials, boards, business and civic organizations, government agencies, and the public.
  • Participate in committees and interest groups related to stormwater management and water resources.
  • Respond to citizen and community inquiries.
  • Assist with the development and preparation of federal and state grant applications.
  • Develop new contract projects as requested and needed.
  • Oversee, modify, and implement outreach programs related to stormwater, water quality, air quality, and balanced environmental development.
  • Maintain program reports and submit information for WPCOG quarterly impact reports and other reports as required.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Desired Qualifications:
  • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in environmental sciences or a related field.
  • Supervisory experience is required.
  • Some experience in environmental planning and/or zoning/code enforcement for local governments or regional organizations.
  • Master's degree in a related field is preferred.
  • Experience administering and managing federally funded programs is preferred.
  • Experience using GIS systems is preferred.
  • Two to three years of experience related to civil engineering, site construction, or municipal stormwater management is preferred.
  • Hands-on experience interpreting or implementing civil plans for stormwater best management practices (BMPs) is preferred

Thank you for your interest in the Western Piedmont COG! We are in the process of reviewing all applications, and if we need any additional information, we will contact you.
Western Piedmont Council of Governments is a member of the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees ' Retirement System. This entitles you to a defined benefit at the time of retirement if you are vested with at least five years of employment. Members contribute 6% of gross compensation each month. This is a before-tax deduction. Western Piedmont Council of Governments contributes an actuarially determined percentage of the gross payroll of members each month.
Western Piedmont Council of Governments contributes 5.2% of each employee's salary to the employer-sponsored retirement plan of the employee's choosing. Additionally, WPCOG will match up to 4% of each employee's salary for a total possible employer contribution/match of 9.2%.
Western Piedmont Council of Governments pays 100% of an employee's health and vision coverage (employee only). The current plan is a high-deductible health plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Contributions to the H.S.A. are made pre-tax through payroll deduction.
Western Piedmont Council of Governments pays 100% of the following premiums:
  • Life Insurance- $100,000
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Dental Insurance-Employee and Family
  • Short-Term Disability(Weekly Indemnity)
  • Long-Term Disability

Western Piedmont Council of Governments provides for the following payroll deduction and retirement options:
  • NC 457 Retirement Plans, which have loan provisions
  • NC 401(k )Plans, which have loan provisions
  • Local Government & State Employees' Credit Union payroll deductions
  • Additional voluntary life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance

Western Piedmont Council of Governments provides the following provisions:
  • 12 paid holidays per year
  • Sick leave accrues at 1 day per month (8 hours).
  • Annual leave accrued on a sliding scale:
Years of Aggregate Service
Earned Hours Per
Month
Earned Days Per
Year 5 years or less10 hours15 days5+ years, less than 10 years12 hours18 days10+ years, less than 15 years14 hours21 days15+ years16 hours24 days
Longevity Pay is subject to annual appropriations by the WPCOG Board and may be reduced proportionately to the schedule below based on budget amounts. Paid in both July and November.
Years of Aggregate Service
Longevity Amount
Years of Aggregate Service
Longevity Amount
Less than 1 Year
0.5%
10 - 14 years
1.75%
1 - 4 years
1.0%
15 - 20 years
2.0%
5 - 9 years
1.5%
21+ years
2.0% + 0.5% added each year (maximum of 2.5%)
01
Which best describes your level of education?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associate's Degree in environmental studies, engineering, or related field.
  • Bachelor's Degree in environmental studies, engineering, or related field.

02
Do you have any Geographic Information System (GIS) such as ArcGIS Pro?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have any experience with environmental planning/ zoning/code enforcement for local municipalities or regional organizations?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have any experience related to civil engineering, site construction, or municipal stormwater management?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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