Natural resources are materials that occur in nature and are either essential or useful to human survival. They include water, air, land, forests, fish and wildlife, topsoil, and minerals. Environmental careers focus on protecting natural resources and developing alternative sources of energy.

Botanist
Botanists study the biology of plants to increase scientific knowledge that can be use for conservation and management of matters like natural resources, agriculture and forestry.

Some botanists identify, record and monitor plant species. Others protect, manage and enhance plant life in a particular area. Some will work in laboratories, identifying and purifying potentially useful plant chemicals for use.

Responsibilities include investigating the effects of environmental factors on plant growth or determining patterns of plant evolution. You also prepare handbooks for plant identification and may be approached to advise on environmental and management issues. Botanists work in laboratories, offices and in the field.

Geologist
Geologists study the structure, content and history of the earth's crust by examining the ground's surface and buried rocks.

You identify rocks and minerals, conduct geological surveys, construct maps, take measurement and collect data. You would help locate oil, natural gas, minerals, metals or underground water.

Geologists are able to advise construction companies and governmental agencies on the suitability of certain locations for constructing buildings and structures. Some geologists administer and manage research programmes. Some work for geotechnical consulting firms and others teach and work for research at universities.

Marine biologist
You study everything about aquatic life and a big part of these studies go towards conservation efforts.

Tasks include estimating and analysing populations of marine organisms as well as observing the structure of these communities. You carry out environmental impact assessments to determine effects of man's activities, such as development on certain areas. You also develop programmes to monitor environmental pollution or to rehabilitate damaged ecosystems.

Work is based in the lab, at sea and at shore-based field stations.

Zoologist
You study the structure, characteristics, functions, ecology and environment of animals. You use observations and data gained from these studies to develop practical applications in wildlife management, conservation, agriculture and medicine.

Zoologists can specialise in many areas such as ecology, mammalogy, or animal physiology. Your responsibilities include such things as investigating relationships between animals and their environments as well as studying and performing experiments to identify species.

You normally find work in wildlife conservatories, zoos, fauna research centres or you can teach at institutions.