Bioenergy Career Map: Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist

• Comprehensive and interdisciplinary knowledge in the physical and life sciences, as demonstrated through high-ranking publications and assignments
• Outstanding ability to analyze data and communicate results in oral and written presentations
• Outstanding ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific data to solve natural resources problems in the development of bioenergy resources
• Management experience, including performance management, training, supervision, and leadership.

Natural resources, such as land, water, soil, and other critical components for the production of bioenergy need to be protected and used sustainably, ensuring that forest and agricultural feedstock is produced sustainably, and that key innovations in natural resources management are adopted for a productive, sustainable, and efficient industry. 
 
Natural resources specialists apply their knowledge and understanding of forestry, agriculture, and natural sciences to ensure that that best management practices are used to protect water quality, water quantity, biodiversity, and air quality. In research and development careers, natural resources specialists help the bioenergy industry assess the use of land, soil, water and other resources; analyze their economic, environmental, and social footprint; and design resource management strategies to improve the beneficial impacts of the system.

At the senior or supervisory level, a natural resources management specialist will lead the development of analyses and plans to inform policymakers and regional planners on potential outcomes of bioenergy deployment. This person will collaborate with other scientists and engineers in interdisciplinary teams comprised of natural resources specialists, hydrologists, crop scientists, and economists. A Ph.D. in natural resources management, chemical or biological engineering, forestry, agriculture, or a related field such as ecological restoration, is preferred. Individuals at this level should have demonstrated experience conducting original research that results in major scholarly publications.