How to Become a Natural Resource Policy Analyst: Career Guide
To become a natural resource policy analyst, you first need to determine if this career will suit you.
If you are interested in a lucrative career in public policy, you have the patience to meticulously analyze policy related statistics, and you are ready to accept the level of responsibility that comes with preparing advice used in the public policy decision making process, then a career as a natural resource policy analyst is well suited for you.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to succeed in a career as a natural resource policy analyst. We've also included helpful information for a natural resource policy analyst career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become a Natural Resource Policy Analyst
The education needed to become a natural resource policy analyst can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as the analyst’s level of experience, where they work and many others.
Typically, the minimum educational requirement needed to become a natural resources policy analyst is a bachelor’s degree in a field such as natural resource policy management, environmental science, environmental studies or environmental engineering. Having a degree in political science or public administration can also be of great value in this career.
A bachelor’s level education is typically only acceptable if you have a significant amount of work experience in the field of natural resource policy at various levels.
Since this career is one that requires a great deal of expertise in the subject of natural resource policy, a master’s degree or doctoral degree in one of the aforementioned fields is typically what you would need to become a natural resource policy analyst.
Natural Resource Policy Analyst Job Description
Natural resource policy analysts are responsible for leading in the development of management policies and legislation pertaining to land use, natural resources, fish and wildlife.
Natural Resource Policy Analyst Job Duties
• Lead public consultation on policy and legislation development process
• Lead policy and legislation consultation on affected changes developed by other governments
• Gather and analyze data, mostly composed of statistical data
• Identify areas of policy ineffectiveness and inefficiency through data analysis
• Coordinate the input from various branches into intergovernmental strategic programs
• Conduct research and analysis into policy and legislation options concerning land use, resources and fish and wildlife issues
• Provide technical advice concerning operational processes to branches such as Fish and Wildlife
• Utilize surveys, cost-benefit analysis, focus groups, and other tools to gauge potential policy outcomes
• Support management of transition issues that influence the delivery of client services in a timely fashion
Who Hires Natural Resource Policy Analysts?
Natural resource policy analysts are typically employed by the following types of organizations:
• Federal, provincial/state and municipal governments
• Universities and colleges
• Environmental and conservation organizations
• Self employed (consultant)
Experience Needed to Become a Natural Resource Policy Analyst
Some natural resource policy analysts may begin working in this position immediately after graduate school, however this is not the case for many analysts, as this is typically considered a mid-level career in which employers require candidates to have years of experience and expertise.
If you want to become a natural resource policy analyst and you are still a student, you can gain experience by joining student organizations that are dedicated to public policy topics, such as natural resource management.
Other natural resource policy analysts gain expertise by starting in entry-level jobs related to policy. In entry-level positions, prospective policy analysts typically perform duties related to assisting in policy work.
Some analysts have begun their careers working for nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups related to the field of natural resource management.
Working Conditions of a Natural Resource Policy Analyst
Natural resource policy analysts typically work in an office setting during regular working hours. They may occasionally work overtime, as their employers’ budget allows, in order to complete assignments and projects prior to a deadline. In this profession, deadlines may frequently be imposed on policy analysts, and will increase the stress-level of their jobs significantly.
A natural resource policy analyst must travel from time to time in order to attend meetings and workshops, and to gather information. They may work independently at times, and as part of a team at other times, which involves liaising with other environmental policy professionals.
Career Advancement for Natural Resource Policy Analysts
As with most careers, natural resource policy analysts that show competence and dedication towards their work will receive an opportunity for advancement during their careers. In this career, advancement is more common for analysts that have presented influential findings and have spoken frequently at conferences and public forums.
Some natural resource policy analysts move on to a more politically focused career. After gaining experience, they might work for political campaigns, for political parties, or on congressional/legislative staffs.
Skills Needed to Become a Natural Resources Policy Analyst
It takes more than a great education and a job opportunity to succeed as a natural resource policy analyst, you also need the right skill set to meet all of the challenges this job will bring. Some skills helpful in this career include:
• Must be able to conduct research independently
• Must be able to utilize different methods of obtaining data
• Must be able to prepare thorough reports based on findings
• Must be able to work well independently, yet also in groups
• Need patience in order to focus on one set of data for long periods of time
• Must be able to read and absorb complex information
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Salary Level for Natural Resource Policy Analyst
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers who analyze policy for the federal government earn in between $93,000 and $145,000 per year, depending on their level of experience.
Careers Similar to Natural Resources Policy Analyst
Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to Natural Resources Policy Analyst, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
References: Natural Resources Policy Analyst Career
Please consult the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a natural resources policy analyst.
Occupations in Alberta: “Policy Analyst.” (March 26, 2016). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
Career Outlook: “Policy Analysts.” Sadie Blanchard (September 4, 2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
Programs for Graduates: “Policy Analyst Recruitment and Development Program.” (October 9, 2019). Government of Canada - Natural Resources Canada website. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
Career Profiles: “Environmental Policy Analyst.” (n.d.). ECO Canada website. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
Scholarships for Becoming a Natural Resources Policy Analyst
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a Natural Resources Policy Analyst can be found on our All Scholarships by Major page.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming a Natural Resources Policy Analyst: Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a natural resources policy analyst. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
