Career Opportunities with BLM in Nevada
The BLM in Nevada aims to provide opportunities for every individual to reach and perform at their greatest potential, at all levels of the organization, while contributing to excellence in achieving the Bureau’s mission. The BLM in Nevada seeks to create a work environment that values all individuals for their perspectives, skills, and expertise, while striving to promote a diverse workforce where individuals are respected and appreciated.
Today, in BLM in Nevada, there are more than 800 permanent BLM Nevada employees, 400 temporary or summer seasonal employees, and numerous BLM Nevada volunteers overseeing every aspect of the agency’s day-to-day operations. As a member of the BLM Nevada team, you will enjoy all the advantages provided under the Federal Civil Service. Employees start at salaries equal in measure with those in private industry, and career benefits match those of most employers (i.e. health and life insurance, retirement, paid holidays, annual and sick leave). As your skills develop, so will your opportunities for advancement. Promotions are competitive and based on experience, education, and performance.
Since the BLM is a multidisciplinary organization, career opportunities are plentiful for individuals with a variety of educational and work backgrounds and experiences.
The information contained in this webpage is just a sampling of the career opportunities available and that may help you get started in pursuing what could be the career opportunity of a lifetime.
| Engineer | Land Surveyor | |
Whenever BLM chooses to purchase, sale, exchange or rent land, and the services of an appraiser is needed. Appraisers estimate the value of the land involved in the transaction, helping to make sure that the public receives an equitable return for its tax dollars. A big part of an appraiser’s job is to research sales or rents of property that are similar to what BLM is acquiring or transferring. Through a detailed process, a fair market value is determined.
Appraisers need a wide range of skills, such as being able to inspect land, exchange information with other appraisers and real estate agents, converse with landowners, understand real estate law, and have the ability to compile comprehensive appraisal reports. Skills in written and oral communication are a must. An appraiser’s assignments are varied and interesting. If all of this sounds a bit intriguing to you, then this may be the career for you.
Education:
To pursue a career as an appraiser, the following coursework shall be considered:
\ High School - courses should include English, composition, computer science, math, and speech.\ College - a degree is required to become certified in Nevada as a general or real estate appraiser. All BLM appraisers are encouraged to become certified in the state where they work. Currently, a four-year course of study in any field leading to a bachelor’s degree will meet the requirements for an entry-level position ($26,000 - $33,000 annually). In addition, a combination of experience and education, or experience only, may also meet the requirements needed for an entry-level position as an appraiser.
If you are interested in the past and enjoy solving puzzles and mysteries, archaeology may be a rewarding career choice. What is archaeology? It is the scientific study of human culture based upon the interpretation of the evidence of human activity. Using clues left behind, the archaeologist pieces together the puzzle and explains the mystery of previous cultures. The archaeologist will use any clue, which shows evidence of having been made, used, or altered by humans. These clues can range from ancient Indian ruins to historic abandoned towns and from small scatters of arrowheads or stone tools to once used cross-country wagon trails.
In BLM, an archaeologist’s work consists of locating evidence of past cultures, conducting detailed assessments and excavations, completing laboratory analyses, writing reports, and teaching. Besides conducting studies to understand the past, the archaeologist is also involved in saving the past for the future.
In order to prepare for a career in archaeology, one should consider the following coursework:
\ High School - with a strong emphasis in history, geography, human cultures (social science), science, and writing.\ College - a graduate level degree that must include of specified studies in archaeology, history, geography, geology, scientific writing, surveying, archeological field school, and other related subjects.
It is hard to advance in this career without a higher level graduate education and/or years of specialized experience. The entry- level salary for this career is $32,000 – $41,000 annually.
If you enjoy the excitement of discovery, have good observational skills, and enjoy the outdoors, then botany may be the field for you. Botanists are people who study plants. Most BLM botanists are involved in the rare plant program, where they search for new populations of known rare plants and sometimes discover plants that have not yet been documented. Good observation skills are needed for recognizing and describing the types of areas that support rare plants, as well as for finding and identifying the plants themselves. Bureau botanists also study rare plants to determine why they are rare and whether activities on public land may be harming or threatening the populations. Botanists will often establish study sites to determine the condition of the range or wildlife habitat. In addition, they will assist in re-vegetating disturbed areas, and develop plans for the management of areas of environmental concern.
Education:
To prepare for a career in botany, coursework in the following shall be considered:
\ High School - science, plant science, English, composition and writing.\ College - a graduate level degree that must include specified studies in botany or basic plant science, plant anatomy or morphology, genetics, taxonomy or systematics, ethno botany and other related subjects.
The BLM in Nevada has a lot of business to take care of! In fact, the area of business and administration is one of the largest in the Bureau. Variety is one of the attractions in the business and administration field. Sure, there are the traditional jobs in personnel, budget, purchasing and contracting, but there are also a few specialized positions that might surprise you - organizational development, employee relations, and equal employment. All of these positions provide critical support to BLM Nevada in its mission of managing public lands.
Most work for this career field is performed in an office setting, though travel can be a part of the job experience.
Education:
A college degree is not always required for jobs in business and administration. However, experience is a qualifying factor for the majority of the positions. High school and/or university classes in English, writing, math, business, computer science, accounting or bookkeeping, human resources management, business administration, with some knowledge of the biological sciences will be helpful.
If you have an aptitude for understanding the relationship between data and natural resources, then working for the BLM as a cartographer or a GIS specialist may be a career path that you would like to pursue.
Cartography is the art and science of creating maps. Maps are created using
various graphic and GIS programs, and often used in recreation brochures,
interpretive kiosks, and Resource Management Plans to provide information
to the public about the BLM.
Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system requiring computer
software, hardware and data, and personnel to help manipulate, analyze and
present information that is tied to a space or geographic location. A GIS
specialist for the BLM would work with natural resource related data to
support the efforts of wildlife biologists, botanists, recreation planners,
rangeland managers, fire ecologists and more.
While much of the needed data for a job may already exists, it is sometimes
necessary to acquire data from other sources or compile new data. Knowledge
of computers is required and knowledge of natural resource related fields
is desirable. Cartographers and GIS specialists must understand the
principles of GIS and map design. Maps and spatial resource data are
essential to land management agencies like the BLM for planning and
relaying information to the public.
Education:
Preparation for such a career should include coursework in the following:
\ High School - geography, computers, science, and math.
\ College - Cartographer – A degree in cartography or a related major that offers courses in cartography, astronomy, geodesy, computer science, geophysics, photogrammetry, physical/geological oceanography, land surveying, remote sensing, and other related subjects. GIS Specialist – A degree in any field is acceptable as long as the curriculum offers courses in geography, math, computer science, natural resource or environmental studies, cartography, remote sensing, and other related subjects.Communications Specialist / Electronics Technician
If interested in radios, telephones, computers, and other electronic equipment, you may want to explore a career as a BLM communications specialist or electronics technician.
These persons work in a comfortable environment analyzing and improving the varying communications systems. In addition, they get an opportunity to work with computers, telephones, radio systems and towers, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, and occasionally building maintenance which provide necessary support for virtually every BLM program. In some locations an individual may be involved with all theses systems on a daily basis.
Education:
Courses in the following will help you prepare for a career as a communications specialist and/or electronics technician:
\ High School - math, electronics, computer science, English, writing, engineering, physics, and chemistry.
\ Two-Year Technical or Vocational College - more specific technical training will be required to pursue the above careers. Courses/training in electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management or other related subjects.Ecologists study interactions among living organisms. The scientific data that ecologists gather assists BLM land managers in making decisions about natural resources. Ecologists must have a broad knowledge base and training in many scientific areas, such as biology, botany, hydrology, plant and animal physiology and taxonomy, soil science, forestry, rangeland management, statistics, and technical writing. We often refer to a BLM ecologist as “a jack-of-all trades and a master of many!”
The ecologist job is focused on evaluating the effects of land management treatments, such as livestock grazing, timber harvest, wildland fire, and recreation on the public lands. Inter-relationships between all components of the ecosystem are considered. Inventory of the current status of the ecosystem is one part of the picture, while monitoring the change that occurs to plant communities, soils, watersheds, animals, and insects over time is another part of the picture. Ecologists then analyze the data, and make recommendations on how future land management treatments can be initiated with as little impact to the ecosystem as possible.
Ecologists are an important part of BLM, as they work to better understand whole ecosystems by learning more about their individual parts and how they function. This position is a specialized field, one necessary to ensure that the health of ecosystems is maintained and/or improved.
Education:
To pursue this career, a college degree is required. A degree in the areas of biology, botany, ecology, forestry, rangeland management, or other related fields of science will be helpful. Special course work in ecology and physical and mathematical science is also highly recommended.
What are the costs and benefits of developing natural resources on public lands? What are the impacts to local and regional economic systems resulting from coal mining, oil and gas development, or timber harvesting on public lands? These and other questions concerning the impact of public land resources on the human environment are what BLM economists analyze as input into the management decision making process. If you enjoy working with diverse subjects (from range and wildlife issues to mining and recreation activities) and have a flair for mathematics, you may be interested in becoming a BLM economist. An economist determines what the monetary and human benefits and costs will be when there are changes in public land use. Such things as how much will it cost, how many new jobs will be created, or what will be the best combination of multiple uses to maximize public benefits are the questions economists try to help public land managers answer.
A requirement for becoming an economist is a college degree (bachelor’s and/or master’s) in economics that include coursework in economics, statistics, accounting, or calculus. Additional college and high school courses that will also be beneficial are math, computer science, business, and natural resources.
If you enjoy math and science, being outdoors, working with heavy equipment, and being a part of making things happen, engineering maybe for you.
A BLM civil engineer works with other professionals of many disciplines to design projects that will fulfill public land use objectives. Some of these projects may include water pipelines, spring developments, roads and trails, bridges, fences and cattle guards, well drilling and equipping, outhouses and recreation sites, small reservoirs, erosion-control structures and more. An engineer works on all aspects of the project including survey, layout and design; contract preparation; construction inspection or supervision; and maintenance.
Education:
To become an engineer, coursework in the following may be beneficial:
\ High School - math, physics, earth science, computer science, English, and writing.
\ College - a degree in professional engineering is required, and must be from a school with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). Curriculum must also include courses in differential and integral calculus, physics, chemistry, engineering science, hydrology, geology, and other related courses.
Environmental Education Specialist / Park Ranger
Environmental education specialists and park rangers enjoy the outdoors, communicating with people, and sharing fascinating information and stories about the environment and all of its natural and cultural resources. The job of an environmental education specialist and park rangers offers adventure, tremendous rewards, and a great sense of satisfaction.
Environmental education specialists and park rangers perform a number of tasks, a few include - monitoring recreational activities; developing and marketing education/outreach tools and programs; creating and performing outreach presentations; creating visitor information resources; developing recreational sites and interpretive media; participating in community and interagency events; working with educators, special groups, and conservation organizations; facilitating volunteer projects; working closely with natural and cultural resource specialists; frequently supplying outreach information to the general public; and occasionally working with wildlife (birds of prey, reptiles, game birds, etc.).
Education:
Requirements for pursuing a career as an environmental education specialist and park ranger may vary, depending on the specifics of the position. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in a natural resource related field, biological science, outdoor recreation, landscape architecture, and park management or administration is required. Specialized fields of study may include archaeology, geology, interpretation, history, or visitor services.
If you enjoy the outdoors, working with a variety of people, and meeting new challenges each day, BLM’s fire management program may be for you. A BLM fire management officer is responsible not only for controlling and putting out wildfires, but also for helping to prevent them. A fire manager also helps with the rehabilitation of areas that have already burned. Sometimes BLM decides that an area should be burned in order to eliminate undesirable vegetation and replace it with more desirable vegetation. These planned fires are called “prescribed fires.” The fire management officer is responsible for making sure the fires are started when weather conditions are right and that the fire stays within established boundaries. The fire manager is also responsible for the aviation program, since aircraft are often used in detecting, controlling and eliminating wildfires. The fire manager also serves as supervisor to those who actually put out the fires, as well as those who help to accomplish other fire-related work.
A college degree is required for most BLM fire management officer positions. That degree may be in the biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or other related fields.
Do you enjoy the outdoors of a forested environment? Would you like to be involved with decisions that help to improve the quality and health of trees that grow in those forests? If so, then becoming a BLM forester may be the career for you.
Do you enjoy the outdoors of a forested environment? Would you like to be involved with decisions that help to improve the quality and health of trees that grow in those forests? If so, then becoming a BLM forester may be the career for you.
A BLM forester is involved with the planting, growing and harvesting of
trees. To do this, a forester must understand soils, its role and function,
and how it works with water. A forester determines which trees to plant and
where they grow best. BLM foresters work with other resource specialists
such as soil scientists, wildlife biologists, hydrologists, botanists,
fisheries biologists, and archaeologists to develop a forest management
plan. After the plan is developed, the forester is the key person involved
with implementing that plan. The forester is responsible for the proper
road construction and logging activity to ensure the plan is followed.
Selective harvesting is the general management tool; however, sometimes
tree seedlings are needed to be planted to replace the mature trees that
were removed in the harvest operation. The forester cares for these
seedlings as well as other trees all during their growth. Some of the
things they consider are proper tree spacing and protection from insects
and disease.
Education
In order to prepare to be a forester, courses in the following will be
beneficial:
\ High School - biology, math, chemistry, English, writing, engineering,
environmental studies, and computer science
\ College - a degree in forestry or a related science is required. Courses
in management of renewable resources, forest biology, and forest resource
measurements and inventory will provide a strong background.
A BLM forester is involved with the planting, growing and harvesting of trees. To do this, a forester must understand soils, its role and function, and how it works with water. A forester determines which trees to plant and where they grow best. BLM foresters work with other resource specialists such as soil scientists, wildlife biologists, hydrologists, botanists, fisheries biologists, and archaeologists to develop a forest management plan. After the plan is developed, the forester is the key person involved with implementing that plan.
The forester is responsible for the proper road construction and logging activity to ensure the plan is followed. Selective harvesting is the general management tool; however, sometimes tree seedlings are needed to be planted to replace the mature trees that were removed in the harvest operation. The forester cares for these seedlings as well as other trees all during their growth. Some of the things they consider are proper tree spacing and protection from insects and disease.
Are you interested in how mountains, valleys, and valuable mineral resources are formed? Then you may want to become a BLM geologist. Working with a variety of people, solving problems, and applying scientific concepts make this an interesting occupation.
In BLM, a geologist manages the mineral resources found on public lands. They work with miners to moderate the effects of mining on the other natural resources such as wildlife, vegetation, archaeology, watershed, and recreational opportunities. This involves developing an understanding of land forms, geologic hazards, as well as the potential for recoverable energy and mineral resources. Geologists work as a team to develop long-term plans, and perform studies to ensure that the plans are successful. These specialists work with range conservationists, outdoor recreation planners, wildlife biologists, archaeologists, hydrologists, and engineers to help prepare management plans and approve the miners’ operating plans.
In addition, BLM geologists work with other specialists in identifying and preserving outstanding examples of our national geologic heritage that are found on the public lands. This kind of work includes detailed scientific studies to determine the importance of these features as well as preparing interpretive guides of these areas for the public.
Education:
To become a BLM geologist, a college degree in geology is required. High school and college coursework that will help you prepare for this career are geology and related earth sciences, physics, chemistry, biology, math and basic engineering, computer science, speech, English, and writing.
Hazardous Materials Specialist
Hazardous materials on public lands are receiving increased attention. Thus, a BLM hazardous materials specialists deals with investigating and solving all types of problems created by the use of hazardous substances on the public lands. In addition, a hazardous materials specialist may be responsible for minimizing potential problems in the workplace and in the safe reuse and/or disposal of hazardous substances. Typical projects may include landfill studies, mining operations and reclamation, pesticide application, surface and ground water studies, contract administration, emergency response, interpretation and application of complex regulations, and working with the public and other agencies.
Hazardous materials management offers a diverse career if you are interested in protecting natural resources, human health, and safety. A hazardous materials specialist can have a wide educational background, with some specialized training in engineering, hydrology, chemistry, industrial hygiene, biology, soils, and the environmental sciences.
Education:
To pursue a career as a hazardous materials specialist coursework in the following should be considered: mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, computer science, environmental science, public speaking, and writing. A Bachelor of Science degree is desirable but not required.
Hydrologist / Watershed Specialist
If you enjoy playing in soil and exploring how it and water shapes our environment you may be interested in becoming a BLM hydrologist or watershed specialist. These are interesting occupations that involve problem-solving and applying basic scientific concepts. BLM hydrologists and watershed specialists work at improving or maintaining water quality by recommending actions to minimize the effects of grazing, mining, logging, and other types of public land uses. This may involve understanding the multiple uses of public lands, developing long-term plans, and performing studies to ensure that the plans are successful. These specialists work with a number of people to help prepare plans for managing all the resources in a basin or watershed. The specialists must understand plants and soil, rocks and land features, water and weather. At times they are called upon to recommend varying grasses, shrubs, or trees to plant in a disturbed area. They may design ponds or structures in streams to slow water and reduce erosion; identify ways to study human uses of public lands, such as using off-road vehicles or building roads, to see if these uses are causing erosion, thereby reducing plant cover and habitat for wildlife.
Education:
High school courses that will help you prepare for these careers include math, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, speech, English, and writing. A bachelor’s degree in a physical or natural science or engineering is required. College courses that will be helpful are hydrology, physical and engineering science, geophysics, chemistry, soils, math, aquatic biology, geology, meteorology, oceanography, or the management of water resources.
Information Resources Management
If you enjoy math and science, computers, automation, and helping others resolve problems using technology, there are numerous opportunities for an information resources management career.
In BLM, information resources management (IRM) is the broad term for several different computer-related careers. Information resources management involves several disciplines and careers usually requiring college and/or technical training. There are the computer programmers, systems analysts, telephone and data communications specialists, office automation specialists, and all the support people that make it possible to use personal computers for a more productive and efficient workplace. People in this career understand and work well with hardware (mainframes, mini-computers, personal computers, communications equipment) and software (WordPerfect, Word, Lotus Notes). The information resources management person is both technical and creative in finding new ways to solve the problems of the workplace.
Education:
High school and college courses in math, science, computer science, programming, and systems analysis are all essential in preparing for positions in information resources. Of course, your basic communication skills (English, writing, speaking) will also enhance your job qualifications. In qualifying for a position in information resources management, a college degree is helpful but not required; experience may sometimes substitute for a degree.
A land law examiner must enjoy the process of research, history, and the challenge of weaving together the past and present.
A land law examiner will often research old laws and new regulations to see if proposed uses of public lands comply with the law. They also process applications for public land uses, such as rights-of-way for power and telephone lines, roads, and for removal of leaseable minerals such as oil and gas, coal, and phosphate. Often, applications for public land uses may overlap or conflict. When that happens, it is up to the land law examiner to determine who has the prior and legal right to be granted use of the land. During the process of adjudication, land law examiners may work with private citizens; local, state and federal agencies; public utilities; or large corporations.
Land law examiners are also responsible for issuing the legal documents to authorize uses on the public lands and writing decision documents that may be appealed. Occasionally, they may be called to testify on behalf of the government in court, to defend a decision made to reject or authorize a public land use. The job does require a lot of research and meticulous documentation.
Education:
To prepare for a career as a land law examiner, high school courses in English, speech, writing, and computer science will be helpful. While experience or familiarity with property laws, legal land descriptions, land titles, tract maps and legal documents would also be helpful. Classes in law or a law degree are also a benefit for this challenging career.
Do you like . . .
\ Trigonometry and astronomy? To solve mysteries?\ Spending time in densely vegetated areas along rivers?
\ Visiting remote areas? Researching old records?
\ Meeting people and asking lots of questions?
Well, if you answered yes to each of the above questions, becoming a BLM land surveyor may be the job for you. Surveying the boundaries of public land is a combination of all these things. It is part mathematical, part legal, part records searching, part public relations, and a lot of hard physical work.
As a BLM land surveyor you may be required to travel to search archives for 100-year-old documents. You may have to camp out on the Salmon River and search for old stone monuments that were first set in the 1870s. Or you may have to spend days at the law library researching case law, to determine how best to handle a specific boundary problem. Surveyors observe the stars to find direction, as well as use satellites to obtain position of a point on the ground.
Education:
To prepare for a career in land surveying, coursework in the following should be considered:
\ High School - as many math classes as possible, English, science and computer science.
\ College - a bachelor’s degree in land surveying or civil engineering, with a surveying emphasis. Additional coursework in botany, soils, geology, astronomy, and speech communications will also be helpful.If you love the outdoors and nature, get a challenge out of resolving problems, and are a doer you may consider becoming a BLM law enforcement ranger.
Rangers are often romanticized because of their skills in resource protection and search/rescue duties. But they are truly an elite core of federal police officers that work on public lands enforcing federal laws. They work with all types of resource groups, ranchers, miners, corporations, farmers, foresters, outfitters, and the general public to resolve issues on public lands. Rangers must work well with people, and understand and convey conservation management as well as multiple-use principles and practices. They must also know administrative, civil, and criminal law as well as individual constitutional rights. Rangers carry weapons, conduct patrols, investigate crimes, manage a budget, negotiate agreements, talk to groups, arrest people, handle court cases, and conduct search/rescue operations.
Education:
Although not required, a bachelor’s degree in natural or social sciences is highly recommended. Enrolling in a law enforcement internship, attending a summer law enforcement academy, taking advanced first aid/emergency medical technician training, or volunteering for a conservation agency will be highly advantageous. Ranger recruits must be at least 18 years of age and under 37 years of age. Law enforcement rangers are required to pass drug tests, strenuous physical fitness requirements and standards, and extensive security background checks. Helpful high school courses are writing, public speaking, biological sciences, first aid, social studies, government, and computer science.
Do you have an interest in the world around you? If you enjoy working outside and being a part of an inter-disciplinary team to make a difference in the environment, you may enjoy being a natural resources specialist.
This career can require many things, from monitoring the recovery of areas that have burned in wildfires, to restoring riparian areas that have been degraded from overgrazing. The job may involve a focus on plant or animal communities or the inter-relationship between plants and animals. A natural resources specialist may be expected to work on certain projects with a specific emphasis or on a broader scale. Work will involve statistics, plant and animal identifications, educating the public, and writing reports.
Education:
If interested in being a natural resources specialist, coursework in the following will be beneficial:
\ High School - life and physical sciences, math, English, writing, computer science, and speech.
\ College - a degree in biology, agriculture, natural resources management, chemistry or a related field appropriate to the position.If you enjoy working outdoors, meeting people, and helping them to realize a satisfying recreational experience, then pursuing a career in the BLM recreation program may be for you. An outdoor recreation planner works with public land visitors in all types of settings. They may be involved with off-road vehicle intensive use areas, white-water boating, caving, national trails systems, wilderness areas, or developed campgrounds. Their involvement may consist of long-range planning, maintenance, special events management, or visitor-use monitoring for any or all of these types of activities.
Education:
Though a bachelor’s degree is required, but in no specific field of study, an outdoor recreation planner should have some background in a natural resource related field. Thus, fields of study that may be pursued are outdoor recreation, forest recreation, park management and administration, recreation planning, or landscape architecture; while other related fields may include sociology, forestry, economics, biological science, earth science, natural resource management, engineering, or recreation. Specialized fields of study may include archaeology, geology, interpretation, law enforcement, sociology or history. Consideration is also given to persons with education or training in visitor services, visitor information, or as a park technician.
To prepare for this career while in high school you should consider classes in the sciences, math, computer science, physical recreation, speech, English, and writing.
Planning and Environmental Coordinator
If you are committed to the wise use of our natural resources, as well as to protecting and preserving them, would like to develop long-term plans, and are a good team leader, then a job as a planning coordinator may be of interest to you.
A BLM planning and environmental coordinator develops and administers land use planning policies; provides planning guidance and conducts training; reviews and evaluates planning documents; and coordinates planning activities with other agencies, Native American tribes, interest groups, and the general public. The biggest job a planning coordinator may face is to lead a team of resource specialists in preparing a land use plan. Teams include specialists who represent a number of BLM programs such as range, forestry, minerals, lands, wildlife, watersheds, archaeology, soils, botany, and recreation. Since the plans are very technical, the planning and environmental coordinator must be a good writer. Strict procedures must be followed in order for a land use plan to become final. Public input is used throughout the planning process, and comments are often gathered at public meetings conducted by the planning and environmental coordinator. The final document is the land use plan for a BLM field office and is the basis for future resource decisions in that area.
Education:
Requirements for pursuing a career in land use planning vary, depending upon the specific position. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in a field of natural resources sciences, urban planning, political science, journalism, or economics is required. High school courses in communications, science, speech, English, writing, and computer science will be helpful.
Are you a good writer? Do you like to work with people? Are you interested in natural resources? Are you even the least bit creative or artistic? Then perhaps you would like to be a BLM public affairs specialist.
Public affairs work in the BLM can be a combination of writing, working with a variety of people and diverse groups both inside and outside of BLM, putting together displays and publications, working with audio-visual equipment, and generally managing information. Public affairs specialists create and use a variety of tools to tell the Bureau’s story, including press releases and materials for all types of media (radio, television, and print), brochures, interpretive signs, slide shows or other presentations, and more. They organize field tours to show what BLM is doing or to help managers get advice on resource management problems. With the help of resource specialists, they tell about BLM’s management of specific resources, such as wildlife, recreation, wild horses, native plants, archaeological sites, minerals, and more. In some cases, a public affairs specialist may specialize in certain jobs such as writing, photography, congressional and legislative liaison activities, and so on.
Education:
To prepare for a career in public affairs, you should take English, journalism, speech, natural sciences, desktop publishing, and other computer classes in high school. A college degree in journalism, political science, or a natural resources related field will be helpful but is not required. The development of good communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, interpersonal skills) is essential.
Rangeland Management Specialist
Are you interested in plants and their many uses? Then you may enjoy being a rangeland management specialist. A rangeland management specialist manages the many uses of range plants found on public lands. They work at improving or maintaining the health of plants for livestock and wildlife forage, watershed and soil protection, and recreational uses. A rangeland management specialist works with many different people such as ranchers, wildlife biologists, environmentalists, botanists, and recreationists to develop long-term management plans to sustain healthy range plants while also meeting the needs of the many diverse and multiple uses. A rangeland management specialist also studies plants and their environment to assure management plans are doing a good job.
If interested in being a rangeland management specialist, a four-year college degree in range management or a related field is required. To prepare for college course work you should take high school courses in the sciences, math, English, writing, computer science, and speech.
Do you ever wonder why telephone lines and power lines cross where they do or why some lands are owned by private individuals and others by the public? If so, you might like to become a realty specialist.
A BLM realty specialist helps to provide use of public lands through rights-of-way, leases, easements and permits. Lands are also patented (ownership is transferred) through sales and exchanges. A realty specialist gathers information about many uses of the public lands, such as wildlife, range, recreation, minerals, vegetation and more, and evaluates how these uses would be affected by a proposed action such as granting a right-of-way or exchanging lands. As part of the job, a realty specialist may work with the public, members of Congress, commercial land users, public land use or disposal, land ownership inquiries, access, property boundary surveys, and public land title and record inquiries.
A college degree is not required to become a realty specialist; however, college courses in business, real estate, English, and natural resources are highly recommended. High school courses in English, speech, math, and earth sciences are also recommended to anyone interested in considering a career as a realty specialist.
Wildlife / Fisheries Biologist
If you enjoy animals, fish, plants, and being outdoors, working for the BLM as a wildlife or fisheries biologist may be for you.
A BLM wildlife and fisheries biologist works with others to manage the wildlife and fisheries habitat on public lands. This is accomplished through the use of water developments, fences, vegetation, nesting structures, and other improvements that will benefit wildlife and fish on public lands. Lastly, the wildlife and fisheries biologist follows-up to determine whether the improvements implemented have actually brought about positive results or if other changes need to be implemented.
To become a wildlife or fisheries biologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences with course work in either wildlife (mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, comparative anatomy) or fisheries (fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, fish culture, oceanography). The high school course work should include classes in science, math, English, writing, computer science, and speech. In the meantime, volunteering to assist BLM biologists will provide you with good on-the-ground experience to ensure it is a career path you truly desire to pursue.
Office of Personnel Management Career Opportunities
web site:
http://www.opm.gov/Career_Opportunities/index.asp