Natural Resource Economist

The Natural Resource Economist employs their understanding of economics, the environment, and human behavior to develop policies, strategies, and solutions for the effective allocation of economically-valued natural resources such as land, forests, water, oceans, and air. This role may also be referred to as an Environmental Economist or Ecological Economist.

Roles and Responsibilities

The day-to-day of the Natural Resource Economist varies depending on the area of specialty, but career responsibilities generally include:

• Analysis and interpretation of economic data and models to determine the optimal use of natural resources
• Providing expert guidance to policymakers, businesses, and organizations on environmental regulations and policies
• Conducting research and developing new models for the sustainable management of natural resources
• Working with stakeholders to develop consensus and resolve conflicts related to natural resource use
• Educating the public about the economic value of natural resources

Challenges

Some of the unique challenges faced by Natural Resource Economists include:

• The complexity of environmental systems and the difficulty of predicting their response to economic policies
• The competing interests of different stakeholders, such as businesses, environmentalists, and local communities
• The need to balance economic development with environmental protection

Career Growth

With experience, Natural Resource Economists can advance to senior-level positions, such as Director of Natural Resource Economics, Chief Economist, or Vice President of Sustainability. They may also move into management roles, such as Program Manager or Project Manager.

Transferable Skills

The skills developed in Natural Resource Economics are readily transferable to other careers in the environmental field, such as environmental consulting, environmental policy, or natural resource management. They may also find work as researchers, educators, or policy analysts for government agencies or non-profit organizations.