Naturally Selecting a Career in Conservation

By Jessie Moses
ACT Outreach Intern &
2021 Florida Wild for All Scholarship Recipient

Whether you are an upcoming high school graduate or an adult searching for a career change, you have probably experienced the sheer terror and panic that comes from not knowing what to do next. Given any person's talents, personality, characteristics, skills, and interests, there are countless potential careers — one of these being in natural resource conservation. We spoke to several ACT members to share their perspectives and experiences on conservation and their relationship with natural resources in their current position. These participants come from numerous areas within conservation, including land management, land acquisition, and outreach and communications positions.

Meet the Members

  • Lianne D’Arcy: Outreach Coordinator

  • Erica Henrnadez: Conservation Director

  • Heather Obara: Associate Director

  • Jesse Frazier: Land Management Specialist



What steps did you take to reach your career goals?

Each individual had a unique path toward their current positions, some straightforward — others were not so. Frazier, for example, was interested in the outdoors from an early age which laid the foundation for a career in conservation and management. Before college, he worked in parks and conservation-related fields and, later, joined research labs while attending the University of Florida for his undergraduate and graduate degrees. On the other hand, many professionals began in somewhat unrelated fields and found their way to conservation later in life. D’Arcy began as a journalism major with a minor in nonprofit management, but her out-of-school experiences focused on natural resources and conservation work. Others agreed that volunteering and internships provide the experiences necessary to navigate all-too-confusing career paths. For example, once in law school, Obara obtained a certificate in environmental studies. However, these previous studies and skills were not wasted — in fact, they often translated quite easily into their current positions.

What skills are the most crucial to succeeding in this career?

Besides a foundational understanding of the ecology and natural world, other necessary skills are less obvious. Although not the first thought for those pursuing conservation fields, writing and communication were deemed some of the most important tools, no matter the specialization. Hernandez and Frazier expressed that this is especially critical when interacting with the public. When designing for virtual communications and social media, in particular, the process involves breaking down scientific information and jargon into digestible tidbits for the general public, said D’Arcy.

“This career is interesting because so many varying skill sets can help advance your career.” — Frazier

In land management and other fields, Frazier and Hernandez said experience and knowledge in technology, common equipment (such as chainsaws, herbicide, and machetes), software (such as GIS, a database that analyzes and maps geographical data) are also vital. In general, any person entering their professional career needs to be flexible and adaptable to quickly changing circumstances, especially in a nonprofit organization. Obara and D’Arcy both described the necessary willingness to make mistakes and learn through trial-and-error and experience, while also recognizing that solving problems is often made easier when working collaboratively.

Are there any expectations you had about this career path or field that have proved to be wrong? How did you solve any challenges that arose?

The essence of small nonprofit organizations is often bittersweet. There are difficulties working with limited resources, as staff members work to take on many different roles and responsibilities. Hernandez and Obara both expressed that the previously mentioned skills come in handy countless times. Problem-solving and adapting to the current situation are usually the only way to continue when faced with frequent rejections or changes. Despite its difficulty at times, these same attributes excite and engage nonprofit employees. They constantly experience, learn from, and navigate new challenges together, allowing each person to use their expertise and experiences to reach a common goal. 

A good support system is not a factor to be neglected, and this is no different when seeking out a workplace. Good leadership and bonds between staff members provide mentorship, encouragement, and positive collaboration efforts — all of which are especially important during hard days or difficult tasks, which are frequent due to the nature of nonprofit work (no pun intended). 

“I know I’m making a difference by what I’m doing … sometimes you just forget you’re making a difference for somebody else to be able to enjoy and experience nature.” — Heather Obara

Above all else, all interviewees agreed that life is odd in that it will take you all sorts of adventures and misdirections and strange turns on the road. Do not be discouraged and do not be afraid of this journey! Despite a strong interest in conservation and nature, Hernandez struggled to enter the field because there was little to no guidance as to what jobs were available (or existed at all!). 

“I didn’t know how to find those jobs … I didn’t know how to connect with those programs.” — Hernandez

Hernanez stresses that even without much background experience or knowledge in conservation, it is more than possible to enter this field and do something fulfilling and promising. D’Arcy agreed — do not be afraid to ask questions if you are confused. This is part of the learning process and recognizing that there is infinite knowledge in your peers collectively is a promising start point. Obara reiterated the importance of open-mindness and adaptability.

All interviewees expressed that to really learn about the culture and mission of a workplace, you should get involved with them in any capacity you can. This means volunteer, intern, attend their public events. Not only does this give you an edge during potential future interviews, but it also helps you discover what you are actually passionate about. Even if you end up not finding the perfect job for you, every experience brings you one step closer to that goal and provides good practice for speaking to recruiters and other employers.

Looking for ways to get involved with ACT? Check out ACT's internships here if you meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

  • Senior in high school planning to pursue an undergrad degree

  • Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree

  • Americorps or similar trade professions

You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in these internships. If you have eligibility questions, please contact ACT. There are also many volunteer and participation opportunities on our event page!

Visit the following links to learn more about jobs in these subfields. 

The world is your oyster! Good luck out there, chums!

Header Photo by Kim Davidson. Photo by Kim Davidson. Select prints are available at kimdavidsonphotography.com though additional photos are available upon request. All proceeds from the sale of these prints go to further ACT's conservation projects.