Energy & Natural Resources Career Pathways
Table of Contents
Conservation & Land Management:
By focusing on the sustainable use and protection of natural resources like land, water, forests, and wildlife, these professionals work to balance human needs with the long-term health of ecosystems. They may work for government agencies, non-profits, or private companies, and their roles can range from hands-on field work to policy development.
Green Technology:
Green tech refers to a type of technology that is considered environmentally friendly based on its production process or its supply chain. Green tech—an abbreviation of "green technology"—can also refer to clean energy production, the use of alternative fuels, and technologies that are less harmful to the environment than fossil fuels.
Resource Extraction:
These professionals extract and refine metals from deep within the earth and engineer new alloys to create complex magnets, batteries, semiconductors, and sensors used in high-tech industries.
Utilities:
A career in utilities includes working with essential services like electricity, water, and natural gas, ensuring their reliable delivery to homes and businesses. These careers range from skilled trades like lineman and pipefitters to engineers, technicians, and managers.
Energy & Natural Resource careers involve renewable fuel production, power generation and energy conversion, utilities, environmental preservation, ecological research, and resource extraction.
Visit our Energy education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana energy training programs.
Conservation & Land Management
Education:
A career in conservation and land management usually requires a bachelor’s degree in a field of study like biology, environmental science, forestry, or similar field. Internships with conservation organizations, government agencies, or research institutions can help you get a head start on your career.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in conservation and land management include conservation scientist, environmental engineer, drone pilot, geographic information systems technician, remote sensing technician, and surveyor. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
Growth Rate: 14% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
MT Growth Rate: 13%
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Median MT Salary: $48,000
Growth Rate: 9% (nationally)
-
Median MT Salary: $75,000
MT Growth Rate: 17%
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Median MT Salary: $78,000
MT Growth Rate: 19%
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Median MT Salary: $79,000
MT Growth Rate: 17%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.
Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS
Knowledge of environmental regulations and policies
Proficiency with mapping software and equipment like ArcGIS
Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Understanding of conservation strategies, ecology, and field work best practices
Writing documentation
Soft Skills
Communication
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Organization
Patience
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Green Technology
Education:
A career as a green technology installer or technician does not usually require a bachelor’s degree. Most of the entry-level positions in this field only require a high school diploma or a 2-year associate degree in a field related to science to begin an apprenticeship.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in green technology include green technology installer and solar thermal installer and technician. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $75,000
MT Growth Rate: 24%
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Median MT Salary: $78,000
MT Growth Rate: 23%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Ability to read blueprints, sketches, and designs
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.
Customer relationship management (CRM) software like Salesforce
Dexterity and understanding of circuitry, math, mechanics, and various tools
Knowledge of environmental and safety regulations and policies
Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Soft Skills
Comfort with heights
Communication
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Organization
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Resource Extraction
Education:
A bachelor’s degree in materials science, metallurgical engineering, chemical engineering, or similar field is required. Advanced degrees may be needed for specialized research roles.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in resource extraction include metallurgical engineer and petroleum engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $72,000
Growth Rate: 7% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $84,000
MT Growth Rate: 13%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.
Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS
Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations and policies
Knowledge of materials science and metallurgical manufacturing processes
Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Soft Skills
Comfort with enclosed spaces
Communication
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Leadership
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Utilities
Education:
An career in utilities has several accessible entry-points, meaning you don’t necessarily need a four-year or advanced degree to get started on this common career pathway. Most of the entry-level positions in this field only require a high school diploma or a 2-year associate degree in a field related to science to begin an apprenticeship.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in utilities include broadband technician, green technology installer, lineworker, pipefitter, and solar thermal installer and technician. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
-
Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $75,000
MT Growth Rate: 24%
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Median MT Salary: $70,000
Growth Rate: 10% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $78,000
MT Growth Rate: 23%
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Median MT Salary: $78,000
MT Growth Rate: 23%
-
Median MT Salary: $108,000
MT Growth Rate: 18%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Ability to read blueprints, sketches, and designs
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.
Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS
Dexterity and understanding of circuitry, math, mechanics, and various tools
Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations and policies
Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Writing documentation
Soft Skills
Comfort with heights
Communication
Customer service
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.