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Rangeland Ecology
        & Management Dept.
University of Idaho
Moscow, ID 83844-1135

phone (208) 885-6536
range@uidaho.edu

More Contact Info
 

 
Career Tracks
 
Career tracks are available to further define degree options. Courses required for the BS in Rangeland Management and Ecology and the degree option must be completed. Some career track courses will fulfill degree requirements and others can be taken as restricted electives. Career track coursework will represent an area of expertise. Several career tracks lend themselves to the completion of an additional minor. If none of these tracks represent your interests you can create a personalized career track with the help of your advisor.

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Environmental Consultant
Field Botanist
Invasive Plant Manager
Natural Resource Communication Specialist
Natural Resource GIS Specialist
Range Conservationist
Rangeland Economist		 Range Livestock Manager
Restoration Ecologist
Riparian or Watershed Ecologist
Tribal Land Manager
Wildland Fire Manager
Wildland Soil Specialist
Wildlife Habitat Manager

Environmental Consultant

  
Students who can integrate scientific and management information from a wide variety of disciplines in natural resources will have excellent career opportunities with environmental consulting firms, government agencies, and private industries. The necessary information gathering and interpretive skills can be gained by taking these suggested courses.

Courses Include:
Rangeland and Riparian Habitat Assessment, Wildland Restoration Ecology, Rangeland Ecology, GIS Primer, Technical Writing, Communication and the Small Group, Introduction to Environmental Regulation, Limnology, Watershed Science and Management, Sampling Methods
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Field Botanist

  
Many land management agencies and environmental organizations desire employees who have excellent field botany skills. By completing this career track you can demonstrate excellence in plant identification and develop a broad knowledge of issues related to endangered and invasive plants.

Courses Include:
Botany, Genetics, Plant Physiology, Rangeland Plant Identification and Ecology, Dendrology, Rangeland Weed Management, Conservation Biology

A minor in Biology can be fulfilled by this career track with just 12 additional credits.
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Invasive Plant Manager

  
One of the greatest threats to the ecological integrity of rangelands is invasion by exotic plants we commonly call “weeds.” Completing the following classes will equip you to battle invasive plants that limit forage for livestock and wildlife, reduce biodiversity, and degrade the aesthetic and recreation value of rangelands.

Courses Include:
Rangeland and Riparian Habitat Assessment, Wildland Restoration Ecology, GIS Primer, Weed Control, Biology of Weeds, Rangeland Weed Management, Pesticides in the Environment
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Natural Resource Communication Specialist

  
Natural resource management requires inclusion of ideas from all people who use and care about these resources. Students who understand the science behind rangeland management and can communicate it effectively to diverse audiences will be in high demand.

Courses Include:
Professional Presentation Techniques, Media Writing and Information Gathering, Environmental Communication Skills, Public Involvement in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Education, Public Relations for Natural Resources Professionals, Conflict Management
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Natural Resource GIS Specialist

  
This career track will prepare students for careers that specialize in the application of technology, like Geographic Information Systems. Students will become proficient in mapping techniques, relational database management, and spatial analysis methods used in natural resource management.

Courses Include:
GIS Primer, Geographic Information Systems, Aerial Photo Interpretation and Mapping, Remote Sensing of the Environment, GIS Applications in Natural Resources, Landscape Ecology, GIS Applications in Fire Management

 
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Range Conservationist

  
Many rangeland professionals enjoy careers managing public rangelands or providing technical assistance to landowners. Agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service and State Land Departments, need well-trained people with a broad understanding of ecological principles and management practices. Students interested in the “hands-on” management of rangelands can pursue this career track to meet state and federal hiring standards and seek certification as a range management specialist.

Courses Include:
Principles of Range Management, Rangeland Plant Identification and Ecology, Rangeland and Riparian Habitat Assessment, Rangeland Ecology, Integrated Natural Resource Planning, Watershed Science and Management, Soil Classification, Animal Husbandry, Wildlife Management, and Natural Resource Economics
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Rangeland Economist

  
Students interested in land appraisal, rural development, or natural resource economics could take the following suggested courses to show expertise in rangeland economics. This career track prepares students for employment in ranch-based communities with organizations involved in economic development such as large corporate ranches, county extension service, or rural development commissions.

Courses Include:
Principles of Economics, Ag Economics and Agribusiness, Principles of Farm and Ranch Management, Agricultural Programs and Policies, Farm and Natural Resource Appraisal, Economics for Natural Resource Management, Land and Natural Resource Management

A minor in Natural Resource Economics and Community Development is fulfilled with this career track.
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Range Livestock Manager

  
Enjoy the challenge and solitude of managing livestock on these “wide open spaces?” Students interested in pursuing professional careers in livestock management on rangeland can pursue a B.S. degree in Range Livestock Management. The degree offers an even mix of range management and animal science classes. Range livestock managers work for ranches and agencies that work closely with ranchers.

Courses Include:
Principles of Rangeland Management, Rangeland Ecology, Integrated Rangeland Management, Animal Nutrition, Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Beef Cattle Science, and Sheep Science.
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Restoration Ecologist

  
Students interested in the ecological restoration of western rangelands can take the following suggested courses. This career track will prepare students for positions that require knowledge and skills for repairing damaged and degraded wildland ecosystems.

Courses Include:
Rangeland Ecology, Wildland Restoration Ecology, Soil Development and Classification, Soil and Site Evaluation, Soil Fertility, Rangeland Weed Management, Wildland Fire Management Ecology, Plant Materials, Land and Natural Resource Economics
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Riparian or Watershed Ecologist

  
Students interested in watershed ecology should take the following suggested courses. This career track will prepare students for positions that require knowledge and skills for understanding the ecological complexities and management options for forested and rangeland watersheds.

Courses Include:
Rangeland and Riparian Habitat Assessment, Riparian Ecology and Management, Wetland Ecology, Soil Development and Classification, Environmental Hydrology, Limnology, Watershed Science and Management, Hydrologic Measurement Techniques, Meteorology
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Tribal Land Manager

  
Many natural resource management positions are available with American Indian Tribes that manage large tracts of land in western North America. Students should consider adding courses in American Indian Studies to gain expertise in the history and current issues relevant to tribal lands.

Courses Include:
Silviculture, Wildland Fire Management and Ecology, Fisheries Management, Field Crop Production, Contemporary American Indian Issues, Introduction to Ethnic Studies, North American Indians, History of Indian-White Relations, Plateau Indians
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Wildland Fire Manager

  
Students interested in fire ecology and management should take the following suite of courses to develop this expertise. This career track provides students the expertise to implement management practices including prescribed fire and wildfire management in the “hot” field of fire ecology.

Courses Include:
Rangeland and Riparian Habitat Assessment, Rangeland Ecology, Landscape Ecology, Wildland Restoration Ecology, Wildland Fire Management and Ecology, Prescribed Burning Laboratory, Forest Ecosystem Processes, Silviculture, Meteorology, Wilderness Management, GIS Primer, GIS Applications in Fire Management

A minor in Fire Ecology and Management is fulfilled by this career track.
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Wildland Soil Specialist

  
The foundation of any healthy and productive grassland, shrubland, desert, or woodland is, of course, soil. Students intrigued by the lively ecosystem below the surface should consider adding the following courses to their degree. An emphasis in soil management can offer career opportunities with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Conservation Districts, or U.S. Geological Survey.

Courses Include:
Carbon Compounds, The Soil Ecosystem and Lab, Soil Development and Classification, Wildland Restoration Ecology, Soil Physics, Environmental Soil Chemistry, Soil Fertility, Soil Biology

Completion of this career track can fulfill a Minor in Soil Science. Careful selection of courses in the Range curriculum and as few as 22 additional credits could allow students to gain a second major in Soil and Land Resources.
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Wildlife Habitat Manager

  
More than 80% of wildlife species in North America spend a significant portion of their life on rangelands. Managing these birds, reptiles, and grazing ungulates requires knowledge of animal requirements and plant attributes. The following courses could be taken as part of a rangeland management degree to show expertise in the measurement and management of wildlife habitat.

Courses Include:
Rangeland and Riparian Habitat Assessment, Rangeland Ecology, Wildlife Ecology and Lab, Conservation Biology, Behavioral Ecology, Nongame Management, Fish and Wildlife Population Ecology, Wildlife Management

A minor in Wildlife Resources is fulfilled by this career track.
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