The Renewable Materials degree program, offers educational and research programs that are highly multidisciplinary. Our research focuses on science, technology, engineering, art/design, and the business practices that help society sustainably meet its need for renewable materials, and help ensure the global competitiveness of American business.
Position Title | Projected Growth (2014-2024) | Preparation Required | 2015 Median Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Biologists
Position Description:Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$72,220 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 5 | $72,220 per year |
Conservation Scientists
Position Description:Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$63,800 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $63,800 per year |
Environmental Restoration Planners
Position Description:Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$73,930 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $73,930 per year |
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Position Description:Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$73,930 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $73,930 per year |
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Position Description:Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts, under the direction of foresters; or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation, fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$38,260 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $38,260 per year |
Forest Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisors
Position Description:Supervise fire fighters who control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$74,970 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $74,970 per year |
Forest Firefighters
Position Description:Control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$49,330 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 2 | $49,330 per year |
Foresters
Position Description:Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$60,650 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $60,650 per year |
Fundraisers
Position Description:Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$57,170 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $57,170 per year |
Logging Equipment Operators
Position Description:Drive logging tractor or wheeled vehicle equipped with one or more accessories such as bulldozer blade, frontal shear, grapple, logging arch, cable winches, hoisting rack, or crane boom, to fell tree; to skid, load, unload, or stack logs; or to pull stumps or clear brush.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$36,930 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 1
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 1 | $36,930 per year |
Millwrights
Position Description:Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$52,650 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $52,650 per year |
Natural Sciences Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$136,570 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 5 | $136,570 per year |
Park Naturalists
Position Description:Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$63,800 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $63,800 per year |
Pathologists
Position Description:Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$197,700 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $197,700 per year |
Photographers
Position Description:Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$40,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $40,280 per year |
Public Relations Specialists
Position Description:Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$65,830 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $65,830 per year |
Soil and Water Conservationists
Position Description:Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$63,800 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $63,800 per year |
Surveyors
Position Description:Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$61,880 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $61,880 per year |
Sustainability Specialists
Position Description:Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$73,480 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $73,480 per year |
Technical Writers
Position Description:Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$73,350 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $73,350 per year |
Urban and Regional Planners
Position Description:Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$70,680 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $70,680 per year |
Water Resource Specialists
Position Description:Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$136,570 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $136,570 per year |
Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Make exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Supervise fire fighters who control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land.
Manage public and private forested lands for economic, recreational, and conservation purposes. May inventory the type, amount, and location of standing timber, appraise the timber's worth, negotiate the purchase, and draw up contracts for procurement. May determine how to conserve wildlife habitats, creek beds, water quality, and soil stability, and how best to comply with environmental regulations. May devise plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and determine optimal harvesting schedules.
Control and suppress fires in forests or vacant public land.
Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts, under the direction of foresters; or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation, fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.
Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Drive logging tractor or wheeled vehicle equipped with one or more accessories such as bulldozer blade, frontal shear, grapple, logging arch, cable winches, hoisting rack, or crane boom, to fell tree; to skid, load, unload, or stack logs; or to pull stumps or clear brush.
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
Plan or develop coordinated practices for soil erosion control, soil or water conservation, or sound land use.
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Career Development Center
A110 Kerr Admin Building, Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-4085 • Contact Us
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.