Rewilders have a range of work environments, including offices, research laboratories, and wild areas. Those who work in environmental policy or law, or those who are responsible for other business-focused aspects of rewilding campaigns and agreements with landowners work in typical office settings. They may also travel to the homes of landowners and other stakeholders to discuss potential or ongoing rewilding projects. Conservation scientists, wildlife biologists, environmental technicians, and other environmental professionals work in the field to evaluate land and ecosystems for potential rewilding and, once the project starts, identify and remove invasive species, plant native plants and trees, introduce and monitor apex predators and keystone species, collect data, and perform other tasks. Science professionals work in all types of weather conditions, as well as in natural areas that can be hilly, muddy, buggy, and otherwise challenging at times. Scientists and technicians also spend time in the laboratory conducting research.
This is an exciting field for those who are committed to restoring ecosystems. It can be extremely rewarding to see one’s hard work translate into a thriving and in balance natural area that requires little human intervention. It’s also rewarding to know that one’s work helps mitigate climate change, increases economic opportunities for local communities (especially in the areas of ecotourism and hospitality), and allows an endangered or threatened animal or plant to expand in number. This career can be frustrating because some people do not believe in rewilding and have misconceptions about what it entails and its effects on nearby communities. Rewilders may encounter angry or misinformed people who are unable or unwilling to understand the benefits of rewilding. It can also be frustrating when a rewilding project is halted or slowed due to lack of funding, logistical or organizational challenges, or other issues.
- Agricultural Scientists
- Air Quality Engineers
- Animal Behaviorists
- Animal Breeders and Technicians
- Animal Caretakers
- Animal Handlers
- Animal Physical Therapists
- Animal Trainers
- Aquarists
- Arborists
- Archaeologists
- Archivists
- Astrogeologists
- Biochemists
- Bioenergy/Biofuels Workers
- Biofuels Processing Technicians
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Biologists
- Biomass Plant Technicians
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Botanists
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Cartographers
- Chemists
- Chief Sustainability Officers
- Civil Engineers
- Climate Scientists
- Corporate Climate Strategists
- Ecologists
- Energy Conservation Technicians
- Energy Consultants
- Environmental Economists
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Engineers
- Environmental Lawyers
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Environmental Planners
- Environmental Restoration Planners
- Environmental Scientists
- Environmental Technicians
- EPA Special Agents
- Ethical Sourcing Officer
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forensic Meteorologists
- Forest Fire Prevention Specialists
- Foresters
- Forestry Technicians
- Geodetic Surveyors
- Geographers
- Geographic Information Systems Specialists
- Geological Technicians
- Geologists
- Geophysicists
- Geospatial Analytics Specialists
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Geothermal Energy Industry Workers
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Geothermal Technicians
- Green Builders
- Green Hotel/Resort Ecomanagers
- Green Products Manufacturers
- Green Transportation Careers
- Grounds Managers
- Groundwater Professionals
- Hazardous Waste Management Specialists
- Hazardous Waste Management Technicians
- Historians
- Horticultural Inspectors
- Horticultural Technicians
- Hydropower and Marine Energy Industry Workers
- Indoor Environmental Health Specialists
- Industrial Ecologists
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Landscape Architects
- Landscapers
- Logging Industry Workers
- Marine Biologists
- Meteorologists
- Methane/Landfill Gas Collection System Operators
- Methane/Landfill Gas Generation System Technicians
- Microbiologists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
- Museum Directors and Curators
- National Park Service Employees
- Naturalists
- Occupational Safety and Health Workers
- Oceanographers
- Paleontologists
- Paper Processing Workers
- Park Rangers
- Pet Shop Workers
- Pet Sitters
- Range Managers
- Recreation Workers
- Recycling and Reclamation Workers
- Recycling Coordinators
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Remote Sensing Technicians
- Renewable Energy Careers
- Renewable Energy Engineers
- Soil Conservationists and Technicians
- Soil Scientists
- Space Meteorologist
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
- Surveyors
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary Technicians
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Technicians
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Wildland Firefighters
- Wood Science and Technology Workers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers
- Zoologists