Federal, state and private employers are gathering next week for a Career Fair sponsored by UNR’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. The goal: to talk with students about emerging careers in the fields of natural resource management and the environment — evidence that some industries are facing an increasing demand for skilled workers.

“Natural resource management and the protection of the environment are areas that we’re anticipating will continue to see growth into the next few decades and beyond,” said Rang Narayanan, associate dean of UNR’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. “Despite recent news reports suggesting dismal job prospects, we’re taking the opportunity to highlight these areas of great potential and international importance.”

The first part of the two-day event taking place Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 28 and 29, will focus on high school and undergraduate students and anyone seeking further information about careers in natural resources and the environment. Representatives from agencies and private employers will make presentations about available and emerging careers, also offering career advice and insight into internship opportunities. The second day also will offer general career information but additionally will focus on job seekers, with on-site interviews and meetings with employer representatives taking place regarding immediate and seasonal employment prospects.

“We’re directly connecting employers with students,” Narayanan said. “We’re also considering the need to educate younger students about how they can best position themselves when they’re ready to consider a career in natural resource management or environmental concerns.”

Some of the agencies represented will include the Nevada Departments of Wildlife, Agriculture and Conservation and Natural Resources; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Forest Service; and Barrick Gold Corporation, Sierra Sciences and the Great Basin Institute. Representatives will discuss careers with titles like range/soil conservationist, natural resource specialist, environmental scientist, hydrologist, economist, forester, wildlife/fisheries biologist, ecologist, game warden, park ranger, wildland firefighter and soil scientist, among others.

“These are highly employable careers,” Narayanan said. “CABNR students enter the workforce with practical skills that can help them secure employment in fields that will continue to grow in popularity and demand.”

For more information about the CABNR Career Fair, please contact Mikalee Byerman, CABNR director of communications, at 784-4724 or 688-9435.

Break-out Information:

The CABNR Career Fair focusing on high school and undergraduate students seeking general employment information will take place at UNR’s Knudsen Research Center, 1000 Valley Road, Reno on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Agency presentations will begin at 4 p.m., and refreshments will be provided.

The CABNR Career Fair continues Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nevada Greenhouse Complex, 1000 Valley Road in Reno. Students should bring their resumes and dress business casual, as on-site interviews and meetings will take place and internship opportunities will be discussed. Students can sign up in advance for agency meetings in the Knudsen Research Center. General job information also will be available. Refreshments will be provided.

For more Information: Call CABNR’s Student Center at (775) 784-1634 or e-mail student_center@cabnr.unr.edu.