Barriers and supports to entering a natural resource career: Perspectives of culturally diverse recent hires

Abstract

Many natural resource professionals are reaching retirement and attracting young adults to fill the resulting vacancies may prove difficult. Unfortunately, a lack of theoretical exploration of career choices leaves the field without theoretically based methods for recruitment and retention of young adults. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to contribute to research on natural resource career choice by examining supports and barriers encountered throughout career development. Supports and barriers that influenced the early careers of recent hires at the US Fish and Wildlife Service were examined through the lens of the social cognitive career theory. Twenty-two culturally diverse recent hires were interviewed using semistructured, open-ended interviews. Interviewees discussed specific barriers and supports affecting young adults pursuing natural resource careers. Unique barriers and supports perceived by white males and underrepresented groups highlighted the need to design recruitment and retention techniques for specific target populations. By carefully designing support systems for young adults and underrepresented groups, agencies can help them overcome barriers.