Environmental and Natural Resources Pathway

This pathway prepares students to protect, manage, and sustain the natural world while exploring careers that support healthy ecosystems and communities. Students learn about environmental science, conservation, forestry, wildlife management, water and soil resources, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management through hands-on projects and real-world experiences. They develop skills in scientific research, data collection, problem-solving, teamwork, and the use of industry-standard tools and technologies to address environmental challenges. This pathway can lead to careers such as environmental scientist, conservation officer, wildlife biologist, forester, park ranger, environmental engineer, natural resource manager, and sustainability specialist. Students build a strong foundation for college, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and careers focused on preserving natural resources and creating a more sustainable future.

Knowledge and Skills (ODE aligned)

Understand ecological systems
Analyze environmental problems and solutions
Evaluate human impact on natural systems
Apply conservation and resource management practices
Present environmental research

Examples of popular careers that ASCEND graduates can pursue

Lab Technician
Park Ranger/Environmental Educator
Wildland Firefighter
Conservation/Habitat Technician

Industry Certifications (optional)

NOAA Ocean Data Training
GIS Introductory Microcredentials
Oregon Outdoor School partnership opportunities

Future Opportunities

Future career opportunities in environmental and natural resources are exploding due to global sustainability targets and climate change. Top emerging growth areas include renewable energy engineering, corporate ESG/sustainability management, environmental data analysis, and ecological restoration. High-paying, specialized roles like environmental engineers, hydrologists, and environmental lawyers remain in high demand.

Your Environmental and Natural Resources Teachers

MRS. JESSICA HEISLEY

Mrs. Heisley has a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Master of Education in Secondary Education, both from Northern Arizona University. During her years in college, she worked as a seasonal Fisheries Technician for the US Forest Service, where she led a team to survey local streams and fish populations. She also spent several years as a Laboratory Technician at a forensic toxicology lab. After graduating with her Master's, Mrs. Heisley began her teaching career and has taught various high school science courses, both in-person and virtually. Since starting her virtual teaching position, she's also completed an E-Learning Instructional Design and Development Certificate from Oregon State University.

MR. SHAWN BUNDY

Shawn Bundy holds a Master’s degree in Science Education from Oregon State University and has spent the past 14 years teaching at Oregon Charter Academy. His passion for the natural environment has taken him across the globe—from the rainforests of South America to the coral reefs of Australia—where he’s explored some of the planet’s most unique ecosystems. In the classroom, Shawn loves helping students discover how the world works through science and inquiry. He’s especially excited to work with students interested in environmental science, ecology, or natural resource management.

MR. MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ

Mr. Rodriguez’ lifelong passion for science and learning began in his youth. He began his career in science in 1989 in the then-emerging field of ecological restoration, working for a firm that restored hardwood swamps in phosphate mines. Building on this experience, he pursued an MS in forest science and ecology. He moved to Coos Bay in 1994 to work for the Bureau of Land Management to do restoration of salmon habitat. He began his teaching career in 2001 and has been teaching for ORCA since 2013. In 2023, he joined a team of scientists from OSU on an expedition to Antarctica to do education outreach. Students in his classes benefit from direct engagement with practicing scientists, frequently invited by Mr. Rodriguez to share their stories and expertise.

Interested in joining?

If you have any questions about the program please contact the Career Advisory Teachers, or fill out the Interested in Joining form below.

Interested in Joining?

ASCEND PATHWAYS

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