From meteorologists who predict and track the weather to geologists who uncover our planet’s history, there is a whole world of unique specializations and jobs waiting in the realm of nature science. But landing a job in this exciting field wouldn't be possible without an outstanding nature scientist resume.

Follow our comprehensive guide and discover valuable writing tips, customizable templates, plenty of examples, and resume samples submitted by industry professionals.

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In this guide, we cover the key steps to writing a job-winning resume as a nature scientist. keep reading to learn how to:

• Select a resume format that matches your experience level
• Write an effective resume summary as a nature scientist
• Include a diverse range of nature scientist skills
• Describe your work experience with clear and quantifiable details
• List your education as a nature scientist correctly
• Access top resources for job-seeking nature scientists

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1. Select the best format for your nature scientist resume

Applying to positions within scientific or academic fields presents you with a tough question upfront: do you write a short-form or long-form resume?

Short-form resumes often come in the form of the reverse-chronological resume, a one-page format that focuses primarily on work and field experience. This format is well suited for applicants who are applying for entry to mid-level nature science positions.

Alternatively, a long-form resume is known as a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and allows the applicant to include far greater detail in each section. Not only will the applicant provide thorough details about their past jobs but they will also include much more in-depth descriptions for their education, skills, and all other sections as well.

The CV is better suited for higher-level positions, such as a Lead Scientist in a lab or a Professor of Science at a university.

Of course, not every job requires a CV – in fact, most outside of formal science and academia won’t. Therefore, it’s always important to read job postings carefully and identify what application materials they specifically ask for.

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2. Write an effective resume summary as a nature scientist

A resume summary is an introductory statement at the beginning of a resume.

In this summary – which should be between one to three sentences in length – an applicant should strive to include the most important professional details about themselves. This can include academic credentials, awards, and key accomplishments.

To help show the difference between a strong and weak resume summary, below is an incorrect example, followed by a correction and explanation:

Why is this incorrect? In this example, the applicant is right to begin describing their specialized knowledge, as this can help set them apart from the competition. However, as they go into greater detail, they lose all specificity and context, making this summary confusing or uninteresting to employers.

Why is this correct? In this corrected example, the applicant provides much more information regarding not only their specialization but also specific accomplishments from within the field. They offer exact figures and contextual details to give the employer a clear idea of what they are most passionate about and talented in.

3. Include a diverse range of nature scientist skills

Working in a scientific role involves many technical skills – the abilities you have gained through your rigorous studies and academics. However, interpersonal skills are equally as important to showcase on a resume, as they reveal to employers your ability to comprehend the people and world around you.

As such, it is essential to include a variety of both technical and interpersonal skills on your nature scientist resume. To help you brainstorm these skills, here are 10 examples of each that are specific to nature scientists:

4. Describe your nature scientist work experience with clear and quantifiable details

The work history section of your resume offers you the best opportunity to show off your hands-on scientific experience.

When describing your past positions, it’s important to not overcrowd each entry with blocks of text. Instead, use bullet points and short sentences to describe the most relevant and eye-catching details. Whenever possible, strive to include quantifiable figures or notable accomplishments you achieved during your time in the position.

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5. List your education as a nature scientist correctly

Like with the format you select, the way you describe your education on your resume will depend on both your academic history and your professional goals.

If you’re applying for a higher-level academic or scientific position, you’ll likely need the larger education section that a CV can provide. However, for entry to mid-level positions in various nature science niches, sticking to a simple and concise education section on a reverse-chronological resume may be preferable.

No matter which format you are using, make sure to include the following information within the education section of your resume:

• The name(s) of your degree(s)
• The university you attended
• The date of graduation (if you graduated with honors, it can be useful to note this next to your date of graduation)

6. Valuable job search resources for nature scientists

So, now you're more than well-equipped to handle your resume, but do you know where to look for work opportunities? If you're unsure of where to start, you can draw inspiration from our list of resources: 

• Job boards for nature scientists: For positions in scientific and academic institutions, search through websites like Earthworks-Jobs, Nature Careers, ChronicleVitae, or jobs.ac.uk.
• General job search boards: But platforms that don't cater to your professional area only, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or Monster, can also yield compelling results.
• Research projects: If you're looking for grants or support for your research projects, try exploring websites of the European Research Council (ERC), the National Science Foundation (NSF), or the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 
• Professional associations: These organizations offer a wealth of resources for nature scientists like yourself. For example, check out the International Union of Biological Sciences (IUBS), the Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB), or the British Ecological Society (BES).
• Consulting firms and environmental consulting companies: Consulting firms specializing in environmental science, ecology, and biodiversity assessment, such as ERM or SLR Consulting, may hire nature scientists for project-based work. 
• Continuous learning: Do you need further knowledge of data analysis and visualization? Or work on your presentation skills? With courses offered by Coursera, Udemy, and edX, you'll expand your skill set with ease. 

Job searching in the field of nature science often involves navigating through a competitive landscape with limited job openings. However, with persistence, networking, and showcasing relevant experience and qualifications with your nature scientist resume, the right opportunities can be found.