Natural Resources Manager

When Damien Simbeck goes to work, he usually doesn't head to an office building. Instead, his main office is in the great outdoors. He works as a program manager for TVA’s Natural Resources.

Ensuring that the lands and guests visiting them are well taken care of is at the very top of Simbeck’s long list of job duties.

“There is no such thing as an average day,” Simbeck said. “One week I’m sitting in front of a computer doing meetings, reports and data entry, but the next week I’m out in the field working with hazard trees and surveys of licensed properties on Kentucky Reservoir.”

TVA’s Natural Resources are public lands that hikers, mountain bikers, photographers, hunters and others enjoy throughout the valley.

A Day in the Life

Simbeck manages TVA properties for the people who use that land to the wildlife that lives there. He makes sure roads are passable, marks property boundaries and figuring out how to improve access for the public.

“After all, it’s theirs and they have the right to enjoy it,” he said.

One of the ways Simbeck takes care of the natural resources is through “prescribed fire.”

Prescribed fire is a method used to help prevent future wildfires. It’s a fire set to burn away underbrush and help maintain the forest’s conditions. It’s usually set during the wintertime or when conditions are just right.

These fires are important to the health of the wildlife and to helping native grasses thrive.

Becoming a Natural Resources Manager

Are you a wildlife lover? Do you want a job where each day is different? Then this career path is definitely for you.

Simbeck has a degree in biology and a master’s in zoology. Many natural resources workers begin with a bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources, agriculture or related field.

These skills are important for natural resources managers:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Using analytical or scientific software
• Decision making