Energy & Natural Resources

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The future depends on how well we care for what sustains us now.

We believe people and the planet deserve a future built with care. Our work is about balancing what people need today with what future generations will need tomorrow. We use innovation, conservation, and problem-solving to make sure progress does not come at the cost of the environment. We have the chance to protect what sustains life, improve how communities live, and help build a future others can be proud to inherit.

We Cultivate Resources

Building the systems people depend on while caring for the resources life depends on.

When wetlands need restored, when waterways face algal blooms, when pollinators decline, and when growing communities need smarter power systems, we answer the call. We protect what sustains life while creating the energy systems people rely on every day.

In Findlay-Hancock County, we restore habitats that strengthen ecosystems, improve water quality for families and wildlife, plant native species that help insects and pollination return, and expand renewable energy that lowers long-term impact. We also manage utilities, maintain essential infrastructure, improve efficiency, and ensure safe and reliable power.

We help keep the lights on without losing sight of the land. We solve today’s needs while protecting tomorrow’s possibilities. Few paths, like ours, allow professionals to improve daily life now and still leave something better behind.

Outline of Ohio map with county boundaries. Orange marker denoting location of Hancock County.

The Career Options

Clean & Alternative Energy

Manage and deliver energy responsibly—supporting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Manager

  • Energy Engineer

  • Nuclear Engineer

  • Solar Energy Systems Engineer

  • Solar Photovoltaic Installer

  • Wind Energy Engineer

  • Wind Turbine Service Technician

A solar farm with rows of solar panels and wind turbines.
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Ecological Research & Development

Use science to study energy and the environment.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Environmental Engineer

  • Environmental Restoration Planner

  • Geological Technician

  • Natural Sciences Manager

  • Soil and Plant Scientist

  • Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist

College students conducting an outdoor water quality test near a pond or lake.
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Environmental Protection

Manage impact and conserve natural resources.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Environmental Compliance Inspector

  • Government Property Inspector and Investigator

  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist

People engaged in a discussion about recycling, with documents and electronic devices on a table.
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Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician

  • Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer

  • Electronics Engineer

  • Engineering Technologist and Technician

  • First-Line Supervisor of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

  • First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

  • Hazardous Materials Removal Worker

  • Petroleum Pump System Operator, Refinery Operator, and Gauger

  • Surveying and Mapping Technician

Utilities

Maintain and deliver essential utilities such as energy, water, and connectivity.

Electric transmission towers standing in a field at sunset, with multiple power lines extending into the distance.
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Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Biological Scientist

  • Cartographer and Photogrammetrist

  • Facilities Manager

  • General and Operations Manager

  • Surveying and Mapping Technician

Conservation & Land Management

Care for parks, forests, wildlife, and waterways.

Orange dots organized into three arrows pointing right.
A winding river flows through green grassy hills with scattered trees, with snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky in the background.
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An infographic showing the local and regional career outlook in Hancock County. It compares the number of students with aptitude and interest in various careers, and provides data on typical wages, job openings, and projected employment growth for top occupations.

Meet Some of Our Locals

The opportunities in this career field aren’t somewhere else—they’re already here. From local employers doing meaningful work to education and training programs preparing the next generation, Hancock County (and the greater Northwest Ohio region) offers real ways to explore, learn, and get started.

Choose your direction.

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Water Treatment Professions program trainees at Owens Community College learn to ensure that clean water reaches communities, protect public health and safeguard the environmental resources that sustain life itself. Aerial image of water treatment pl
Utility Construction Installer program at Terra State Community College introduces outside plant cabling practices, including the installation of aerial cable between poles in an underground conduit system or by direct burial. Image shows men workin
Environmental Science program at Bluffton University includes the Bluffton University Nature Preserve that serves as the learning laboratory for increased understanding of sustainability and native plant restoration. Image shows a yellow butterfly si
Ecology and Conservation Biology program at Bowling Green State University graduates students prepared to impact species survival, restore natural ecosystems and contribute to the fight against climate change. Image shows a female collecting specimen
Marine and Aquatic Biology program at Bowling Green State University is a perfect location for field studies of aquatic organisms, their behavior and interactions in marine and freshwater environments. Image shows a freshwater lake edge with trees an
Environmental Studies program at Bowling Green State University gives a strong emphasis on the role of social sciences (political science, history, philosophy, economics, communications, geography and law) in understanding and solving environmental p
Environmental and Watershed Science program at Heidelberg University combines environmental science with the management needs unique to watershed sustainability. Learn watershed planning, ecosystem restoration, and drinking water protection. Image fr
Environmental and Field Biology program at Ohio Northern University enables students to gain skills in biological principles related to ecology, evolution, biodiversity, and organismal biology. Field experiences occur at the campus' 70-acre field sta
Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability program at the University of Findlay teaches students about environmental laws, regulations, standards, and other requirements such as site permits to operate. Additional experience in implementing mode
Green Chemistry and Engineering minor at the University of Toledo is for undergraduate majors in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science or a related areas. Incorporates principles of green chemistry and green engineering. Image of peo
Environmental Sciences program at the University of Toledo studies everything from air, water and soil pollution to climate change and animal, plant and ecosystem preservation. Image of river winding through forested area at sunset.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Headquartered in Findlay, Marathon Petroleum Corporation is a leading, integrated, downstream and midstream energy company. The company operates the nation’s largest refining system. Operations include refining, midstream, retail, industrial products, renewable fuels, and global marine.

Learn More

Address: 539 South Main Street, Findlay, Ohio

Entrance of Marathon Petroleum Corporation building with a glassed-bridge overhead in downtown Findlay, Ohio.

Hancock Parks District

Hancock County’s principal outdoor recreation agency with responsibilities for developing park lands, providing ongoing improvements, operating outdoor recreation opportunities and environmental/historical education, and protecting natural resources. Oversees 13 parks across the county.

Learn More

Address: 1424 East Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio

Calm river reflecting green trees along the shoreline.

Additional Resources

  • Local Career Opportunities

    Raise the Bar provides this helpful resources for K-12 students and adult career seekers. Resource offers local, regional, and state programs that promote career exploration and immersion.

    Download Resource

  • Industry Snapshot

    Lightcast data provide a snapshot of industry trends, demographics, and insights for the 17-county Northwest Ohio region.

    View Snapshot

  • Industry Profile

    Advance CTE provides a national persepctive on the energy and natural resources career cluster. Information includes potential career pathways, labor market information, and emerging careers.

    Read Profile

  • Ohio H.S. Industry-Recognized Credentials

    The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce identifies its approved list of industry-recognized credentials for students pursuing the agriculture/environmental systems career tech pathway.

    Find Credentials

  • Natural Resources Pathway

    OhioMeansJobs offers an interactive visual to outline a possible career pathway for natural resources. Careers include entry level to expert.

    View Resource