Dennis Anderson: Do you have a passion for the outdoors life?

Just finish high school or college? If so, you might be interested in turning your love for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and paddling into a career. In today's column, and also in the Sunday Star Tribune, I profile a range of Minnesotans whose jobs are in the "outdoors." Perhaps their occupations will inspire.

Ryan Heiniger Age: 35. Job: Ducks Unlimited director of conservation programs for Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming. What he does: Part of a D.U. team that delivers conservation programs in assigned states. Duties include program administration, grant writing, proposal reviews, public policy development, working with volunteers. Work experience: Hands-on field work beginning in college counting and banding ducks, working first in summers as a volunteer, later for minimum wage. Subsequently was a D.U. regional field biologist. Education required: Bachelor's degree minimum, master's or doctorate common. Advice: "To succeed in this job, you have to start with a passion for the outdoors. You don't go into this field for fame or fortune. You want to give back."

Marybeth Block Age: 50. Job: DNR walk-in access coordinator. What she does: In conjunction with the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), is developing a program for public hunting on private lands. Work experience: DNR metro greenways program. Water quality, private lands management and wildlife habitat development for BWSR. Also worked for Kandiyohi County Soil and Water Conservation District advising landowners. Education required: Bachelor's degree minimum, MS preferred. Advice: "Give serious thought to what excites you and what you are passionate about. To advance in the conservation field, start with a strong background in close-to-the-ground, hands-on experience."

Bob Nasby Age: 72. Job: Fly-fishing instructor, consultant. What he does: Teaches fly casting , professional fly tier, fishing guide from North Shore to Florida Keys, consultant to St. Croix Rod Co., one of 21 members of 3M Scientific Anglers pro staff. Work experience: Retail sporting goods sales at the former Burger Brothers and Joe's Sporting Goods. Owned a custom fishing-rod shop. Education required: Varies, from high school diploma to Ph.D. More important are passions for fish and fishing. Good people skills. Fishing equipment technical expertise. Well-developed senses of curiosity and creativity to push the limits of "what you think might work," whether in casting, fly-tying or fishing. Advice: "If you want to cast well, get good instruction and be a serious student. I cast every day, whether with students or by myself, for one to three hours, trying new lines and new techniques. If your intent is to make money, seek a different job, though if you promote yourself, you can do OK."

Gary Botzek Age: 61. Job: Owner, Capitol Connections, a conservation lobbying and conservation-group management firm. What he does: Manages the Minnesota Conservation Federation. Lobbies at the Capitol for conservation and wildlife groups, advocating for subjects as diverse as the Legacy Amendment and the rebirth of the state's dove season, among other policy initiatives. Also works with partners on the federal level. Work experience: Former chair Minnesota Environmental Quality Board. Governor's special assistant. Congressional legislative assistant. Legislative researcher. Education: BA in political science or related field. Masters in public policy or related field helpful. Advice: "Farm, hunting and and/or fishing backgrounds are helpful. I grew up on a farm and it helped me develop an understanding and love for all aspects of the outdoors and how things work, including where food comes from. A love for helping clients is also a plus, as are advocacy and communication skills. Good writing skills also are very important."

Dave Trauba Age: 44. Job: Wildlife area manager, Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area. What he does: Habitat planning in nine-county, 60,000-acre area. Works with other DNR wildlife managers to plan and develop wetlands, build water-control structures, band geese, conduct wildlife population surveys and develop various habitats. Oversees seasonal work force. Work experience: Wildlife biologist and manager in various DNR capacities. Education required: BS minimum, MS preferred. Advice: "Begin as a volunteer for the DNR or similar agency or nonprofit as early as high school. You have to be passionate about wildlife. That's what I look for when I hire. Did a candidate spend his or her summers volunteering or working for the DNR or similar group, or mow grass on a golf course?"

Bob St. PierreAge: 37. Job: Vice president of marketing, Pheasants Forever. What he does: Primary spokesperson for Pheasants Forever, working with media nationwide to ensure the group's conservation message reaches hunters, as well as a broader audience. Develops member acquisition and retention programs for the web, direct mail and sport shows. Work experience: Onetime intern with St. Paul Saints, rising to assistant general manager. Education: Bachelors minimum in communications, English, marketing or related field. Advice: "I grew up with two passions, baseball and bird hunting. I've been lucky enough to follow both, and I recommend others follow their passions too. My dream always was to work for the Detroit Tigers, and I had a job offer from them at the same time I was offered the job at Pheasants Forever. I decided to follow my bird-hunting passion. I'm glad I did."

Dennis Anderson • danderson@startribune.com