Although it is not a government agency, you might consider a job with the Nature Conservancy if you are interested in helping to preserve the great outdoors. Nature Conservancy jobs are in high demand. So many people want to work for this organization that a lot of them start as volunteers in order to get a foot in the door.

Based in Arlington, Virginia, the Nature Conservancy's worldwide office hosts the majority of staff connected to the key institutional support functions of the organization, including external affairs, finance, general counsel, human resources, information systems, and marketing.

The conservancy collaborates with a number of organizations to achieve its conservation goals. On the nonprofit's Web site, at www.nature.org, you can search for a job by geographical area or by particular jobs. Many require a college degree. When you find a job that interests you, submit your resume and cover letter to the contact person listed for that job. Be aware that if you simply send your resume to the conservancy, the nonprofit will not consider it, so make sure you are applying for a specific job.