I don't know about the natural resources field and IT folks getting out in the field much. I'm in that business and it looks to me like the IT guys are stuck in the office looking after the network and computers like IT folks anywhere else.
But one aspect that might interest you is GIS. GIS is hugely important in the natural resources field and from what I've seen most government, consultant or nat. resource companies are just starting to tap into the potential of GIS.
Here are a few gov. employment links
BC ,
Ont ,
the Feds ,
Alberta .
Good luck - Paul
