What Jobs Can You Get with an Environmental Science Degree?

A degree in environmental science opens up various career opportunities revolving around the environment such as health care, protection, and even sustainability as we have discovered in the earlier parts of this course. In light of the previous coursework undertaken, it is obvious what goes under sustainability employment. In this our article today, we will analyze some of the key focus areas for employment for an environmental science degree holder and the activities expected from these graduates in active employment.

Environmental Science Degree Career Opportunities

While studying a degree in environmental science, you will learn not only about ecosystems or pollution, but you will also teach yourself come skills that are useful in other fields and job positions.

According to Dr Tracy Freeman, who serves as the Environmental Program Director within the EPA:

With the accumulation of the environmental science degree you are open to a variety of job opportunities, ranging from government bodies to private industry consulting. Government and private firms are in much need of professionals with proven within skill sets such as data analysis, unsolved tend complex systems, and environmental problems. Employment in such organizations greatly benefits where sustainability is a growing concern.

Now, let us review some possible career opportunities that await you with this diverse degree.

1. Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Working as an environmental specialist or an environmental scientist is a critical position because much of the work requires being on the field for identifying and solving problems. These experts do research, develop solutions, and analyze data for the well-being of the public and the environment.

Some activities that you will be involved include:

• Looking for contaminants in soil, water, and air samples
• Doing environmental impact surveys for new constructions
• Trying to develop schemes for the restoration of polluted areas
• Offering expert opinions on the environmental rights and obligations of businesses and governments

Environmental scientists are hired by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to further assist in the regulatory and research work they have to accomplish.

2. Environmental Engineers

Applying notions from science to devise solutions to problems is quite common in a number of disciplines. If this is something that sounds enjoyable, consider diving into environmental engineering. This task requires people to apply the principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to solve environmental problems.

As an environmental engineer, you will be actively involved in:

• Structuring systems for treating polluted water or air
• Fostering advances in renewables
• Engineering less polluting processes for factories
• Supporting businesses in lowering their environmental impacts

Environmental engineers are in high demand as businesses face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. The median salary for this role reflects this demand; making it one of the more lucrative paths for environmental science graduates.

Sustainability is no longer a niche field; it’s a core business priority. Companies are actively hiring environmental professionals to integrate green practices into their operations and supply chains. — Paul Polman, Former CEO of Unilever & Sustainability Advocate

3. Environmental Health and Safety Professionals

This area of expertise entails safeguarding both human health as well as the natural surroundings. EHS specialists work to ensure that both workplaces and the wider community are free from environmental dangers.

Your duties may include:

• Crafting safety measures for dealing with toxic substances
• Performing safety audits of workplaces to find danger areas
• Teaching employees about safety and environmental policies
• Examining accidents or problems and taking steps to prevent them from recurring

The position is an ideal mix of public health and environmental health so its good for people interested in both domains.

4. Conservation Scientists and Foresters

For people who enjoy spending time outdoors and are interested in protecting natural assets, a career in conservation can be very rewarding. These specialists preserve and take care of forests, parks, and other natural regions.

In these roles, you might:

• Create and execute management plans aimed at conserving forests, wildlife, or bodies of water
• Evaluate the conditions of ecological systems and the populations of various animal species
• Collaborate with private landowners on conserving resources
• Oversaw projects that involve the planting of trees or the restoration of wildlife habitats

Numerous organizations, including the EEA, are essential in aiding conservation actions throughout Europe which offer a wealth of career possibilities for those interested in earning a degree in environmental science.

5. Environmental Consultants

The multidisciplinary nature of environmental consulting enables professionals to utilize their knowledge across multiple projects and industries. Consultants develop environmental policies and assist clients with complex environmental problems, ensuring their business adheres to the law.

In this position, you might be:

• Carrying out environmental site evaluations for real estate deals
• Assisting companies in crafting sustainability plans
• Consulting on meeting environmental law requirements
• Conducting ecological risk evaluation

This career offers a great deal of variety and flexibility, as different clients will require numerous projects.

6. Urban and Regional Planners

As with any form of development, sustainability calls for planning, which is why it is important to have an urban planner with an environmental background on staff. These professionals build communities while keeping environmental issues in mind.

Your responsibilities could include:

• Drafting land use programs that conserve the environment
• Creating parks and effective public transportation systems
• Formulating climate change adaptation plans for municipalities
• Involving the public in development programs

Urban planners are actively sought after by the US Green Building Council and other similar organizations for their sustainable development initiatives.

7. Environmental Educators and Outreach Specialists

Providing information about environmental problems is vital in addressing them. Educators and outreach specialists motivate the public to understand and take action on environmental issues.

Responsibilities at these levels may include:

• Designing environmental teaching materials for schools and nature centers
• Conducting workshops on sustainability
• Developing instructional media on ecological preservation
• Involving the public in volunteer research endeavors

Such a path is excellent for those who find pleasure in instructing and disseminating detailed information to varied audiences.

8. GIS Specialists and Analysts

The use of technology in relation to the disciplines is becoming a requirement for more and more positions in environmental work. The GIS specialists integrate spatial data into relational databases and are responsible for evaluating the information regarding the environment for the appropriate action.

With the technology, a GIS Specialist can:

• Illustrate the levels of pollutants or depict the locations of various species
• Develop analyses of changes in the environment and time
• Predict the alterations the climate change is going to make to different areas
• Aid in the planning of nature reserve areas and regions by providing the necessary computer-based mapping information.

These technical skills are highly regarded in all branches of the environment and independent in government or private industry.

What are Entry-Level Environmental Jobs?

Are you new to this field? Here are some prime options suited to graduate in environmental science:

• Sustainability Coordinator: This role focuses on helping organizations go green. These positions are expected to grow by 7.7% between 2020-2030 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Environmental Educator: Put your knowledge toward good use by teaching anyone from kindergarten kids to adults. There are more than 15,000 jobs in environmental education according to North America Association for Environmental Education.
• Park Ranger: Apply your academic training in the sciences to fieldwork in your region's protected parks. The National Park Service has over 20,000 rangers across the United States.
• Environmental Technician: Your responsibilities may include gathering samples from the field, as well as aiding in the environmental testing and examining. Recent reports state that these jobs have a mid-range salary of $50,230.
• Environmental Coordinator: These positions are responsible for establishing sustainability initiatives at colleges, universities, or even businesses.

Suggested Read: Sustainability Jobs Salaries

Private Sector Jobs

Although this may come as a surprise for some, the private sector is a gold mine of opportunities for those graduate in environmental science. Companies are starting to understand that being sustainable has a positive impact on both the environment, and profit margin.

As companies work to reduce their environmental impact; they need professionals who can help them navigate regulations; also can implement sustainable practices, and communicate their efforts to consumers. Your environmental science degree equips you with the knowledge to fill these important roles.

Government Career Paths

Graduates of Environmental Sciences are recruited by government agencies at all levels for regulatory development and enforcement related to natural resource protection. Below are some major employers:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – The Agency has over 15,000 employees scattered across the Nation, offering a variety of positions from pollution control to ecosystem protection as well as environmental policy.  
• United States Geological Survey (USGS) – The USGS operates nearly 400 science centers and has an annual budget of over $1.3 billion, which gives them ample opportunity to make headway in research and conservation.  
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – They employ over 12,000 people at a cost of $5.9 billion a year. They hire for the support of climate work and the preservation of marine life.  
• U.S. Forest Service – The Forest Service has more than thirty thousand employees. They relevantly support changing the use of public lands and perform useful environmental studies.  
• State Environmental Agencies – Each of the fifty states has their own environmental department which has available funding partnered with educational programs, which is perfect for those looking to settle down.

Environmental Policy Careers  

A policy career may be suitable for you if you would like to draft rules that protect the environment. Graduates from environmental science programs have an important level of technical expertise that can be useful in the formation of policies.

As a policy analyst, you may work as one, or with a bit of luck, as a legislative aide, or in the near future, you could stand as a hopeful for an election yourself. What is to your benefit is that you come from a scientific discipline which means that you will analyze information and develop proposals in reality rather than mere political fantasies.

In addition to working as lobbyists, many environmental scientists are also employed as policy advisors who ensure that the policies and laws that are enacted and formulated take into consideration the state of the environment. You can follow the link to find out more about the requirements on how to become an Environmental Policy Analyst.

Environmental Careers in Non-Profit Organizations

These organizations focus on advocacy, education, and conservation, thus having non-profit careers can be rewarding for some people who are particularly interested in the environment.

Some of the positions in this domain are as follows:

• Environmental Activist: The Sierra Club is in need of dedicated supporters who will take lead roles in campaigns to mobilize their 3.8 million members.
• Fundraiser: One of the more important tasks that the Nature Conservancy performed was to demonstrate this role by raising over 1.4 billion dollars in 2021.
• Outreach Coordinator: The National Resources Defense Council relies on effective communicators to engage their millions of supporters, which is why they require effective communicators to mobilize them.‍
• Grant Writer: Environmental non-profits received over $16 billion in grants in 2020; highlighting the demand for skilled grant writers‍
• Volunteer Coordinator: Many conservation efforts depend on volunteers; making these management roles essential.

Conclusion

Obtaining a degree in Environmental Science opens up avenues to some of the most important jobs in today’s world. People interested in scientific research, engineering, teaching, and even policy work have a unique career path that matches their interests and skills.

Concern over climate change and environmental damage is now more pronounced than ever, and consequently, the need for experts in renewable energy and environmental conservation is on the rise. Choosing to take on one of these professions not only guarantees a good job but also allows you to take part in resolving some major issues our planet faces.

In order to build a sustainable world, individuals will first need to address problems like climate change and pollution. An Environmental Science degree will enable you to play your role in making that a possibility.

Suggested Reads:

• 11 Ways to Monetize Environmental Expertise as a Green Entrepreneur
• 13 Ways to Future-Proof Your Career Through Green Skills
• 10 Reasons Why Sustainable Architecture is a Growing Field