Environmental Science Jobs

Through writing reports, creating presentations, and participating in group projects, students learn to convey ideas and facts to diverse audiences. Because they often work in multidisciplinary teams, environmental scientists must be able to translate and clarify technical or otherwise complex information. Strong integrative communication skills also allow scientists to act as community educators and public policy advocates.

Environmental science students learn to design, conduct, and evaluate research. They investigate important aspects of the scientific method, including the importance of carrying out literature reviews and formulating hypotheses. They also use quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate and address specific inquiries. In graduate programs, learners apply their research findings to solve pertinent environmental issues, such as those related to sustainable resource extraction and water pollution.

Students learn to apply research methodologies to determine the sources and effects of contamination on natural areas, like wetlands and forests. They develop specialized skills, such as using geographic information systems and chromatographic methods to help convert data into actionable information. Environmental analysis allows students to remediate and solve existing problems, as well as predict the possible impact of future human activities.

Environmental science seeks to balance the growth of human communities and industries with the needs of the flora and fauna of the natural world. Environmental ethics centers on social responsibility and stewardship, exploring how individuals, companies, and governments can support efforts to minimize hazards and build a sustainable world for future generations.

Master’s programs in environmental science typically focus on leadership training to prepare students for careers as laboratory directors, city planners, nature conservation officers, and public health managers. Graduate students learn to recruit diverse talent, coordinate staff, and develop holistic initiatives. They also develop motivation and conflict resolution skills that take into account cultural diversity and overall inclusivity.

A cornerstone of environmental science, geospatial analysis enables scientists to investigate geographic questions and patterns. Learners gain skills in GPS and web-based mapping techniques, including spatial modeling, remote sensing, aerial photo interpretation, and computer-supported cartography. Proficiency in geospatial technologies prepares students for careers in engineering and software development. Individuals can also pursue work with government agencies, overseeing water resource management programs and geological surveys.

Students examine the biosphere and relationships between natural resource systems. They learn the restorative processes needed to cultivate sustainable forests, grasslands, wetlands, and watersheds. They also delve into land-use regulations and environmental decision-making. Relevant careers include those related to natural area management, environmental reclamation, and ecological restoration.

Students explore different fuels and energy systems, with an emphasis on regional bioenergy and sustainable engineering. They also examine U.S. renewable energy policies within the framework of climate change politics. Learners who study alternative energy can work for municipal governments, public power companies, and global NGOs.

Environmental engineering students explore methods to minimize the negative effects of technology and engineering processes on the natural environment. Coursework covers topics like materials science, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Students apply these core principles to water purification, waste disposal, recycling, and sustainable design and manufacturing.

Learners who study these sciences develop an in-depth understanding of the chemistry and physics governing Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. Relevant careers include meteorologist and atmospheric scientist. These professionals work in diverse settings, including government agencies, private consulting firms, and commercial aviation companies.

In this field, environmental professionals often work as project managers and product development specialists. They also work as consultants, helping companies improve manufacturing processes to reduce costs and hazardous emissions.

Average Salary: $79,650

At the state level, environmental scientists and specialists typically work for regulatory agencies. They ensure companies abide by laws and monitor the epidemiological status of various communities and populations. This industry also offers employment in highway departments and state park systems.

Average Salary: $67,860

Environmental scientists who work for local government agencies oversee road construction and other public works projects. Local governments may also be responsible for maintaining zoos and nature centers. In these settings, professionals may work as conservationists and botanists.

Average Salary: $72,460

Within this industry, professionals can work as environmental engineers and alternative energy specialists. Environmental scientists may also pursue careers in sustainable architecture, with additional opportunities as urban planners, community developers, and preservation architects.

Average Salary: $78,270

The federal government operates multiple agencies dedicated to environmental conservation and management, including the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. Environmental scientists can also obtain research positions with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Average Salary: $103,920

Believe it or not, my original college/career intentions were to pursue an undergraduate degree as a pre-med student and eventually become a doctor. It wasn’t until after beginning to really dig into the details and future requirements to make all of that happen that I changed my mind. This was during my junior year, as I had already visited a potential pre-med school of interest.

But even after realizing the medical field wasn’t where I felt I should go, I knew that another STEM field would be my choice, as I’ve always been interested in many aspects of STEM. I’ve always enjoyed being outside and felt there was no better place to pursue a career than doing something I enjoyed.

Thus, upon graduating college, for various reasons, I was excited to take a job in an environmental science field, but more specifically aquatic management.

The most rewarding aspect of my job is being able to assist our clients in improving their aquatic resources by sharing my own knowledge and experiences. It’s very fulfilling to know their questions and concerns can be addressed, and that they’ll hopefully learn something more about lake management in the process that they can pass along to others.

The most challenging aspect of my job is working in a primarily male-dominated industry, which seems to be the case for various science fields. However, in just the last few years, I’ve noticed an overall shift in women becoming more involved in the aquatic management industry, and it’s incredibly exciting to see!

The various career path options are truly endless. Having an environmental science degree opens opportunities in both the public and private sectors, from regulatory agencies, municipalities, consulting, and remediation to everything and anything in between.

If someone is pursuing an environmental science degree but has yet to determine the specific field they want to enter, I’d encourage them to identify what motivates them and what they’re passionate about and follow that.

Similar to any other field of science, the continual discoveries and improvements upon previous environmental science information will only benefit us all moving forward. Environmental science is quite literally the world around us, and if that is rapidly changing, then so should the information.

If the natural world we live in is of high importance, then our knowledge of it should be as well.

I see more women becoming involved and prominent within the field as a whole, and I already think it is trending that way. Ideally, I’d enjoy seeing environmental science become more widely accepted.

Although things are beginning to move that way, there is still much validated environmental science information that is overlooked or disagreed with. Due to many environmental issues currently plaguing the world, I can only hope that the environmental science field will continue to grow across all facets of life as we move into the future.

National Association of Environmental Professionals: The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 paved the way for environmental science. NAEP was founded in 1975, shortly after the first environmental science majors graduated, and this group was the first professional association to testify to the EPA. Today, the association serves as a news source and a gathering place for professionals.

National Environmental Health Association: This association developed the first professional standards for environmental scientists. NEHA offers the registered environmental health specialist and registered sanitarian credentials. A jobs board, online classes, and books of interest are all available on the association’s website.

Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences: AESS is composed of faculty and students of environmental science. The association supports environmental science education. Members gain access to the Journal of Environmental Studies and a jobs board.

California Association of Environmental Professionals: This nonprofit organization serves environmental scientists in California. Born of a need to support the California Environmental Quality Act, this association delivers news to thousands of members all over the state.

American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists: This organization offers professional board certifications in environmental science and environmental engineering. AAEES publishes an annual career directory for free, as well as comprehensive coverage of the industry.

Global Warming Science – Massachusetts Institute of Technology: This undergraduate course teaches the scientific basics of climate change. After an introduction to climate models, students explore variables that impact climate, including solar variability, oceanic circulation, and greenhouse gases.

Science and Policy of Natural Hazards – Massachusetts Institute of Technology: This class explores natural catastrophes and their relationship to science and public policy. Coursework covers phenomena like hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Students who take this course learn to craft high-quality scientific writing.

Bioremediation Journal: This peer-reviewed journal publishes four times per year. Covered topics include water science, pollution, sustainability, environmental engineering, and environmental studies.

Environment International: Covering environmental research disciplines in a broad swath, this journal discusses all pollutants and contaminants that impact the environment. Published by Elsevier press, this journal is issued 10 times per year.

Environmental Technology: This publication explores technology developments that impact the analysis of pollutants. New issues are published bimonthly.

Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews: This peer-reviewed journal is published quarterly. Content focuses on developments to procedures and chemical syntheses that reduce or limit the creation of hazardous byproducts.

Marine and Coastal Fisheries: An annual publication of the American Fisheries Society, this journal provides original research in fisheries management. Recent articles have discussed the impact of artificial reefs on juvenile red snapper along the Gulf Coast, the effect of altered habitats on bull sharks, and the impact of phytoplankton on offshore food webs.

Journal of Environmental Management: This journal includes peer-reviewed original research and critical reviews on environmental management topics. The publication focuses broadly on sustainability. Research specialties include resource analysis, environmental economics, energy efficiency, waste treatment, remediation, and process modifications.

Silent Spring: This important book, published in 1962, was one of the first to draw attention to environmental issues. The book’s publication led to the banning of DDT and crucial legislative changes in environmental law.

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals: By exploring food webs and illustrating where food comes from, Michael Pollan advocates for clean, responsible eating. This book explains organic and sustainable agriculture and the food production industry in America.

Flower Confidential: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful: This deep dive into the flower production industry illuminates the long-term effects of manipulating a natural process. The book focuses on common practices of hybridizers, breeders, mass growers, auctioneers, and neighborhood florists.

Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature and Climate Change: Political journalist Elizabeth Kolbert tackles the crucial issue of global warming. Separating political agendas from climate science, this book asks penetrating questions about this rapidly accelerating, global environmental problem.

The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power: This book takes an in-depth look at the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. It also covers politics and environmental science within the fossil fuel industry.

Pathways to Urban Sustainability: This book, funded in part by the National Research Council, summarizes a research project that explored urban sustainability in the U.S.

Yes. Careers with an environmental science degree tackle some of the most important issues facing the world, including global warming.

The five major fields of environmental science are social sciences, geosciences, environmental chemistry, ecology, and atmospheric sciences.

Careers with an environmental science degree include environmental scientist and specialist, environmental engineer, and environmental lawyer. Students often choose a specialization within environmental science, such as atmospheric science or ecology, which helps determine their career path.

Salary outlook depends on a worker’s education, experience, and location. However, the BLS reports that petroleum engineers earned a median annual salary of $137,720 in 2019. In the same year, natural sciences managers earned a median annual salary of $129,100.