Introduction
Environmental science or environmental studies disciplines allow you to pursue a range of careers that significantly contribute to the issues you care about. Ultimately, your career path will depend on the unique combination of skills, interests, and values you bring to the table. Below are some jobs that are particularly well-suited for those concerned with sustainability, environmental conservation, climate change, alternative energy sources, and related fields.
Environmental Studies vs. Environmental Science: What’s the Difference?
Environmental studies disciplines are grounded in the hard sciences. As a student in this field, you will need to be able to understand and apply complex concepts in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. You will also learn to apply quantitative and qualitative analytical skills to problem-solving and interpreting research data. Your creativity will help you design research models to study environmental issues.
Environmental studies integrate a broader range of studies. Professionals in this field might consider social sciences, political science, and historical events alongside the natural sciences. These jobs deal with public policy, law, and other issues in this context.
Top Jobs for Environmental Science Students
Below are some of the best jobs to consider for students studying the environment with a focus on science.
Ecologist
Ecologists and environmental specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to help protect the environment and improve human health. Some jobs may involve field data collection and other direct interactions with nature, but work in this profession usually occurs in an office or laboratory. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree to obtain a job in this field.
Average annual salary: $76,530
Environmental Consultant
Organizations of all types need to prepare environmental impact studies when they plan to develop pristine land or use currently developed land for alternative purposes. As an environmental consultant, you will use analytical tools to assess how development projects might affect water, soil, air, or wildlife in the area. When identifying problematic impacts, you will suggest ways to mitigate potential effects. In some cases, organizations may be asked to address existing issues – such as pollution – and recommend solutions.
Note: You will use the writing and presentation skills you developed while earning your degree to write technical reports and make recommendations to clients.
Average annual salary: $60,166
Environmental Engineer
When technical solutions are needed to address pollution or environmental contamination issues, environmental engineers are often called upon to propose and implement those systems. In this role, you will draw from your knowledge of environmental science when designing environmental technologies, utilizing the quantitative skills you developed as an environmental science student when calculating the physical dimensions of systems.
You will be expected to write project proposals and present recommendations to clients demonstrating that you have researched and defended a position while collaborating with other professionals to devise solutions and deliver them clearly and concisely.
Average annual salary: $96,820
Sustainability Specialist
Organizations of all types are seeking more environmentally-friendly ways to conduct their operations. As a sustainability specialist, you will evaluate environmental practices and the impact of the organization while recommending and implementing strategies to conserve resources and limit environmental damage.
Knowledge of practical scientific methodology is essential to conduct sophisticated assessments of current operations’ impacts on the environment and identify cost-saving benefits when implementing alternative processes.
Note: You will utilize the writing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills you developed as an environmental science student to write proposals and persuade colleagues to adopt alternative practices.
Average annual salary: $86,318
Environmental Policy Analyst
Preparing realistic proposals for environmental policies requires a deep understanding of scientific concepts. As an environmental science student, you should have the ability to learn new scientific information as well as a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics.
You will help
Your research skills in discovering information related to public policy recommendations, along with your analysis and statistical skills, will help you interpret and process that information. Technical writing skills you acquired as an Environmental Studies student will be needed to write scientifically-focused policy documents.
Average annual salary: $100,806
Best Jobs for Environmental Studies Students
Here are some of the best jobs for those studying the environment more broadly.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Studies students gain a comprehensive perspective on environmental issues that can serve you well as an environmental educator. You will learn about the environment around you in your practice geographic area and rely on your training to collect and interpret information and conduct field research.
Note: It is important to convey a sense of enthusiasm in your interactions with visitors or students, and your improved public speaking skills on campus will help you deliver dynamic presentations.
Average annual salary: $87,033
Public Relations Specialist
Environmental organizations need to influence public perceptions to gain political and financial support for their initiatives. As a public relations specialist or a member of a communications team, you will draw on the knowledge you gained as an Environmental Studies student when issuing press releases about programs and activities in your employer’s organization or its clients. You will use your writing skills to develop content for environmental entity websites and to help craft scripts for fundraising pitches and messages.
Average annual salary: $62,800
Environmental Lawyer
If you choose to attend law school after earning a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, your scientific knowledge will be an asset when working with clients on environmental-related issues. You will interview expert witnesses such as environmental engineers, biologists, chemists, and other scientists while preparing and advocating cases. You will need to interpret scientific materials and assess the validity/reliability of those findings.
As an attorney, your writing skills will help you draft legal memos and other documents. You may assist in drafting the language for environmental regulations if you work for a governmental entity.
Average annual salary: $83,657
Fundraiser
To effectively target potential donors to contribute to environmental causes, fundraisers must have a strong understanding of their organizations’ goals and operations. As an Environmental Studies student, you are well-positioned to gain this knowledge and communicate the benefits of supporting environmental initiatives.
Note: In this role, you will rely on strong communication skills to write letters and persuade potential contributors. You must be organized to coordinate fundraising events and campaign planning.
Average annual salary: $60,660
Conclusion
No matter your preferred field of study, there may be a way to link those studies to an environmental focus. The field of environmental sciences and studies offers a wide array of jobs to choose from. If you desire to work in a job that helps protect the environment, simply identify your skill set and pursue an environmental job that will utilize it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What jobs can you get with an Environmental Studies degree?
You can obtain various types of jobs with a degree in Environmental Studies. For example, you could work as an attorney, fundraiser, or public relations specialist focusing on environmental issues.
What types of jobs can you get with a degree in Environmental Science?
The jobs you can get with a degree in Environmental Science are similar to those with a degree in Environmental Studies but are more geared towards the hard sciences such as biology, physics, and chemistry. For example, you could work as an engineer or environmental consultant.
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Sources:
North Central College. “Environmental Studies vs. Environmental Science.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Environmental Scientists and Specialists.”
PayScale. “Average Environmental Consultant Salary.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Environmental Engineers.”
Glassdoor. “Sustainability Specialist Salaries.”
Glassdoor. “Policy Analyst Salaries.”
Glassdoor. “Environmental Educator Salaries.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Public Relations Specialists.”
ZipRecruiter. “Environmental Lawyer Salary.”
Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Fundraisers.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/top-jobs-for-environmental-studies-science-majors-2059630
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