As the world progresses and environmental issues arise, the demand for people to fill environmental science careers continues to grow. The world is facing several environmental issues at the moment, ranging from global warming to pollution and public health challenges due to air quality.
There are many opportunities for environmental scientists to get involved and help improve the environment. This could include working for the federal government, volunteer and non-profit opportunities, or even in the private sector.
In this article, we’ll go over what environmental science careers are out there.
What Is Environmental Science?
Environmental science combines different areas of science such as biology, ecology, meteorology, geology, chemistry to study different environmental problems and how to fix them.
Environmental Science Careers
Protecting the environment and all its natural resources is important to keep the Earth healthy. If you are interested in becoming a professional that researches and works to ensure the safety of the environment, you should explore your career options in environmental science.
Most jobs as an environmental scientist require a degree in environmental science or another, related degree. Below is a list of careers in environmental science.
Environmental Scientist
- Median Pay: $71,360 per year
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Number of Jobs in 2019: 90,900
- Job Outlook: 8% increase
- Highest Paying States: California, Washington DC, Washington, Virginia
- Highest Employment Level: Florida, Texas, California, North Carolina
An environmental scientist is someone who uses their knowledge to research and analyze data about the environment to develop solutions. Environmental scientists who work for government agencies make sure that environmental regulations are up to par.
These scientists have the opportunity to choose an environmental specialty if they like. These specialties include:
- Climate change analyst
- Industrial ecologist
- Environmental chemist
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians
- Median Pay: $46,540 per year
- Education Requirements: Associate Degree
- Number of Jobs in 2019: 34,700
- Job Outlook: 8% increase
- Highest Paying States: Washington, Rhode Island, Oregon, Nevada
- Highest Employment Level: California, Texas, New York, Ohio
Environmental science and protection technicians work under the supervision of environmental scientists. Their work involves doing fieldwork alongside scientists to monitor environmental impacts, such as pollution, to ensure the safety of the public.
These technicians also work in labs using lab equipment to run tests on soil, water, and other pollutants to test the safety of the materials in the area that it was collected from. These technicians work for local and state governments, environmental consulting agencies, and laboratories.
Environmental Lawyer
- Median Pay: $122,960 per year
- Education Requirements: Doctoral Degree
- Number of Jobs in 2019: 813,900
- Job Outlook: 4% increase
- Highest Paying States: Washington DC, California, New York, Massachusetts
- Highest Employment Level: California, Texas, New York, Florida
An environmental lawyer is someone who practices environmental law and focuses on regulations related to the environment. They represent different government agencies, waste disposal companies, and other environmental agencies.
Environmental Engineer
- Median Pay: $88,860 per year
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Number of Jobs in 2019: 55,800
- Job Outlook: 3% increase
- Highest Paying States: Texas, Idaho, Washington, California
- Highest Employment Level: California, Texas, New York, Massachusetts
Environmental engineers work to find solutions to environmental hazards, whether that be by trying to improve recycling methods, air pollution control, public health, or so on. They also design water supply and wastewater treatment systems.
Geographer
- Median Pay: $81,540 per year
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Number of Jobs in 2019: 1,600
- Job Outlook: -1% (decline)
- Highest Paying States: California, Colorado, Maryland, Illinois
- Highest Employment Level: Maryland, Texas, Virginia, California
Geographers study all things about the Earth. They focus on the land, it’s features, and cultural and human geographic statistics. They collect geographic data through maps, observations, and photographs to analyze different geographic resources and see if any hazards can be seen.
Conservation Scientist
- Median Pay: $62,410 per year
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
- Number of Jobs in 2019: 36,100
- Job Outlook: 5% increase
- Highest Paying States: Washington DC, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland
- Highest Employment Level: Texas, California, Colorado, Washington
Conservation scientists manage the quality of the Earth’s natural resources, parks, and forests. They make sure all conservation activities are in line with government regulations.
While they are protecting land, they work with governments, private business owners, and others to make sure that any land available is suitable for any use. In terms of agriculture, conservation scientists work with farms, ranchers, and other people in the agriculture community and advise them on how to better their land for crop growth and usage.
The Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a branch of the government that focuses on the protection of the health of humans and the environment. It makes sure that all regulations are up to date and oversee everything on conserving forestry, land use, identifying any hazards that may be present, and so on.
Working with the EPA gives you a great opportunity to put forth your best effort in protecting the environmentt in the United States.
The EPA protects and oversees the following:
- Air
- Looking for pollution, greenhouse gases, air quality
- Chemicals and Toxins
- Safe chemicals, chemical spills
- Greener living
- In its greener living initiative, the EPA looks for ways to push sustainable energy, recycling efforts, food waste, and others methods used to reduce any harmful emissions in the environment
- Water
- The EPA monitors the quality of drinking water and makes sure no toxins are present. It also examines waterbeds and water infrastructure to monitor the flow of water
- Land and Waste
- The EPA makes sure landfills are within regulation and standards and not harming the areas that surround them
- It also focuses on any hazardous waste that may affect the environment, animals, and so on
Are You Ready to Start Your Environmental Science Career?
If reading this article has furthered your interest in wanting an environmental science career, then this career path is right for you.
Going to a university to get your environmental science degree is a great start because most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree. So, if you are ready to help the Earth become healthy and sustainable, look into environmental science careers near you.
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