Environmental Science Jobs: Make the Earth a Cleaner Place

The field of environmental science covers many jobs, from conservation to consulting. Environmental scientists examine environmental issues such as how different types of pollution affect the world, and they try to figure out ways to improve the health of the earth. Environmental scientists study the composition of air, water, and the soil to determine if it's safe.

Environmental science technicians are specialists in lab and field work, performing tests to determine sources of pollution and how that pollution affects human health. But environmental science jobs aren't just for science-minded people. Many environmental scientists work in environmental law, environmental advocacy, or environmental policy and regulation.

Which Types of Jobs Are Available For Those Interested in Environmental Science?

Environmental consultants use their expertise to advise on environmental issues. Consultants work on new policies concerning pollution, climate change, and conservation, to name a few.

An environmental policy analyst often works with private firms that specialize in government contracting. The analyst works with various federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as state governments, to help build company and shareholder involvement.

Or you could work for a national non-profit, such as the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. Such work could involve coordinating residential education programs about the dangers of lead poisoning, developing policies and informative literature, and representing the organization in the community. Not all environmental science jobs involve beakers and Bunson burners!

Of course, many environmental science jobs deal with research and its results. Environmental scientists are basically investigators of the Earth and the environment, determining sources of pollution and how to abate them.

Formal Training Required to Work in Environmental Science

Most environmental science jobs require a bachelor's degree as the minimum education level. Most companies prefer applicants with master's degrees, and a doctoral degree usually is required for teaching positions or highly sought-after research posts.

Coursework in environmental science degree programs is similar to the following list of classes:

• Ecosystem Diversity
• Population Concepts (dynamics, size, growth)
• Agriculture
• Mining
• Global Economics
• Energy Consumption and Conservation
• Nuclear Energy
• Hydroelectric Power
• Renewable Energy
• Pollution
• Global Change

Some entry-level positions and internships in the field of environmental science can be obtained while you are still in college, but many of the higher-level environmental jobs require completion of college coursework as they are time intensive and require field work in different geographical regions.

Additionally, environmental consultants should be well versed in matters of finance, business, and economics in order to have a broader choice of jobs. Anyone interested in environmental law also would have to complete law school in order to land a job in that profession.

The Typical Career Path of Someone Interested in Environmental Science

Most environmental scientists rise through the ranks. It's rare to hold a top post fresh out of college. Environmental scientists typically start out as field researchers or research assistants in the laboratory, and as they gain experience they are given increasingly difficult assignments based on their skill and knowledge. Promotions to project manager and other management positions often follow this advancement path.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for Environmental Science Major

Employment for environmental jobs is going to be strong in coming years. The largest area of growth should be for environmental consulting jobs with private sector companies. Growth should be driven by increased pressures placed on the Earth by its growing population, and the increased awareness of how those pressures lead to environmental degradation. Demand for environmental jobs also is expected to come from the need to comply with environmental laws and regulations such as ground water decontamination, clean air--and more recently, oil pollution from offshore oil wells.

Entry-level salaries for environmental jobs was close to $40,000 in 2009. More than half of the 83,530 environmental scientists and specialists employed in 2009 earned between $46,000 and $81,500. The top 10 percent of wage earners took home more than $100,000 annually.

Job demand for conservation scientists, who manage the use of forests, rangelands, and other natural resources, should be 3,600 jobs through 2018. There were just under 17,000 conservation scientists working in 2009, primarily with federal governments. Like environmental scientists, job growth is driven by increased investment in environmental conservation programs.

Conservation scientists earned a median wage of about $60,000 a year in 2009, with top earners in the field taking in close to $88,000 a year. Government jobs pay the best, nearly $72,000 a year on average.