Environmental Careers by Jan Weaver
The “Environment” is a growing field with half a dozen publications and web pages listing as many as 5000 job openings each year. It is an extremely varied field, with jobs to fit a student with almost any kind of degree. Below is a breakdown of the major job categories, a brief description of each and a short list of the skills and experiences employers in these fields are looking for. For more information, check out: www.ecbonline.com; ecojobs.com; www.ejobs.org.
From 13 to 18 % (depending on season) of environmental jobs fall into the category of Advocacy, Outreach and Communication. These jobs are generally with non-profit organizations, but also with state and local agencies and even industry. They involve educating the public about an environmental issue like biodiversity, sprawl, energy conservation or recycling. Employers want people with strong organization and communication skills (oral and written) and experience with computers (text, spreadsheet and html programs). A B.A. or B.S. is required, but the degree can be almost anything, though environmental studies is preferred. Additional experience in marketing, fund raising, business and environmental issues is a plus.
From 7 to 13 % of environmental jobs are in the area of Policy and Regulation. These jobs can be with non-profits, government or industry. In this case, employers look for people who can write, analyze, interpret or administer environmental regulations. In some cases, the job involves lobbying government to pass laws, to alter their interpretation or to implement them. It helps to have strong research skills, some kind of technical background and familiarity with environmental laws. There is no particular degree required in the field though individual listings request everything from law to chemical engineering.
From 18 to 28% of jobs fall in the Conservation and Natural Resources category. Here the educational requirements are more specific and employers (government and industry) want someone with a B.S. or M.S. in wildlife biology, forestry or soils. Oral and written communication skills are important, though not as important as for advocacy jobs. The ability to use text, spreadsheet, GIS, Arcview and html software is highly desirable. Additional qualities include people skills, office skills and the ability to meet deadlines, being in good physical shape, and in some parts of the country, the ability to speak Spanish.
Environmental Engineering and Scientific Services has the most job listings - 32%, mainly with industry and to a lesser extent with the government. These jobs invariably require a technical degree in engineering, biology, geology, chemistry, math or industrial hygiene. Employers also rank written and oral communication skills very highly, along with the ability to do data analysis and familiarity with federal and state environmental laws.
From 14 to 26% of jobs fall in the Outdoor and Environmental Education category. Employers are either private educational enterprises, programs affiliated with schools and colleges, or with local, state and federal parks. They are looking for a degree in education and/or conservation and natural resources. Oral skills are important, especially the ability to speak in public and tell stories. One to two years of teaching experience is desirable, along with experience working with kids, outdoor skills, safety training and some knowledge of practical maintenance (carpentry, plumbing, etc.)
BioRegional Quiz: How many tree species are extinct or endangered in the US?
Job of the Month: ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER I, Department of Natural Resources, Cole County, MO. $2,800-4,300 monthly Certification of eligibles from the Environmental Engineer I and II registers may be based on specialized experience in the areas of agricultural engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental/sanitary engineering, geological engineering, mechanical engineering, mining/mineral engineering, nuclear engineering and petroleum engineering. Applicants should describe any work experience in these areas completely. Bachelor's in engineering, with the curriculum accredited by ABET.
Information on other Environmental Positions is available from the MU Environmental Studies Program, 211 Lowry (inside the Honors College), 882-7116, envstudy@showme.missouri.edu or at www.ejobs.org
Special Events/Information:
Answer to BioRegional Quiz: According to the World Conservation Monitoring Center Tree Conservation Database, 153 trees species are extinct or endangered in the US.
Feedback - Got an opinion about something we’ve written, or about a current environmental issue? If we have space, we will consider publishing it; submit it by email (envstudy@showme.missouri.edu), snail mail (Environmental Studies, 211 Lowry Memorial Union, MU, Columbia MO 65211), or call Jan Weaver to talk about it (882-7116). MU Environmental Network News is published by MU’s Environmental Studies Initiative. All opinions expressed are the responsibility of the editor. Any part of this newsletter may be copied for distribution but please give us credit.