Graduate Environmental Careers

Consumers are looking for more environmentally-responsible products, and this changing market signals growth in the environmental field.eolienne image by berdoulat jerome from Fotolia.com

Graduates have a number of exciting options for starting a career in the environmental field. Getting a degree with a focus in environmental science or sustainability once may have been a bit of a career dead-end, but with the changing market for energy resources and growing environmental consciousness, the opportunities for trained environmental scientists and sustainability advocates is rapidly growing.

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists work in the responsible management of forests and ranges, usually for the government.Forestry and Plain image by Dave from Fotolia.com

If you're interested in outdoor work, a position in conservation science and resource management might be a good fit. Conservation scientists spend a considerable amount of time in the field, and most are employed for Federal and state governments. Their main occupational focus is on developing strategies for responsible management that allows both for health ecosystems and sustainable resource economies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary of conservation scientists was $58,720 in 2008. Much of this work requires a postgraduate education, but some positions are available to those with a Bachelor's degree. Those in forestry are typically trained at state colleges and "land-grant" universities--often schools with the word "state" in their name--that offer programs in forestry and soil science. Other conservation scientists and researchers might pursue a degree in environmental science, biology, or geography at a liberal arts and sciences university. (See Ref. 1)

Environmental scientists are typically employed in the development and implementation of technologies and methods used to preserve the natural environment. Many environmental scientists are employed with governments; over half work directly for private companies to help them meet their regulatory and social commitments to environmental responsibility. Some specialize in the issue of environmental health--the study of the impact of pollution on human health and methods to minimize that impact. The field in general, especially in environmental health work, is expected to grow over the next ten to fifteen years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental scientists earned a median wage of $59,750 in 2008, and those at the entry-level typically earn around $39,160 per year. Most environmental scientists have advanced degrees, though lab technicians and assistants are often not required to receive postgraduate training to find a position. (See Ref. 2)

The specific movements of the water cycle are often studied by hydrologists in the field.bicyclists between sky & water image by Kolett from Fotolia.com

One speciality of the earth sciences is that of hydrologists, who study the movement of water through land ecosystems and geologic forms. In the environmental field, their work is often critical to determining some of the more widespread or long-term impacts of pollution that is discharged into the water. Some hydrologists are employed predominately in consulting work, preparing environmental impact studies to document the effect of business projects or development proposals on nearby water. Some hydrologists--especially researchers--do a considerable amount of field work, at times in remote locations and with irregular hours. At median, the hydrologists in the United States earned $71,450 in 2008, according to Labor Department figures. Many hydrologists are employed with the government. Many are expected to earn a master's degree at a graduate program, though those working at colleges or in teaching positions are likely to earn a doctorate. (See Ref. 3)

Water and wastewater treatment operators are some of the most important workers in the environmental field.WATER TREATMENT image by BILLY WELLBORN from Fotolia.com

Protecting the environment often means using water resources responsibly--the pollution of water resources can be a tremendous environmental problem, and leads to serious sanitation issues in many developing countries. Occupation in water treatment and sewage disposal, for this reason, remains some of the most important work in the environmental field. Job prospects in the field are also expected to be good, especially as older plant operators begin to retire with the Baby Boom. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most operators were employed by the government in 2008 and earned a median wage of $38,430. Most jobs in the field require the completion of a high school education, but supplemental secondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree often improves job prospects. (See Ref. 4)