Possible Jobs

a sampling of the many types of career opportunities in the environmental field

GEOSCIENCES

• Geochemist: investigate the distribution of chemical elements in rocks, minerals, and soils.
• Hydrogeologist: investigate the movement, distribution, and quality of groundwater. Hydrologists study surface water such as streams and lakes.
• Environmental Geologist: work to solve problems with pollution, waste disposal, and urban development, as well as hazards such as flooding and erosion.
• Soil Scientist: examine soil to identify potential problems; determine limitations for land use.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

• Microbiologist: develop new ways to clean up toxic wastes and oil spills; improve crop and livestock production to help feed the world's hungry.
• Ecologist: study how organisms live and interact in ecosystems; this knowledge is applied to forestry, fisheries and wildlife management, wetlands management, range management, conservation, and insect pest control.
• Fisheries Biologist: study aquatic organisms and environments; manage fish stocking programs & fishing regulations; raise fish and shellfish for markets, stocking, and bait.
• Horticulturist: study, produce, & manage growing plants such as fruits, vegetables, herbs.

NATURAL RESOURCE AND PARK MANAGEMENT

• Park Rangers: enforce laws and regulations; maintain parks; inform and guide visitors.
• Foresters: maintain forests; plan and supervise planting of trees; treat insect infestations.
• Wildlife Managers: protect animals and monitor populations in various environments; determine hunting guidelines; plan water resource and vegetation to support animals.
• Watershed Managers: manage and maintain reservoirs and other water storage facilities.
• Range Managers: improve, protect, and manage rangelands to maximize use while minimizing damage to the environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

• application of engineering principles to the management of air, water, and land resources
• design and fabrication of techniques & facilities to control pollution and clean up the environment.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

• managing recycling facilities
• designing and constructing waste facilities
• treating and disposing of hazardous waste.

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

• recognition, evaluation, and control of factors in the workplace environment that may affect the health, safety, comfort, or productivity of workers
• testing and monitoring for safety problems; training employees in safety procedures and protocols.

SOCIAL SCIENTISTS

• Policy analysts
• Educators
• Fund-raisers
• Advocates
• Legal specialists

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS

• Environmental Reporters
• Environmental Writers for magazines, journals, and newsletters
• Technical writers
• Environmental consultants in Video, Television, and Film, Advertising
• Market researchers
• Community relations specialists

See the Environmental LINKS page for links to job opportunities announcements

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