As private industry and government entities focus on the environment and the relationship between science, resource management and public policy, more jobs are created for graduates with degrees in environmental science. Career possibilities include entry-level jobs for those with four-year degrees to posts for PhD and master’s graduates in environmental science.
Government
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leads the government’s research and policy-making on environmental issues. Permanent jobs are available for students and recent graduates. The Environmental Careers Program (ECP) is a two-year position aimed at students looking to create a career path with the agency. New graduates are appointed to various divisions within the agency on rotating assignments that average about two months, giving them a broad range of experience and exposure. ECP employees are introduced to work projects being performed by the agency in research, environmental clean-up, monitoring, compliance and prevention. New hires are introduced to various leaders within the field with whom they can build important contacts. The program is open to both bachelor and advanced degreed graduates.
Nonprofits
Nonprofit associations hire research scientists with degrees in environmental science to carry out the mission of the groups, provide statistics that support fundraising efforts and look for alternative energy sources and cleanup techniques. Groups such as the American Water Resources Association and Sea Grant Mid-Atlantic offer a number of opportunities for career advancement. State and local municipalities utilize environmental scientists to monitor compliance programs and run water, sewer and clean air programs and teach in public universities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of environmental science graduates work in some government capacity.
Consultants
Environmental consultancies are growing and utilizing the expertise of degreed environmental scientists. Groups such as Huff & Huff, CH2M Hill and the Shaw Group provide industries with services such as site compliance assessments, environmental audits, soil and ground water remediation and storm water management. Law firms that assist with remediation cases and class action lawsuits recruit forensic scientists with a background in environmental science.
Advancement
Most government agencies and private consulting firms offer opportunities for advancement within their organizations for environmental scientists and engineers who have worked in the field and become involved in the industry as a whole. Positions such as executive director, program manager, lobbyist and development director are possibilities for advancement in the field. University posts often are offered to working professionals with advanced degrees who prefer to perform research, lead student research projects, write papers and supervise graduate teaching assistants.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Environmental Career Opportunities
Eco Employ
