Because of problems like pollution and climate change, environmental science is growing more quickly than earlier. A career as a microbiologist, environmental scientist, or environmental engineer are just a few of the employment opportunities available to those who pursue an environmental science degree.
In this post, we’ll look at 12 of the best careers you can pursue with a degree in environmental science and the qualifications you should highlight on your resume when applying for them.
Environmental science: What Is It?
Environmental science is a comprehensive field of study that integrates cognitive, genetic, and structural science to investigate the environment and address environmental issues. There are many topics covered by environmental science. For example, earth sciences, meteorology, minerals, physics, chemistry, and biology.
We study environmental science because…
We are environmentally conscious. It is where we live or where we cooperate with other animals to make a living. With a growing global population and activities by humans that upset the ecological balance, environmental science teaches us how to maintain the environment.
What differentiates Environmental Science from Environmental Studies?
ES majors base their idealism on sound scientific principles. You must be able to comprehend and apply challenging ideas from biology, chemistry, geology, and physics as a student studying this subject. Additionally, you’ll discover how to use quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques for problem-solving and reading study data. You can design research models to examine environmental challenges by using your creativity.
Majors in environmental studies cover a wider range of topics. Social, political, and historical factors may be considered by experts in this discipline in addition to natural sciences. These professions deal with legal, public policy, and related topics.
Main Points
- Careers in environmental science place a strong emphasis on the mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics that impact our world and atmosphere.
- Jobs in environmental studies involve a broader perspective and integrate social and political science concepts with those from the natural sciences.
- Environmental consultants, teachers, public relations experts, engineers, and lawyers are some professions in these domains.
Is a Career in Environmental Science Good?
Yes, given the state of the world now, environmental science is a good profession. Climate conditions are changing, environmental pollution is getting worse, and global warming is getting worse. We study environmental science and pursue careers in this field to safeguard the environment to address all these concerns. The best opportunity for development is to pursue a career in environmental science, which offers full-time employment and more opportunities for R&D.
Read Also:
Top 10 Major Opportunities for Science Students to Shape the Future
Top ten opportunities for Environmentalists
1. Environmental specialist
National average pay for environmental specialists is $28,460 annually.
These experts oversee keeping track of how the environment affects a population and finding and recommending solutions to environmental issues. They are employed by factories producing chemicals and electricity. To help alleviate environmental concerns, they conduct preventative programmes and collect food, water, soil, and air samples.
2. Marine biologist
The national average wage for marine biologists is $48,017 per year.
A scientist that focuses on ocean life is known as a marine biologist. They might also look at other salty areas, such marshes. They frequently observe and gather data, carry out experiments, and study marine life and creatures.
3. Environmental Specialist
Average annual Income: $76,5302
Environmental impact studies are required for all types of organizations when they seek to develop undeveloped property or use already built land for a different use. As an environmental consultant, you will utilize analytical tools to evaluate the potential effects of development projects on the local water, soil, air, or wildlife. You will make recommendations for strategies to reduce potential consequences when problematic affects are discovered. In other situations, organizations might hire you to discuss current issues—like pollution—and offer solutions.
4. Environmental Engineer
Average annual Income: $96,8204
Environmental engineers are frequently tasked with developing and implementing the technological solutions needed to address issues with environmental pollution or contamination. Designing environmental technology in this position requires you to draw on your understanding of environmental science, and estimating the physical dimensions of systems requires you to use the quantitative abilities you honed as an ES major.
You’ll be required to create project proposals and deliver client recommendations that demonstrate your capacity for thorough research, strong argumentation, teamwork, and the development of workable solutions.
5. Sustainability Specialist
Average salary: $86,318
All types of organizations are looking for more environmentally friendly ways to do their duties. As a sustainability specialist, you will evaluate an organization’s environmental practices and impact and suggest and put into practice solutions to reduce resource consumption and harm to the environment.
Conducting complex analyses of how present activities affect the environment and figuring out what conservation advantages result from using alternative techniques call for knowledge of scientific methodology.
6. Forest Ranger
Annual salary on average: $63,750
Do you wish to work in the field of environmental studies where you can spend a lot of time outside? Then a career as a park ranger or Forest Ranger might be right for you. To maintain the safety of the public and private parks and recreational spaces, park rangers are employed there. This includes informing the public and enforcing park regulations. Rangers may reside in or close to the park where they operate. Remember that these jobs are frequently located in outlying areas.
Essential occupational abilities:
- Ability to perform physical labor outside.
- Strong communication abilities in both writing and spoken.
- Being familiar with pertinent laws, rules, and regulations
7. Geologist
One of the highest-paying professions is geologist. A geologist’s primary duties include gathering and analyzing data mostly linked to the geological elements of the environment. Minerals, soil, and other things are all studied by geologists. They might evaluate places like mining activities, etc.
8. Urban Planner
After, one of the highest-paying careers is urban planning. Planning for residential and public development as well as land evaluation are the main duties of an urban planner. The current arrangement of the place must be improved, and the optimal use of the areas they are working on must be determined.
9. Technician for environmental laboratories
Average Annual Salary: $47,370
For environmental science majors seeking an entry-level position, this is among the finest positions. In fact, many environmental lab tech roles can be filled after only two years of study for an associate degree! However, because it will boost your earning potential, we still advise getting a bachelor’s degree.
Environmental lab technicians work in laboratories, as the name suggests. To address different environmental challenges, they carry out tests and gather data. Travelling to many locations to gather data for this work may be necessary. To address present environmental problems and avert future ones, technicians frequently collaborate with environmental scientists and engineers.
Essential occupational abilities:
- Knowledge of how to operate and maintain lab equipment.
- Understanding of safety procedures
- Gathering and studying data
10. Meteorologist
Estimated Annual Salary: $94,570
Meteorologists explore weather patterns to forecast, trace, and keep an eye on the weather in the future. As a result, we can get ready for upcoming natural disasters. We can better understand how climate change affects weather patterns and how these changes directly affect people across the world with the aid of meteorologists.
Many meteorologists work for governmental organizations like NASA and NOAA. Others carry out research for academic institutions or for private businesses like TV news stations. It is possible for certain meteorologists to travel for work to gather information about specific meteorological events or to offer on-site assistance after a natural catastrophe.
Essential occupational abilities:
- Technology-based big data analysis.
- Effective written and verbal communication.
11. Environmental health specialist
$82,879 Average income
Officers of environmental health operate in both the public and commercial sectors to support the upkeep of appropriate environmental standards. Various environmental and public health requirements, such as those relating to workplace safety, pollution reduction, and injury prevention, may be monitored, and enforced.
12. Water quality scientist
National average pay for water quality scientists is $87,297 per year.
primary obligations: Scientists that study water quality evaluate and examine drinking water, groundwater, and surface water. They report any problems with water quality, such as pollution, and offer methods for preserving and enhancing it. They frequently work for commercial enterprises, non-profit environmental organizations, and the government.
Conclusion
The study of environmental science is recommended for those who want to learn about environmental issues and make a solid living at the same time. After earning a BS in this field, we successfully launch our careers. A student would do well to choose this course as the foundation for their fantastic career.
What about an MBA in environmental science?
There are several job opportunities for postgraduate students with an MBA in environmental management. You can start your career as a young professional with an MBA in Environmental Management by working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), for-profit businesses, or for the government.
What are the advantages of earning an MSc in environmental science?
Ecological health, bioscience, sustainability, oceanography, and marine biology are the four subfields of environmental science.
What are the advantages of earning an MSc in environmental science?
MSc environmental science students have the option of specializing in chemistry, biology, engineering, conservation, or ecology. Students can help protect the Earth’s resources and facilitate migration in important ways.
Also Check
Also check out: Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (review of IEE and EIA) Regulations (2000) and International Environmental Agreements Signed by Pakistan.
