 |  |
 |    |
       | |
    | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|  100+ Conservationists | Environmental Career Choices Hundreds of career opportunities exist for people who are passionate about the environment. Your perfect job may be in government or private industry, be outdoors or indoors, or may require an advanced degree or no degree at all. If you are driven, dedicated, and well prepared, that perfect job can be yours. Whether you're about to enter college or graduate school or are simply ready to switch careers, this list will familiarize you with a few of the numerous career paths available. To find information about careers not mentioned here, check out the Resources section for helpful Web sites and publications. Before you choose a career path:
Career Menu Air Quality Inspector Botanist Cartographer Conservation Entrepreneur Fisheries Biologist Ecotour Guide Environmental Attorney Environmental Educator Environmental Journalist Forester Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist Grassroots Organizer Landscape Architect Natural Resource Economist Organic Farmer Park Ranger Policy Developer Recycling Coordinator Transportation Planner Wildlife Rescuer/Rehabilitator Marine Biologist Environmental Engineer Wildlife Biologist/Researcher Lobbyist Air Quality Inspector Field: Air Quality Management Air quality inspectors are the police officers of our air, monitoring and regulating its quality. They make visits to businesses and factories to ensure that pollution laws are being followed. Inspectors respond to complaints and are sometimes called to assess possible emission risks when a new manufacturer is ready to begin operations. After an emergency, such as a chemical explosion or a fuel leak, inspectors also assess air quality damage. While air quality inspectors do spend a lot of time on the road, they spend just as many hours doing paperwork. They write permits and review permit applications for businesses that expel pollutants into the air. They also write reports and manage teams of technicians.
Field: Botany and Horticulture Botanists do more than work in nurseries and gardens. They research and study the biology of plants, from tiny organisms to massive trees. Identifying new plant species and protecting plant habitats from urban development and harmful contaminants are priorities for botanists. Because botany is a broad field, many professionals specialize in areas such as biochemistry, ecology, horticulture, and genetics. Botanists' work can take them into the depths of a forest, throughout a public park, or simply inside a laboratory.
Field: Geography Cartography is the art of making maps. Over time, cartographers have evolved from detailed illustrators to sophisticated technical analysts. Using advanced computer tools, cartographers input and analyze geographic map data and chart the movement of wildlife, the progression of erosion, and the precise locations of plant species. Cartographers are meticulous, analytical professionals who work indoors at a computer. They generate charts and reports and share their findings with government agencies, policy developers, and environmental groups, among other organizations.
Field: Entrepreneurism and Business Management One idea + passion for the environment + ambition = success and profit That's the formula conservation entrepreneurs live by. Entrepreneurs are seasoned business professionals, inventors, or just average people who identify a need and develop a product that offers a solution. The demand for "green," or environmentally safe, products is high, and opportunities for new products are unlimited. As an entrepreneur, you could develop an idea for a new consumer product that you create and sell. You also may have an idea for a machine or a device that can help manufacturers create environmentally sound products. In both scenarios, you need to research and determine a need, write a business plan, find funding, and aggressively market your idea. Entrepreneurism can be a risky career, but if successful, can be extremely rewarding -- both financially and environmentally.
Field: Ecotourism and Adventure Travel If the great outdoors, travel, and meeting new people appeal to you (and a desk job does not), ecotourism could an exciting industry to explore. The demand for "learning" vacations -- in which tourists visit remote, delicate environments -- is on the rise, as is the need for well-traveled, knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides. Guides escort paying tourists on a journey to diverse parts of the globe -- from rainforests to isolated sanctuaries -- perhaps to observe and learn more about wildlife, migrating birds, or horticulture. Some excursions target aspiring photographers or documentarians. Others are active trips involving hiking, biking, rafting, or another outdoor activity. Ecotour guides are relied upon not only for their wisdom about routes to travel and where to stay but also for their expert knowledge and experience in a particular field, such as ornithology (study of birds).
Field: Law and Policy An environmental attorney is a lawyer firmly committed to conservation and environmental issues. Combining science knowledge with a strong legal foundation, these lawyers fight for pollution-free air, clean water, the preservation of endangered species, and much more. They often represent the underdog and spend much of their time fostering negotiations between corporations and factories, government agencies, and environmental groups. Environmental litigation can be slow and the pay is modest, but dedicated environmental attorneys are passionate about their causes and thrive on litigation and the legal process.
Field: Education With rising interest in environmental education for both adults and youths, environmental education is a rapidly growing field with many career options. Environmental educators are often elementary or secondary schoolteachers or college professors. Some work as guides and educators in zoos, aquariums, nature reserves, or national parks. Other educators serve as consultants for government-funded education programs or environmental groups. No matter which route an educator chooses, he or she is responsible for disseminating factual information about conservation and the environment to others. Enthusiastic environmental educators love the subject matter and working with people, but as in most of the teaching profession, salaries in this field are humble.
Field: Engineering Environmental engineers design, build, and operate systems safe for the natural world. They assess and evaluate the environmental and social impacts of engineering projects for the public, scientists, and other interest groups, along with developing new technologies to improve the eco-friendliness of these projects or meet government standards. Their engineering expertise is applied to natural resource management, pollution control, and environmental impact assessments. Environmental engineers often specialize in a particular industry sector, such as the mineral or chemical industry. They work closely with other professionals and their work can take them both indoors and outdoors when working on projects.
Field: Communications News about environmental and conservation issues is ever present -- and environmental journalists are the "watchdogs" of this tumultuous field. The public relies on journalists to report on trends, breakthroughs, and dangers. Environmental journalists work for various media -- newspapers, magazines, web sites, or television news -- and write hard news stories and feature articles. Like all journalists, environmental writers/reporters research, investigate, and objectively weave together information from many sources. Creating a network of contacts within government agencies, corporations, and environmental groups is crucial to success. While some environmental journalists are on staff with one publication or television station, many work independently for multiple media. Freelance journalists are self-starters who often develop their own story ideas and pitch them to editors.
Field: Fishery and Wildlife Management As the fisheries biologist's name implies, this scientist studies and evaluates living things found in streams, rivers, and lakes (as opposed to marine biologists, who work in the seas). These professionals constantly monitor our water resources to determine if they are being overused or endangered and they also assess damage caused by hazards such as oil spills or general pollution. Fisheries biologists police the waters and protect its inhabitants by enforcing laws like the Endangered Species Act. Fisheries biologists do indeed get their hands (and more) wet working on location, but they also spend time indoors writing reports, working in a lab, and teaching.
Field: Forestry Foresters are versatile, dedicated conservationists with a broad job description. Their duties include managing and caring for forest resources, planting and harvesting forests (which includes deciding which trees should be cut down and which should be left standing), supervising land crews, constructing trails and facilities for visitors, monitoring water quality, and protecting wildlife and plant habitats. One of the many hats a forester wears is that of firefighter, battling forest blazes as they arise. Work in forestry is physically taxing and often requires living a rugged, minimalist lifestyle.
Field: Geography In an era of digital information, GIS specialists are highly desired because they integrate geographic, cartographic, and technologic data to reveal environmental trends and risks. Using advanced computer software and 3-D modeling techniques, GIS specialists compile data and reference it with other information (such as demographic statistics). Detailed maps, charts, and graphs are generated and analyzed to identify environmental issues of interest to government agencies, environmental groups, or corporations. GIS specialists are detail-oriented, analytical professionals who work indoors at a computer.
Field: Public Action Grassroots organizers are spirited, action-oriented individuals who work to unite groups or communities around certain issues, such as recycling, pollution, or chemical waste. Organizers help citizens create the mission, vision, and strategic plan to stimulate change and achieve their goals. Grassroots organizers usually work in a specified region as volunteers. In some cases, they may be hired by groups and paid a small stipend. This career is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about the environment, not motivated by money, and wants to work a flexible schedule.
Field: Planning and Design Whether it's a public park, a community courtyard, a shopping center, or a national monument, landscape architects plan and design beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly spaces. Before beginning a project, landscape architects analyze the site to study the climate, drainage, soil, and plant life. They are responsible for all aspects of the project, from selecting shrubbery and overseeing soil placement to choosing materials used in constructing decks and patios. Because the pressure to construct useful, safe areas is growing, the future for landscape architects is bright. This career is ideal for people who thrive on variety -- the job mixes research, planning, design, engineering, construction, geology, horticulture, botany, and more. Landscape architects conduct site visits throughout a project but also spend time inside a design studio or meeting with team members and clients.
Field: Public Action and Policy Lobbyists are known for their power of persuasion. Their job is to sway politicians to vote on legislation in a way that favors their interests. Lobbyists must be able to tailor their appeals to specific individuals and interest groups. They must be well informed, self-confident, and have good people skills. There are two main types of lobbying: direct lobbying with politicians and indirect lobbying with grassroots organizations. Both types work long hours especially during the days before their issues' vote. Both public and private organizations hire lobbyists to work for their interests, including groups that advocate on behalf of the environment and wildlife.
Field: Biology and Marine Resource Management As the name implies, this scientist can study every aspect of the sea, from coral reefs and marine mammals to fishery management. Marine biologists monitor the sea's resources to determine if they are being overused or are endangered. Not only do they research specific species and ecosystems throughout the sea, they also act as policemen, clarifying who and what are exploiting marine resources, helping to determine what management practices can best sustainably use or protect the sea.
Field: Economics Just as an economist predicts and makes recommendations about financial trends, a natural resource economist studies our vital resources to determine best practices for long-term use. Conservation economists are called upon to make educated recommendations to policy makers and to weigh both the financial and environmental implications of proposed allocations of land, water, air, and other natural resources. This job is spent indoors studying data, writing reports, and meeting with officials. Job openings in this career path are rare and highly competitive, but it is a unique, extremely valued position for those who persevere.
Field: Agriculture With increased demand from consumers for food safe from harmful contaminants, the organic food industry is booming. Organic farmers produce and sell these types of crops, particularly vegetables and fruit, which are guaranteed to be free of chemicals found in some fertilizers or pesticides. Among an organic farmer's duties are nurturing nutrient-rich soil, selecting, planting, and harvesting crops, and running the day-to-day operations of a farm. As with most farmers, organic farmers spend long days outdoors and wear many hats -- from harvester to business manager. It is not enough to simply tend land and grow hearty crops; independent organic farmers actively market and sell their products to achieve a profitable farm business. Some organic farmers work exclusively for large food manufacturers.
Field: Parks You've probably seen or spoken with park rangers on visits to places like Yosemite National Park or the Statue of Liberty, but you may not realize everything a ranger does. Park rangers manage the conservation and use of resources in parks, recreation areas, and historic sites. This includes monitoring water quality and pollution, planning trails and roads, and studying plant and animal inhabitants. Park rangers are also responsible for the safety and education of visitors. They enforce safety laws and regulations and often provide aid or rescues when needed. As guides on tours and hikes, rangers explain historic and ecological details of an area. Throughout their careers, park rangers can end up working in many different locations around the country (rural, isolated, urban) and live in conditions ranging from comfortable to rugged.
Field: Law and Policy Policy developers are pioneers in the development of rules and regulations by which businesses must abide. Developers gather and objectively weigh input from many sources, including scientists, environmentalists, engineers, and businesses themselves. They work as a chief negotiator to create fair and acceptable standards. Policy developers often work within government agencies, and they spend much time meeting with stakeholders and lobbying Congress.
Field: Waste Management In some communities, recycling glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper is not required. Recycling coordinators may be hired in such communities by local governments or groups to "rally" citizens' participation. A coordinator's job is to keep abreast with recycling trends and news and to constantly persuade people to participate in recycling programs. Some coordinators also work closely with local government officials to push for recycling legislation. Though the salaries for recycling coordinators are minimal, environmentalists wishing to get involved in activist work on a part-time basis may find this job ideal.
Field: Engineering Transportation planners are part of a team that include transportation designers and operators. After conducting methodical research and analysis, planners propose means of travel by road, air, or water that are safe for people, cargo, and the environment. All projects, whether it's a new highway, bridge, or railroad, are planned carefully to limit negative effects on air and water quality and plant and animal habitats. While transportation planners spend much time outdoors at job sites, they are also often found indoors researching, writing, and meeting with government officials, community leaders, and environmental groups. Their job is more than constructing a new travel route --it involves complying with many standards and satisfying the varying interests of many diverse people.
Field: Natural Resource and Wildlife Management Wildlife biologists combine a love of the outdoors with great research and analytical skills. They study species survival and growth rates, interactions between wildlife and their ecosystems, and predict what factors are influencing and exploiting natural resources. They apply ecological principles with their research to determine best management practices. Much of their time is spent doing field work outside, however, writing scientific reports and articles is also a key part of their job.
Field: Wildlife For animal lovers, wildlife rescue can be an exhilarating and rewarding career. Wildlife rescuers receive calls from park rangers, police officers, and even average citizens about abandoned or injured animals -- from domestic pets to rare species. After transporting the animal from the location, a rescuer's role switches to rehabilitator. He or she feeds, nurtures, and provides medical care until the animal is healthy enough to return to the wild or a new home can be found in a zoo, preserve, or domestic residence. Wildlife rescuers typically work in a state-operated facility, and they must be very flexible about work hours -- they are usually on call 24 hours a day.
| ||||||||||||||
|
