Environmental Careers

What Can I do with this Major

This resource provides information about majors and the occupations commonly associated with it. Research links within four categories: Professional Associations, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Related Resources, and Employment Opportunities. 

Labor Market Insights

Use this real-life employment data from across the country to help inform your career decision-making. Simply access the resource and type in a career to see more on Core Tasks, Employment Trends, Top Employers, Education Levels, Annual Earnings, Technical Skills, and Core Competencies

O*Net

The O*NET Program is the nation’s primary source of occupational information. Valid data are essential to understanding the rapidly changing nature of work and how it impacts the workforce and U.S. economy. From this information, applications are developed to facilitate the development and maintenance of a skilled workforce.

Job Titles to Explore

This is just a sampling of job titles available within the field of environment, check out all environmental careers in the resources linked above

Environmental Compliance Inspectors: Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances. Sample of reported job titles: Air Permitting and Enforcement Inspector, Compliance Investigator, Enforcement Officer, Environmental Compliance Inspector, Environmental Inspector, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Quality Analyst, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Enforcement Officer (RCRA Enforcement Officer), Toxics Program Officer, Waste Management Specialist

Water Resource Specialists: Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. Sample of reported job titles: Water Resources Planner

Environmental Engineers: Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology. Sample of reported job titles: Air Pollution Control Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Consultant, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Engineer, Environmental Remediation Specialist, Hazardous Substances Engineer, Sanitary Engineer

Wind Energy Operations Managers: Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. Sample of reported job titles: Service Site Manager, Site Manager, Turbine Site Manager, Wind Facilities Manager, Wind Operations Supervisor, Wind Plant Manager, Wind Plant Operations Manager, Wind Site Manager, Wind Site Supervisor, Wind Technician Leader

Soil and Plant Scientists: Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity. Sample of reported job titles: Agronomist, Arboriculture Researcher, Crop Nutrition Scientist, Forage Physiologist, Horticulture Specialist, Plant Physiologist, Plant Research Geneticist, Research Scientist, Research Soil Scientist, Scientist

Conservation Scientists: Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in the best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering. Sample of reported job titles: Conservationist, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Quality Scientist, Erosion Control Specialist, Land Reclamation Specialist, Land Resource Specialist, Research Soil Scientist, Resource Conservation Specialist, Resource Conservationist, Soil Conservationist

Environmental Scientists and Specialists: Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. Sample of reported job titles: Environmental Analyst, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist), Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Programs Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist, Hazardous Substances Scientist, Natural Resources Specialist, Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)

Environmental Science Teachers: Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. Sample of reported job titles: Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Environmental Engineering Professor, Environmental Sciences Professor, Environmental Studies Professor, Faculty Member, Instructor, Lecturer, Professor

Environmental Law: Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. Sample of reported job titles: Attorney, Attorney at Law, Attorney General, Counsel, County Attorney, District Attorney, General Counsel, Lawyer, Prosecuting Attorney, Prosecutor