Environmental scientists plan mitigation and protection strategies for sensitive areas, contaminated sites, and human and environmental health risks. Job titles include climate change analyst, environmental engineer, hydrologist, and industrial ecologist. This guide describes environmental science careers, salaries, and work environments to help you determine the direction you want to go.
Environmental science degree jobs: Our picks
Consultants to private-sector companies and corporations
Environmental consultants assess the impacts of companies’ and corporations’ processes or products on the environment, including those involving hazardous materials. They advise companies about their operations’ risks, not only to the environment but also to employees and the public. They typically work in offices and labs. They may also work remotely or outdoors in the field. Jobs may also involve travel to meet with clients and attend conferences. Environmental science degree jobs require technical skills in computer modeling, data analysis and management, and geographic information systems (GIS). Professionals need a broad knowledge of biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. They also master specializations like soil science, waste management, and water resources. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the largest employers of environmental scientists are management, scientific, and technical consulting firms, followed by state governments. Strengths:
Communication and collaboration Problem-solving Scientific and data analysis
Interests:
Science and computersLab work and outdoor fieldworkMitigating environmental degradation
Career goals:
Helping governments and businesses understand the science behind environmental regulationsFinding solutions to mitigate climate change’s effectsWorking on or leading collaborative teams
Job tasks include:
Analyzing samplesConducting testsCreating projection modelsDocumenting data and processesWriting reportsPresenting findings and making recommendations for improvements
Environmental consultants need skills in written and oral communication, sample collection and testing, understanding laws and regulations, and technical analysis. SEE: 15 tips to improve your public speaking skills
Environmental science education roles
Environmental science education takes place at elementary and secondary schools, community organizations, and businesses. Educators help local governments curb greenhouse gas emissions, nonprofits inform citizen science groups, businesses employ best practices for environmental health, and school districts implement education and sustainability programs. Education often uses interdisciplinary and experiential learning covering sustainability, environmental justice, bioregionalism, and scientific principles. Naturalists introduce the public to environmental risks to habitats. Sustainability analysts work with businesses, homeowners, schools, and governments to reduce their environmental impacts. Potential positions include:
Environmental outreach specialistNaturalistOutdoor/environmental educatorScientific programmer and educatorSustainability analyst/specialist
Environmental engineering roles
Environmental engineers use technology to design solutions for erosion, agricultural discharge, hazardous waste disposal, and wastewater treatment. They also test air and water pollution. Environmental engineers model projections, inspect facilities and construction projects, and advise on contaminated site clean-up. They may serve as expert witnesses in environmental litigation and develop regulations. Important skills include imaginative thinking, writing and communication, project management, and data modeling. Nearly a third of environmental engineers work for engineering firms. Others find employment at management, scientific, and technical consulting firms and government agencies. Day-to-day activities include:
Conducting inspections and writing investigative reportsProject design and technical supportUpdating and maintaining permits and operating procedures
Farming, agriculture, conservation, and wildlife roles
Environmental scientists work on farming, agriculture, conservation, and wildlife. They focus on sustainable practices on farms, ranches, and forest lands. These practices protect wildlife, soil health, plant diversity, and water quality. These professionals work for government agencies, consulting firms, and conservation organizations. They partner with farmers and ranchers on projects that control erosion, use integrated pest management, manage animal waste, and implement grazing plans that prevent overgrazing and protect wildlife habitats. Other conservation projects include habitat preservation, wetland restoration, and prescribed burns to reduce wildfire risk. Potential roles include:
Conservation plannerField technicianFish and wildlife biologistSoil conservation technicianSustainability analyst
Government and policymaking roles
Government and policymaking roles include lawyers, lobbyists, planners, and policy analysts. Some may work for government agencies, advising policymakers, developing compliance strategies, staffing legal departments and crafting regulations. Others find employment with lobbying firms or non-profit organizations influencing law and policy. In these roles, you should be skilled in drafting and interpreting policies and legislation, understanding and analyzing environmental regulations, and writing position papers. You also need to be an effective communicator — both written and oral. These professionals work on local, state, and federal laws and policies concerning land use, transportation, clean air and water, environmental justice, environmental health, and similar issues. Jobs include:
Environmental lawyerEnvironmental lobbyistEnvironmental policy analystLand use plannerStormwater regulatory advisor
Research and academia roles
Universities hire environmental scientists as instructors and researchers. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations employ research scientists. Professors, assistant professors, and lecturers teach undergraduate and graduate classes and conduct independent and institutional research, publish their findings, and present at conferences. They may also lead academic departments, schools, and colleges. Researchers outside of academia may model and analyze data or work in policy research. Issues may include environmental health, environmental justice, regulatory compliance, and climate change. Most professionals at this level need a Ph.D. and specialization areas. Non-academic jobs may only require a master’s degree.
Associate/assistant professorData analyst/researcherLecturerProfessorEnvironmental scientistResearch associate
How much money can you make in environmental science careers?
The BLS reports a median annual salary of $76,530 for environmental scientists and specialists and $96,820 for environmental engineers as of May 2021. The highest-paid environmental scientists work for government agencies or hold a doctoral or professional degree.Roles paying more than $100,000 a year tend to be at private companies in industries like petroleum. You may increase your environmental science salary by earning advanced degrees or certifications, including Registered Environmental Professional, Geographic Information Systems, and the Ecological Society of America. SEE: Best online colleges and universities
This article was reviewed by Sierra Gawlowski, PE
Sierra Gawlowski, PE, earned her BS in civil engineering and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Washington. She has worked for a private engineering consulting firm as well as for public agencies. Sierra enjoys mentoring engineering students and junior staff. She also leads a project team for Engineers Without Borders and currently sits on the board of directors for Kilowatts for Humanity. Gawlowski is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network. Last reviewed May 20, 2022. Unless otherwise noted, job growth and salary data is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of July 11, 2022.
