Environmental jobs today come with a decent pay package and offer a wide range of opportunities to match your interests, skills and education. Whether you come from agriculture, science, biology or some other background, you can work for the environment and yet earn a handsome pay just like any other full-time job. As companies become more aware of their responsibility toward the planet, these jobs are set to grow rapidly in the future. Here are five of the best jobs from different fields you can consider to impact the environment:
1. Environmental Engineers
Environmental engineers apply their knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry and soil science to find sustainable solutions for the environment. For example, they may be involved in areas, such as air pollution control, ground water recharge and sewage recycling. You can become an environmental engineer with a regular engineering degree in civil, chemical or mechanical engineering. Colleges also offer environmental engineering as a separate specialization.
2. Agricultural Scientists
As an agricultural scientist, you would be involved in improving the efficiency and environmental safety of agricultural products and processes. For example, developing crops that use less water or developing an agricultural method that gives a higher yield come under the scope of agricultural scientists. In order to become an agricultural scientist, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a related discipline. There are specialised agencies like AgHires that offer agriculture executive recruiting to a wide range of positions in agribusinesses, food production and animal health.
3. Conservation Scientists
Conservation scientists look for ways to conserve forests, land quality and other natural resources. They may work for the government, social organizations or private land owners. You would need a bachelor’s degree in forestry to become a conservation scientist. The growing need for reforestation and wildfire prevention is likely to drive the demand for this job role.
Hydrologists study water movement and distribution in the Earth’s crust and atmosphere. They find solutions to issues related to water quality and conservation. The demand for hydrologists is on the rise, especially due to population growth. You would need a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in science with specialization in hydrology to make a career in this field.
Geoscience refers to the study of the earth. Thus, as a geoscientist, you would study the earth’s composition and structure in order to learn about its past and future states. Typically, you would be required to share your work hours between picking soil samples and testing them in a laboratory. Employers prefer a degree in geoscience for this role.
In addition to the above, there are several other career options in manufacturing, engineering, urban planning, biochemistry and meteorology that allow you to make a living while working for the environment.