What Environmental Jobs Are There?

Are You Wondering What Environmental Jobs There Are?

The earth is in our hands – and taking care of it is within our reach. Knowing what environmental jobs are there could enable you to make career choices that make a real difference.

Around the world, there has been an upsurge in environmental movements that aim to cater to the environment’s need for rehabilitation, protection, conservation, and preservation.

In the world today, we've seen occurrences such as the implementation of plastic-free cities, adaptation to sustainable lifestyles, and legislation of environmentally-significant policies.

If you are passionate about a career in the environmental sector, then, there are a vast range of opportunities that you can consider.

What exactly are Environmental Jobs?

Environmental Jobs, otherwise known as Green Jobs, are jobs that handle the protection, regulation, and rehabilitation of the environment.

To mobilise this goal, organisations (government and private sector) need manpower. Environmental jobs fill this niche.

Here are some potential careers you might be interested in:

Aiming to improve the lives of local communities while protecting the environment?

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists oversee the management of the environment through proper utilisation of its resources. Hand in hand with the local communities and the government, they help build ideas on how a certain land area can best be utilised while being responsible for its protection and maintenance.

Urban and Regional Planners

Urban and Regional Planners take part in the building of communities through planning proper land and resource use. Taking into account the population within a certain land area, they construct programs in land and resource use, as best works with the residing communities, the quality of the area, and the availability of resources.

There are also a variety of professions working within the environmental field:

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers apply their knowledge based on the principles of biology, soil science, chemistry, and engineering in their expertise. In this line of work, they conduct research and assess data to pioneer best-fit solutions to preeminent issues in the environment.

Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers are lawyers, per se, that assist in the legalities of environment-related matters. Lawyers may step up to take part in the legislation of environmental laws, or handle cases of governments, corporations, or organisations to take appropriate action in resolving law-related environmental issues.

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists lead research to analyse issues in the environment and address these with viable solutions. In this regard, they protect and take care of not only the environment but also the population’s general health. They may also coordinate with communities and authorities in resolving environmental issues.

Environmental Technician

Environmental Technicians monitor and inspect the environment by bringing samples to the laboratory for testing. They may work with Environmental Scientists or Environmental Engineers and assist them in conducting research.

Interested in specialised fields of the Sciences?

Hydrologist

Hydrologists specialise in water movement, with which they use to determine water quality and availability. They oversee water supply and provide solutions to problems in water quality through testing water samples, monitoring equipment readings, and analysing data.

Geoscientist

Geoscientists are specialists in the earth’s physical aspects such as its structure, composition, and processes. Geoscientists may use the principles of geology to assist with the rehabilitation and preservation of the environment.

Biologist

Biologists cover a wide range of areas that concern the living world through research and analysis. This being said, biologists also range in specialisations such as wildlife biology, zoology, botany, marine science, and a whole lot more, studying the principles, relationships, and processes of life in all forms.

Forester

Foresters hold similar roles to that of a Conservation Scientist. They handle the management and ensure the sustainability of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.

Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric Scientists continuously study weather and climate, viewing how these may affect the population and the planet. From data and research, they present predictions on earth’s climate and weather alongside its possible impacts.

Agricultural Scientist

Agricultural Scientists practice their expertise by ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural areas and products. Through studies and research on agriculture, they provide ideas that improve the agricultural industry’s techniques, productivity, and sustainability.

If you’re interested in sustainability, here are careers you can make an impact with:

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers practice business management skills in light of sustainability advocacies. Often working with administrators, they guide organisations in adapting and improving sustainable projects.

Sustainability Specialist or Coordinator

Sustainability Specialists or Coordinators work hand in hand with the Sustainability Managers in these projects. They are the means to coordinate and execute the proposed plans out.

Sustainability Engineer

Sustainability Engineers apply concepts of engineering while taking into account the cause for sustainability. They improve and oversee the existing framework and system of projects, according to sustainability goals.

Nothing is more fitting than a role you’re passionate about – take a step further to turn this enthusiasm into a career.

After all, it has been said that - "If your job is your passion then you will never work a day in your life".

These are only a handful of potential environmental roles you could consider.

Check out our Environmental Sustainability Careers page to access even more environmental career profiles.

Here you will find out what different levels of education are required for the different environmental jobs that are out there.

With the right educational qualifications and preparation suited to meet the requirements of these roles, you can direct your passion into something that is significantly beneficial not only to planet earth but also to yourself.

To explore exactly what people do day to day in these careers, then access a recent RMIT research survey on our Links To Useful Environmental Publications page.