All across the world there is rapid industrialization that is causing massive environmental degradation. Governments, private industries and concerned citizens are trying their best to protect the environment without slowing down the pace of development. It is not possible to do so without the help of trained professionals who know how to take care of these issues. This has opened up many career opportunities in this sector. Careers in environmental science are available in both government and private sectors. There are different types of posts that require different levels of educational qualifications.
Diploma and Degrees
Autosamplers being prepared as part of a wetland research project on water quality. Picture courtesy of Environmental Science program at Iowa State University (www.ensci.iastate.edu) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Degree courses in environmental science are offered by many colleges and universities. From the simple diploma and bachelor’s degree to the high level of Master of Business Administration and PhD courses in environmental science are available. Such degrees are offered for programs like sustainable futures, sustainable communities, environmental management and policy, sustainability, renewable energy, green development, energy policy and administration, among many others. Such degrees make it easy to find careers in environmental science in government agencies, private companies and nonprofit environmental organizations.
Government Sector Jobs
Government agencies require qualified and trained professionals as inspectors, policymakers and researchers. Inspectors are employed to enforce environmental laws. They have to ensure manufacturing companies, local companies, and individuals involved in industrial production and manufacturing comply with environmental laws. There are policymaker careers in environmental science. Policymakers are required to frame environmental rules, regulations and laws. They have to take inputs from different research agencies, study the information, and present policy frameworks that take into account interests of government, private companies and citizens. Their job is to ensure environmental protection without compromising the overall development. This requires feedback from environmental researchers. These researchers have to study different aspects of land, air, water, and marine environment. They not only have to find the causes of the environmental degradation but also offer the right solutions.
Private Sector Jobs
With strict rules and regulations by government agencies and increased awareness about environmental issues among public, most private companies, especially the ones that are involved with large-scale industrial manufacturing and production, need trained and qualified environmental science professionals. Almost every company that uses chemicals and processes that can be harmful to the environment has to ensure that it has trained and certified environmental science employees on its rolls to ensure that no harmful wastes are released in the environment. Such issues have led to creation of lots of careers in environmental science in the private sector.
Many private companies need scientists with a degree in environmental science. Industries need products, services and solutions that help them comply with strict environmental laws. There are many companies that research environmental problems faced by industrial companies and come up with solutions in the form of efficient processes or products. This type of researches and solutions are possible only because of environmental scientists working for these companies. There are specialized environmental scientists working for specific issues related to freshwater, wetlands, restoration, forests, and natural resources. Careers in environmental science mean good salary offers. The amount of salary also depends on educational qualifications, certifications, and experience in this field.

spread the message, share this article