A degree in environmental science presents you with a wide range of career opportunities. This is because there is currently a surge in demand for environmentalists around the globe. This demand has been brought about by the increasing need for both profit and nonprofit organizations to preserve the environment. Here are the top five careers you can choose with a degree in environmental science.
Environmental Engineer
An environmental engineer employs the principles of engineering to design various solutions to environmental problems. He studies the challenges posed by:
- the growing population
- rapidly evolving technology
- heavy industrialization
The environmental engineer develops technically-oriented solutions geared towards maintaining and improving the quality of environment. An environmental engineer earns an average salary of $84,560 per year. The employment rate is expected to grow by 12 percent in the next 10 years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this growth rate is faster than average and shows a lot of prospects for those who want to enter into this profession.
Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant works with businesses and government agencies to help them reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainability consultants look at the materials used in production and the waste produced. They then determine their impact on the eco-systems. They also carry out extensive research to determine a company’s carbon output and energy performance. A sustainability consultant earns an average salary of $60,286 per year. The employment rate is expected to increase by 11 percent in the next 10 years. Half of sustainability consultants work as independent contractors. Most of those who are employed report high job satisfactions rates characterized by regular bonuses and improved medical coverage.
Environmental Manager
Environmental managers oversee the environmental performance of a particular organization. They develop and implement environmental strategies. They play a key role in procurement and supply of all goods and services within the organization. Environmental managers may also coordinate all aspects of pollution and carry out an impact assessment to identify the environmental risks in the organization. An environmental manager earns an average salary of $109,336. Environmental managers work in many industries. However, most of them are found in the energy and construction sector.
Hydrologist
Hydrologists study the impact of various activities on the quality of water. They also study how water interacts with the earth’s crust. Most hydrologists collect and evaluate water samples to determine their pH levels and pollutants present. They then use computer models to forecast future conditions regarding water supply and remediation of pollution. A hydrologist in the United States earns an average salary of $79,550 per year. The employment growth rate is expected to increase by 7 percent in the next 10 years. This is considered as fast as the average.
Climatologist
Climatologists focus on a wide range of short and long-term changes in climate. They investigate atmospheric conditions and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations. They then prepare reports and forecasts for public consumption. Most climatologists work indoors in weather stations or laboratories. Sometimes they go to the field and may work several hours during weather emergencies. A climatologist in the US earns an average salary of $89,820 per year. The employment rate is projected to grow by 9 percent over the next 10 years. Most climatologists in the United States work in the private sector.
Related Resource: 20 Deals: Small Colleges for Environmentally Minded
Industries are beginning to recognize their responsibilities in creating and maintaining a sustainable environment. They have begun creating positions in waste management and pollution to help them boost their environmental performance. This means that there are a lot of prospects for those who major in environmental science. It only takes hard work and high levels of commitment in an environmental science class to get into one of the careers discussed above.