A GUIDE TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Thousands of jobs exist in a variety of environmental fields throughout the United States. The sheer size of the World Environmental Directory (965 pages) illustrates the number of potential positions. There are permanent, volunteer, professional, technical, and part-time positions in industry, government, universities, and the private sector. This guide was put together in an effort to answer some of the questions commonly asked by the students concerning their career goals.
Some students become alarmed from time to time about the future of their career directions in light of current events. When making decisions about your career, you must be careful to establish goals and career objectives that you will be happy with. It is sometimes true that immediate events will influence future opportunities, but it is just as true that job opportunities fluctuate with the economy, the public’s awareness of environmental problems, and the current political administration, none of which are noted for stability. Therefore, it is best to maximize your personal talents and interests in the career area you like best and then later work just as hard in trying to obtain that job.
The job search will not be easy. Environmental studies majors should be well aware of the environmental, economic, and ever-increasing population problems that will make competition for vacancies more intense. On the other hand, for many of these same reasons, the job market for environmental studies graduates will probably increase for some time to come. After spending four or more years preparing yourself for a career, be prepared to also spend some time searching for a job. This time, of course, can be reduced in some cases by starting your job or graduate school search at the beginning of your senior year rather than at the end. Hopefully, this guide will be of some help. Environmental Studies advisors, professors, staff, and the College Placement Office will all offer assistance, but the final responsibility is yours.
Q: WHAT KIND OF JOB CAN ONE APPLY FOR WITH A DEGREE IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES?
The field of Environmental Studies is by nature very broad and diversified, as a quick glance over the courses required for a degree will illustrate. Indeed, this is part of the reason for the interdisciplinary scope of the Program. Job possibilities range from soil and water conservation and environmental consulting to waste water management, wildlife ecology, and remote sensing. For this reason one should not limit his/her search to those jobs that have a key word such as “environmental” in their titles. Keep an open mind and look on a broader scale for potential job opportunities where principles of environmental science can be or have been applied.
By pursuing coursework in various Environmental Studies tracks you can prepare yourself for jobs that become available in the sample areas listed below. For example, by taking electives from Track 5 in Option A or C you could apply for positions in waste water management, although you would not be a trained civil engineer.
OPTIONS A and C. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Track 1.APPLIED ECOLOGY AND FIELD BIOLOGY
ForestryRange Management
Plant EcologyAquatic Ecology
Animal EcologyWildlife Biology
Terrestrial EcologyBiological Control
Natural Resource ManagementZoology
BotanyEntomology
Fisheries BiologyAgriculture
MammalogyEnvironmental Education
Peace Corps
Track 2.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS
ArchitectureEnvironmental Design
Land Use PlanningEnvironmental Consulting
Environmental LawEnvironmental Engineering
Environmental LobbyingEnvironmental Planning
Remote SensingEnvironmental Protection
Land Surveying
Track 3.ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Public HealthMicrobiology
PhysiologyMedical Entomology
Air Quality ControlEnvironmental Sanitation
Community HealthRadiation Protection
NutritionRecreational Health
Occupational HealthEnvironmental Safety
Peace CorpsEnvironmental Geology and Meteorology
Track 4.ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY AND METEOROLOGY
Soils ConservationGeochemistry
Air Quality AnalysisMineral Resources
MeteorologyEnergy Resources
HydrologyGroundwater Management
Remote SensingEnergy Conservation
Exploration GeologyAlternate Energy Development
Track 5.WATER RESOURCES
Aquatic BiologyFisheries Biology
HydrologyGroundwater Manager
Water Resource ManagementEstuarine Biology
Fisheries ManagementCoastal Zone Planning
Peace CorpsReservoir Management
Oceanography
OPTIONS B and D. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Track 6.ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND LAND RESOURCES
Environmental Planning Landscape Architecture
Urban and Regional PlanningSoil and Water Conservation
Resource AnalysisEnvironmental Impact Assessment
Remote SensingRecycling
CartographyEnvironmental Education
Environmental Policy AnalysisParks and Recreation Planning
Peace CorpsEnvironmental Public Relations
Track 7.ENERGY RESOURCES
Public RelationsEnergy Conservation Consultant
Alternate Energy DevelopmentEnergy Policy Analysis
Energy AuditEnvironmental Impact Analysis
Energy Systems DevelopmentPublic Education
Energy Planning Energy and Air Pollution
Risk AnalysisMining Reclamation
Q: WHAT ARE THE BEST COURSES TO TAKE TO PREPARE ONESELF FOR A CAREER IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES OR GRADUATESCHOOL?
The Environmental Studies Program at the University of Kansas is designed to provide coursework in a broad number of environmental areas with ample opportunity for concentrated coursework in specialized tracks. Options A, B, C, and D are designed to prepare students for careers in Environmental Studies and for graduate work in a number of fields.
Graduates of the Environmental Studies Program are employed in many private companies and governmental agencies. A large number are employed in environmental consulting and engineering firms working on environmental impact assessments or as technicians, safety officers, or field personnel. Others are employed in state, local and regional governmental agencies as resource specialists or in planning. Many graduates have been employed by various Federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Defense Mapping Agency, etc.
The key to selection of coursework that will lead to a job in one of these firms or agencies is to first decide what interests you the most. If you select an area that interests you the most, you are likely to be more enthusiastic about your coursework, to spend more time studying the material and to achieve better grades. As a result you will be more competitive in the job market and much happier five or ten years from now. It is a serious mistake to select a career direction on the basis of present job availability without serious consideration to what really interests you the most.
Q: WHAT ABOUT JOBS WITH STATE GOVERNMENTS?
The procedure for state jobs varies from state to state. In the state of Kansas, all job opportunities are advertised in the major state newspapers and in the Kansas Government Journal. Many state departments employ environmental scientists, e.g., State Highway Department, Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The availability of jobs varies with the political administration that is in power and the economic condition of the State. A civil service exam usually is required.
Q: WHAT ABOUT JOBS WITH MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS?
Most cities advertise their job openings in the major newspapers of that city, and sometimes in the surrounding cities as well. Jobs vary from environmental specialist or consultant to jobs in the city or county department of health. Probably most jobs at this level are with urban planning departments.
Q: WHAT ABOUT JOBS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT?
The Federal Government is certainly the largest employer in the United States and therefore seems to attract the most applications for positions. Unfortunately, most job opportunities in Environmental Studies exist outside the government (i.e., in private industry). The availability of jobs within the Federal Government varies from one political administration to the next; therefore the job picture at this time could be radically different than the job picture in four years.
Only about 12% of all federal jobs are located in the WashingtonD.C. are. The rest of the jobs are scattered throughout the United States at various locations. When one is applying for a federal job, therefore, some consideration must be given to the area in which you wish to live and work.
Q: WHAT ABOUT JOBS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR?
There are literally hundreds of jobs in the private sector with a diversified list of different employers and positions. Past graduates have found jobs with energy firms, construction businesses, consultants, retail firms, agribusiness, and law firms. Generally, any corporation or enterprise which makes use of the environment or may potentially have some type of environmental impact may consider employees for environmental science-related positions.
There are professional job searching agencies which usually have some type of fee or percentage of the salary of the job they find for you, should you finally take it. Most job search agencies only charge you if they are successful in obtaining a job for you. Many businesses come to college campuses to interview for available positions; others place advertisements in local newspapers and journals. Most of the “job hunting” literature currently available in local bookstores is oriented towards giving advice on how best to obtain a job of this nature. We suggest you consult the listing of such publications in the local bookstore.
Q: WHAT KIND OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE WITH CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS?
Private conservation organizations are becoming larger, more sophisticated and more powerful as public awareness of environmental problems increases. Only a few years ago, conservation organizations limited themselves to the publication of magazines and newsletters and education of the public about environmental issues. Now many are involved in the active management of both species and habitats, acquisition of land, environmental consulting, research, monitoring of environmental problems, lobbying, public education and environmental law. Some of the major organizations include: The Audubon Society, The Izaak Walton League, Ducks Unlimited, The National Wildlife Federation, The Sierra Club, The Conservation Foundation, The Wilderness Society, The Nature Conservancy, National Geographic Society, and many more. A complete listing can be found in the Conservation Directory, published on a yearly basis by the National Wildlife Federation.
Q: WHAT KIND OF UNIVERSITY RELATED JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?
As with state and federal jobs, the number and kind of university jobs is usually a reflection of the current political administration and the current economic situation. Part-time jobs are available sporadically for undergraduates in a number of departments, usually to assist with particular research projects. These are generally advertised on the job board outside the Office of Student Financial Aid in Strong Hall. Most positions are filled by graduate students, but occasionally a staff member is hired as a technician with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Obviously, most environmental jobs at universities require a PhD and involve some teaching and research. These jobs are advertised in the leading research journals, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and are also circulated to various other university departments which might have interested and/or qualified people. Some smaller colleges and junior colleges use students with a master’s degree and a strong teaching background in various departments.
Q: WHAT DOES THE COLLEGE PLACEMENT OFFICE OFFER?
The University Career Center (UCC) located at 110 Burge Union (864-3624), has a division for undergraduates and one for graduates. UCC has many resources that may be of valuable assistance in your job hunt. However, UCC does not conduct the job search for you or place you in a position. The assistance offered by UCC is as follows:
∙Campus interviews: Many potential Environmental Studies employers contact this office to set up interviews on campus. These will be posted on the Environmental Studies bulletin board and on the UCC bulletin board.
∙UCC Bulleting Board: The UCC maintains a continually updated bulletin board in front of Watson Library. It might be advisable to check this source frequently.
∙Workshops: Examples of some workshops held in the past include: “Preparing for the Interview”, “How Not to Interview”, “Writing Effective Resumes and Letter”, “After the Campus Interview”, and “Government Jobs”.
∙Literature: The office keeps a small library of materials, books, and periodicals that may be of assistance.
∙Advice: Although they are not specialists at finding Environmental Studies jobs, they do have a variety of special contacts, and sources of information and are always willing to offer assistance.
Q: ARE THERE JOBS AVAILABLE WITH THE PEACE CORPS?
The Peace Corps has many positions for which students with a bachelor’s or master’s level degree would be well qualified. Of course, they do not promise high salaries, but rather provide valuable experience, travel, and cultural opportunities. Former Peace Corps workers also receive job hunting help at the end of their term. For more information, call toll free (800) 424-8580 or contact: Peace Corps, 1999 Broadway, Suite 2205, Denver, CO80202, (303) 844-7020 or fax (303) 844-7010.
Q: HOW DOES ONE PREPARE A RESUME?
Carefully. There are hundreds of guides now available on how to write a resume. A listing of many of those that are available in local bookstores is kept in the University Career Center (UCC). The UCC also offers workshops each semester on writing resumes and letters. You may call the UCC for more details at 864-3624.
Q: IS IT NECESSARY FOR ONE TO GO TO GRADUATESCHOOL IN ORDER TO GET A JOB IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES?
One must realize from the start that in any scientific field, whether it be Environmental Studies, Biology, Chemistry, or Geology with a B.S., B.A., or B.G.S, more study and training than the general liberal arts background alone provides are desirable. This does not mean that a bachelor level degree is meaningless, but that the number of jobs will be more limited and the competition from master’s level people will be considerable.
Graduate school gives one a more specialized training, usually some job-related experience, and the acquisition of some special skills. For this reason, a double major or a double degree plan usually is not as advantageous as a master’s degree (two general backgrounds are not equal to one specially trained). In most cases students would be better off concentrating their coursework in a specific environmental area or track and on getting into graduate school rather than spending extra time obtaining two degrees.
Q: HOW DOES ONE APPLY FORGRADUATESCHOOL?
The types of graduate schools one can apply for with a degree in Environmental Science are as varied as the job opportunities. Again, as with job possibilities, one need not seek out only those schools with the word “environmental” in the title. You may find information on schools by looking through Graduate School Catalogs available in the Watson Library or by looking at advertisements posted at the Environmental Studies Program office.
When looking through a catalog, ask yourself the following:
∙What kind of graduate level courses do they have?
∙Who are their faculty? What are their specialties? What do they research?
∙What are their entrance requirements? GRE? GPA? Application fees?
∙What kinds of financial support are available?
∙What kind of special facilities does that department have?
∙When is the deadline for applying?
Remember: The program the school offers is more important than where the school is located. Some information about various programs can also be obtained by talking to KU faculty and graduate students who may have had contact with the program.
Q: WHAT DOES ONE NEED TO DO TO GET INTO GRADUATESCHOOL?
The following factors usually weigh heavily in the determination of who is accepted into graduate schools.
∙Letters of recommendation-The more relevant they are, the more help they will be. A letter from a professional about your working experience will carry more weight than a letter from a teacher who gave you an “A” in a course.
∙Experience- This category includes experience relating to your potential career goal. For example, volunteer work as a research assistant for a biologist or other scientist may be more valuable than the work experience you had at a restaurant.
∙Personal Appearance- Meeting the department chairperson and faculty in person and finding out what they are like will help you decide if you want to go there, if accepted. It will also help the department find out more about you and your career objectives.
∙Course Background- Straight A’s mean little if you avoid all hard or relevant courses that would benefit your career goals. A more impressive transcript may have a lower GPA but a higher quality of coursework.
∙GPA- Grade point average often carries a certain hypersensitivity. Most graduate schools require a 3.0 GPA for admission to regular status. If your GPA is lower than 3.0, you may in some instances be accepted on probationary or provisional status, especially if you have strong letters of recommendation and other credentials. Unfortunately, GPA is the main indicator of a students’ performance in coursework, but don’t lose sight of the importance of other criteria.