Top Environmental Jobs With Salaries
Types of Environmental Jobs | Salaries & Examples | Resume.com
Every year, professionals seek out jobs that allow them to work to improve the environment and raise awareness of environmental issues. These jobs exist in a range of industries and are both challenging and rewarding. This article will discuss different types of jobs, look at national average salaries and offer an overview of skills that can help you find the perfect environmental job.
What is an environmental job?
An environmental job is any occupation that involves protecting or repairing the Earth’s natural resources and ecosystems. An environmental professional’s goal is to reduce the negative impact that humans have on this planet and on the other lifeforms that live on it. Environmental professionals can work in a variety of workplaces. Some work with animals, some with plants and others with human-focused systems like energy production and civil engineering. Environmental jobs are excellent opportunities for environmentally-conscious individuals to make a difference.
Top environmental jobs
Here are some of the best jobs that involve protecting and repairing the environment:
Agricultural Engineer
National Average Salary: Ranges from $60,872 to $87,664 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Agricultural Engineers design farming equipment, structures and machinery. Their goal is to fascinate processes and practices that promote conscientious farming and conservation. They communicate and negotiate with farmers and other agricultural experts to ensure that farms are meeting federal regulations related to environmental policies. They also evaluate farms to find sources of environmental problems and offer solutions. They need a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a PE license.
Urban Planner
National Average Salary: $62,024 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Urban Planners help the local government decide how to best use the land and resources in a certain community. They meet with politicians, civil engineers, developers and others to determine goals, budgets and schedules. They then work to ensure that all construction, renovation and expansion projects adhere to environmental codes and best practices. Urban Planners need a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or design and a master’s degree in urban or regional planning.
Wildlife Biologist
National Average Salary: $66,967 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Wildlife Biologists study the behavior of animals in and out of their natural habitats. They observe and record how animals react to changes in their environment to determine how they’re affected by human interference or interaction. They also conduct research to find out how humans can keep from disturbing or damaging wildlife habitats. Most Wildlife Biologists specialize in a particular field, such as marine biology or ornithology.
Conservation Scientist
National Average Salary: $70,103 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Conservation Scientists work to manage and maintain the quality of natural areas like forests, parks, wildernesses and deserts. They protect wildlife and delicate ecosystems by setting barriers and regulating where and how humans are allowed to interact with certain habitats. They track and record animal movements, respond to emergencies like wildfires and educate the public on conservation efforts. Conservation Scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or forestry.
Water Resources Engineer
National Average Salary: $70,336 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Water Resources Engineers use their expertise in water quality to help manage the treatment and use of natural water sources. They collect samples, perform tests and use specialized equipment to help them protect and maintain reliable water sources. They also work to provide clean water to communities that do not have the infrastructure necessary for sustainable water treatment. Water Resources Engineers need at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and usually pursue master’s degrees.
Geologist
National Average Salary: $70,669 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Geologists study the rocks, soils and other components that make up the Earth’s surface and layers. They observe and research the physical aspects and activities of the planet, including mountains, shorelines and earthquakes. They use their expertise and knowledge to formulate strategies for how to combat the negative effects that humans have on the Earth’s geology. Geologists begin their career path by earning a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field. Then, they earn a master’s degree in geology, biology or a related field.
Environmental Lawyer
National Average Salary: $75,812 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Environmental Lawyers assist companies, agencies and individuals in addressing legal conflicts that involve the environment. They often work to hold corporations accountable for the negative effects they have on the environment as a result of problems like oil spills and excessive mining. Environmental Lawyers also represent individuals who believe that a natural area in their community should be protected. Environmental Lawyers need a bachelor’s degree in pre-law, as well as three additional years of law school.
Energy Consultant
National Average Salary: $76,691 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Energy Consultants help businesses and individuals to formulate a plan for reducing energy consumption in their homes and workplaces. They promote products and suggest practices that companies can use to eliminate energy waste. They begin by auditing the amount of energy that a building currently uses and then recommending a carefully calculated solution that promotes energy conservation. Energy Consultants must be certified by the Building Performance Institute.
Environmental Engineer
National Average Salary: $80,083 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Environmental Engineers use their expertise and training to solve environmental problems. They use their knowledge of biology, geology and chemistry to assess issues and innovate environmentally beneficial solutions. They often handle pollution control, public health concerns and recycling efforts. Environmental Engineers need a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering and a professional engineering license to practice.
Climatologist
National Average Salary: $89,352 per year
Roles and Responsibilities: Climatologists, also called Climate Research Scientists, study the Earth’s atmosphere, weather and climate. They test and research rock, air, ice and soil samples in order to find natural patterns. Much of their work is related to understanding how the weather and natural disasters affect the planet’s inhabitants. Their research is used to inform agricultural planning, weather forecasting and the design of buildings. Climatologists usually hold a bachelor’s degree in metrology. Those interested in teaching or research need master’s or doctoral degrees.
Popular skills and qualifications to list on a resume for environmental jobs
While every job is different, here is a list of popular skills and qualifications you can list on your resume when applying for environmental jobs:
Analytical skills
Most environmental jobs involve using the scientific method to observe, study and address environmental issues. Analytical skills help professionals to accurately interpret data and innovate strategic solutions.
Research skills
Environmental professionals often conduct research projects to help them understand how humans are affecting the planet. They also research past conservation and protection efforts and use them to guide future attempts. Proven research skills can make you a more valuable asset to an environmental team.
Organizational skills
Environmental jobs often involve managing projects, leading teams and handling multiple assignments at once. The ability to remain organized and adhere to deadlines is an essential skill in a wide range of industries and is an important asset to an environmental professional.
If you need help writing a resume, use our data-backed resume builder.