As the idea of sustainability and protecting our planet grows around the world, the number of jobs in the environmental field continues to increase. The sustainability industry will continue to expand as natural resources and energy become more scarce, and global warming continues. Although sustainability is most often associated with environmental protection and conservation, it can be incorporated into almost any field. Sustainability coincides with industries as technology, communications, energy, environmental management, architecture, engineering, planning, design, construction, media, marketing, parks and recreation, horticulture, agriculture, hospitality, travel and tourism, transportation, and more! Listed below are just a few of the most popular fields.
Environmental Law & Policy, Planning, Consulting, and Management–
Many companies hire environmental consultants to improve their sustainability practices. Environmental consultants are often able to pick and choose which jobs they take and can charge their own rates. Environmental planners advise during construction and improvement of buildings or parks. Lawyers in this field defend the environment and prosecute those who break environmental regulations in order to protect the planet.
Engineering-
Engineers are very important to the sustainability industry. Engineers are needed to develop environmental technologies. They do everything from designing wind turbines and solar panels to pollution control. Engineers are the core of environmental innovations.
Environmental Research or Education-
In order for new technologies to be developed, we first need to figure out how the environment works and what problems need to be addressed. Environmental scientists can be oceanographers, hydrologists, atmosphere scientists, ecologists, geologists, etc. These scientists study how environmental systems work and what affects them. Teaching environmental science is also an important career in sustainability. Educating young adults about environmental issues and encouraging them to enter the sustainability field is vital to our planet’s survival.
Environmental Safety, Waste Management, Sanitation, Recycling-
Environmental safety careers are a key role in maintaining public health. Waste management and sanitation professionals work to monitor drinking water, pollution, landfills, and sewage systems. Recycling managers work to promote, regulate, and improve recycling.
Non-Profits-
Individuals who are passionate about green causes, including wildlife preservation, land conservation and climate change prevention may want to work for a non-profit. Environmental non-profit organizations raise money and awareness about environmental issues.
Government Agencies-
Government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, etc. create and regulate environmental policies. Many of these jobs are administrative in nature but can also vary widely.
Written by Alyssa Lemire, Class of 2017
Photo “Irrigation ditch” by M.O. Stevens – Own work. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Irrigation_ditch.JPG#/media/File:Irrigation_ditch.JPG
