Tip 1: Get the Education
Before you acquire any jobs in the environmental fields, you'll probably need to secure a degree in a relevant field such as environmental science or environmental management. As these fields become increasingly popular, you'll start to see a growing number of universities offering these undergraduate and graduate degrees. If you can't find such degree programs in your area, consider going into biology or earth sciences as these subjects will also provide you with valuable educational insights that could help you in any environmental jobs.
Tip 2: Have Excellent Communication Skills
Depending on the specific environmental job search you plan to do, you'll probably find that communication skills are a necessity. The reason for this is that you're going to be responsible for both enforcing the law and educating the public about environmental laws. That means you'll need to be able to translate complex legal jargon into easy-to-understand, conversational prose in your writing and in your verbal presentations. Taking writing and speech courses during college can be a huge asset in this regard. Working in a field, such as public relations, that requires similar skills would also be an asset.
Tip 3: Be Prepared to Climb the Ladder
Most people who get jobs in environmental fields have to begin at the bottom of the ladder. If they're working in the government, for example, they may start at the lowest level possible in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or they may even find themselves taking on environmental positions at the local level. Most states and some cities have their own environmental agencies that monitor the given area for violations. Be content with a low-level position at first, but aim to keep working harder until you climb higher.
Tip 4: Know Environmental Law
Obviously, if you're going to have to explain environmental law to others, then you're going to need a solid understanding of it yourself. Don't expect to wing it either. You won't be able to explain anything thoroughly unless you know it well. And that means you'll also have to keep up on any changes. If you're working in one of these jobs already, doing so shouldn't be a difficult task, but if you're still striving to earn a position, then keeping up with the latest environmental news is a must.
Tip 5: Have a ''Thick Skin''
Part of your job is going to be ''busting'' people who violate environmental laws. While doing so may give you some sense of satisfaction, dealing with these law breakers isn't always going to be easy. Most will not take kindly to being caught and facing financial penalties for what they've done, and many will take their anger out on you even though you may have had nothing to do with the creation of the laws being violated. These encounters can be stressful, but you can't let them get to you or interfere with your ability to do your job.
Tip 6: Know Where to Find Opportunities
One of the biggest challenges is to simply find open positions in the field. If you have connections, that can be a great way to get your foot in the door. Otherwise, you need to know where to look. Start by using the Internet. You can find some great job sites that are geared specifically towards environmental positions. These sites will offer you the most convenient way to find available jobs around the country and at different levels of the government.
Tip 7: Be Assertive
Again, part of your success in this field is going to rest on your ability to deal with the people who break the laws, and that means you'll need to be assertive. If you're too easy going with these individuals, they won't learn their lesson and you won't be doing your job. Even if you're not normally an assertive person, start working on being more assertive in the context of your work.
Tip 8: Be Prepared for the Job Responsibilities
You need to be aware of the expectations you'll be required to meet in the job you have chosen. For example, if you think you'll be working all day in an office, you might be in for a shock when you find out otherwise. Having unrealistic expectations can also hurt you during an interview.
Tip 9: Be Able to Travel
Most people in environmental jobs are going to have to travel. That's because they may be responsible for covering large sections of the country or for monitoring numerous facilities. While you may not have to travel every day, travel will undoubtedly be an important part of your position.
Tip 10: Be Sincere
The most important thing you can do if you want to work in environmental law is to be sincere about your concern for protecting the environment. Because the job can be stressful and demanding at times, being passionate about what you're doing is the best way to keep yourself going strong.
