A career in the environment is relatively new when compared to all the other fields. So there are only very few people into this field. But as the awareness for the environment control is soaring high the demand for an environmentalist or an environmental consultant is also increasing.
If you are interested in taking on a career in environment studies you should have a strong sense of interdisciplinary perspective. You can choose from an incredible diversity of career options centered on environmental concerns. The study of environmental issues has grown from a pin head in the biological stream to an overarching interdisciplinary arena of investigation and application. You should have an understanding of not only geology but also of science and technology, economics and sociology!
Employment as an environmental consultant is expected to increase by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Over the same period, the employment of hydrologists should increase by 24 percent, also much faster than the average. Job growth for environmental consultants should be the strongest in private-sector consulting firms, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can choose from any of the following fields once you complete the course of environmental studies. research, engineering, Business management, government service, educator, media, nature, and wetlands scientists, GIS, technicians, chemists, earth sciences / geologists, policy and law, wildlife conservation, planning, education, wastewater treatment and operations, program and project management, natural resources, etc.
Environmental consultants conduct research to identify, abate, and eliminate hazards that affect people, wildlife, and their environments. These workers analyze measurements or observations of air, food, water, and soil to determine the way to clean and preserve the environment. They often use this understanding to design and monitor waste disposal sites, preserve water supplies, and reclaim contaminated land and water to comply with Federal environmental regulations.
In order to become an environment consultant you are to have a bachelor degree in environment or geology. Along with this degree if you have an engineering degree it would help you to get better jobs. It will not be false if I say that this will put you ahead of your competitors.
The job profiles of the environment consultant differ from one job to another as it generally depends upon the problem they are addressing. For example an ecologist has to have a life science background while conservationists should have the knowledge about the natural resources and how they can be put to optimum use and at the same time conserving them.
Skills and requirements, other than educational skills, include Computer skills which are essential for prospective environmental consultant and hydrologists. Students who have some experience with computer modeling, data analysis and integration, digital mapping, remote sensing, and
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be the most prepared to enter the job market. Familiarity with the Global Positioning System (GPS)—a locator system that uses satellites—is vital.
This environmental consultant has to have very good communication skills – both oral and written as he has to convince the decision makers within the companies about his point of view.
As quoted by the US labor secretary “You can work green...and earn green. Environmental jobs are in demand, and with so many different types of jobs, there's one for almost anyone interested in having Mother Earth for a boss.” Median annual earnings of an environmental consultant were $56,100 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,840 and $74,480. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,670.
In short it can be said that a career in the environment can be considered as a better option when the other fields like internet marketing, health care, and human resource have become very competitive as more and more people are opting for them. As there is less competition and a wide range of career options you are sure to find a job by the time you have completed your course in environment studies.
