Considering an environmental studies job or an environmental science job is a wise choice as there is a great deal of concern on the part of companies to make progress in helping to cleanup our environment. Companies want to look good in the public eye, so they are willing to take steps to show they are environmentally friendly without prompting from environmental groups.
Environmental studies jobs and environmental science jobs can mean different things. You may work as an environmental engineer for the public in the area of clean drinking water systems serving a city of residents. You might work in a waste treatment facility or recycling facility managing new or better ways to recycle garbage. As an environmental scientist, you may be needed to manage waste information systems to keep tabs on hazardous materials in a variety of facilities. You may also supervise the management and handling of hazardous materials.
Apart from being required to use your scientific knowledge to achieve a company's "green" goals, you will also be required to keep up with changes in environmental codes, rules, and regulations to help your employer stay compliant. This type of attention to detail can save a company millions of dollars in possible penalties and fees that could result from being non-compliant with regulations.
For as many types of environmental studies jobs and environmental science jobs that are available, so are the various degrees of education and training that are needed. At the very least, a degree in environmental studies should be achieved at the same time pursuing an assistant position or internship in the same field. The reason for this is that combining real experience with a degree in the filed of environmental studies is helpful in catapulting your career in this area. For higher levels, environmental science jobs require a four year degree in chemistry, biology or other similar field where you will be asked to provide scientific data regarding levels of pollution in water, materials or even food, and you may even be asked to provide information to back new laws going into effect that will help keep the Earth healthy. It is also important to have a good understanding of statistics and math for the purposes of making measurements.
Because the use of a computer and field instruments is important in environmental studies and environmental science jobs, you should be able to adapt to using any type of technical gear. With new and improved computer programs and equipment that are used to measure and monitor environmental factors, it is essential for you to be willing to stay up to date in these areas.
The conditions for environmental studies jobs and environmental science jobs are as varied as you can imagine. Some environmental studies jobs might require you to work in an office as a project manager, gathering information from other field workers and reporting on findings and progress of various environmental projects. To the opposite extreme, environmental science jobs might require you to be out in the field inspecting waste facilities or even chipping away at rocks in some remote area that can only be reached by helicopter. Because of this type of work, some environmental science jobs can be considered somewhat hazardous.
The job prospects for environmental studies jobs and environmental science jobs should grow at a very fast pace between now and 2016. Because companies are becoming more environmentally conscious, due to new government regulations surrounding conservation, there are continuous opportunities becoming available in general environmental studies jobs, environmental science jobs, and every combination of both. Oil companies, gas companies, chemical companies, and even government organizations are interested in hiring environmentally conscious, talented candidates for secure, well-paying positions.
While internships and starting positions for environmental studies jobs and environmental science jobs may not pay very high or may even be volunteer positions, the median pay for general environmental studies jobs and environmental science jobs pay around $42,000, while advanced positions can earn up to $100,000. Regardless, you can be assured that "green" related jobs, will be financially as well as morally rewarding.
Regardless of what subset of environmental studies jobs or environmental science jobs you decide to embark upon, you will be on your way to an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career. Imagine how you can advance the cause for a healthier Earth by pursuing environmental studies jobs or environmental science jobs and throwing your experience, enthusiasm, and skills into the mix!
