You can start your career in environmental science by taking out some time to explore the 10 best environmental science government jobs which I will be discussing extensively in this article, without also forgetting the earnings which is one of the interesting parts of your career.
Government Jobs in environmental science are more in demand than ever due to the increased effects of climate change we have seen in the past decade. Environmental scientists tackle issues that affect us all such as pollution, deforestation, and other major issues that affect the earth.
Whatever that inspires you to study, consider studying environmental science, you’re well aware that the world needs you right now. Environmental science majors are prepared to take on our climate crisis, conserve natural resources and environments, lead the charge on renewable energy, and not to be dramatic save the planet.
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Environmental Science Government Jobs
Below you’ll find 10 environment science jobs and careers you can pursue with an environmental science degree. Some of the jobs can be found in multiple industries/organizations and you can specialize according to your area of focus or interest. For example, a wildlife biologist can work as a conservation officer.
Discussed below are the best environmental science government jobs you can aspire to get and major in.
- Wildlife Biologist
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Scientist
- Conservation Officer
- Environmental Lawyer
- Meteorologist
- Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
- Environmental Planner
- Environmental Compliance Inspector
- Environmental Policy Analyst
1. Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biology as a profession is available for graduates with a BacBachelor’sgree in Environmental Science. It is a subset of environmental science. They are majorly individuals who study animals and their relationships to ecosystems and generally are known as wildlife biologist.
Wildlife biologists conduct studies on animals in their natural habitat or zoo or sanctuary environments and/or monitor threats to populations and come up with ways to mitigate them.
Wildlife biologists often focus on specific types of animals or plants. Wildlife biologists may also work in an office or a lab. The majority of wildlife biologists work for state and federal governments, while some work for research companies or universities.
Wildlife biologist takes an annual average salary between the range of $50,186-$64,650. However, if you know you want to work with animals and study their relationship with the ecosystems, you may also want to consider an environmental degree in wildlife conservation.
2. Environmental Engineer
Environmental engineers work to solve environmental issues. They are saddled with the responsibility of planning, designing, and building systems that monitor or improve the environment.
They also obtain and/or analyze scientific data, and they conduct quality control tests to inform or adjust their plans. For example, an environmental engineer may be responsible for designing a new water treatment center, equipment that reduces the pollution released from a factory, a sustainable recreational attraction, conserving rainwater, or a building that minimally disrupts the environment.
Environmental engineers work for private companies, non-profits, and government agencies. They often work in offices but may travel to construction sites to provide in-person support.
Environmental engineers have an annual average salary of $66,621-$96,820. If you are building things, deploying applications, and seeing the work you do transform people’s lives directly, you might consider one of this career.
3. Conservation Officer
Conservation officers protect the Earth’s natural resources by performing tasks like evaluating the quality of water or soil and making sure foresting activities follow conservation law.
Conservation officers, also known as park rangers, manage state and national parks, forests, and other wildlife areas. They are responsible for the safety of guests and wildlife as well as the conservation of the area.
Conservation officers also maintain campgrounds, trails, and other facilities; manage programs for the public; answer questions; and address and correct possible risks to the environment or guests.
Conservation officers or Park rangers work in private and government parks and recreation areas to keep people and the environment safe.
Conservation officers have an annual average salary between $44,667-$64,010. If you love being outside and interacting with the public, this could be the job for you. With a degree in environmental science, you can get a job in a government or private park.
4. Environmental Lawyer
Just like any other lawyer, to become an environmental lawyer, you need to complete law school. However, before you can get into law school, you must earn a bachelor’s degree.
A Bachelor of Environmental Science will give you a strong foundational knowledge to excel as an environmental lawyer in law school and beyond.
Environmental lawyers can work with non-profit organizations, government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, or private organizations.
They focus on cases related to people and the environment often working to advocate for sustainable practices. Environment Lawyers have an annual average Salary between $115,350-$127,990 (all lawyers).
5. Environmental Scientist
Environmental SciScientistsudy the environment to protect it alongside the protection of humans in the environment. They carry out research, experiments, fieldwork, and tests to monitor or discover more about the environment.
Environmental scientists work for a variety of institutions such as universities, private laboratories, and government organizations. All levels of government, local, state, and federal, employ environmental scientists.
The job may require some travel to collect data from a specific site, but mainly the work is done in an office and/or laboratory. There are several career options for environmental scientists. Which is the role of environmental scientists in collecting samples of soil, water, air, and other organic materials in the field.
For example, you may be responsible for gathering and testing water samples to make sure a nearby company is not compromising the ecosystem or you might work for a city government, continuously monitoring air quality.
They also monitor ecosystems and address environmental problems. They may also provide information and recommendations to government officials and business owners about specific environmental issues or hazards. This means part of being an environmental scientist is writing papers and technical reports, giving presentations, and sometimes educating the general public about critical environmental issues.
Environmental Scientist has an annual average salary between $52,680-$76,530. Environmental scientists typically hold a bachelor’s degree in either environmental science or biology.
Furthermore, if you want to contribute to the scientific sphere of climate change, consider becoming a climate or environmental scientist. Environmental scientists also research climate change and how it affects the Earth.
6. Meteorologist
Meteorologists study weather patterns to predict, track, and monitor future weather. This allows us to prepare for impending natural disasters. Meteorologists also help us understand the impacts that climate change has on weather patterns and how those changes directly impact people worldwide.
Meteorologists often work for government agencies such as NASA and NOAA in the United States while in countries such as Nigeria, they work in government agencies such as NiMet.
Others work for universities doing research or for private companies like radio and television stations. Some meteorologists may have to travel for work to collect data from specific weather events or provide on-site support during a natural disaster.
Meteorologists have an annual average salary between $76,850-$94,570. If you like to work in this profession, you require a degree in Environmental Science and Climate Change
7. Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Environmental health and safety (EHS) specialists study how different environmental conditions affect human health, protect the health and safety of individuals and ecosystems by setting regulations and guidelines, and ensure compliance with these regulations and guidelines.
They help to promote and protect the health and safety of our communities. They perform a variety of technical functions including inspection of licensed facilities and investigation of basic environmental issues and complaints regarding water resources, land use, soils, food safety, air quality, public facilities, and solid waste disposal to protect the health and safety of County residents.
Environmental health and safety specialists may work for governments or other oversight organizations to set and enforce safety and environmental standards for geographic areas or industries, or they might work for individual companies to ensure the safety of work processes and the company’s overall sustainability.
You can often get these jobs with a bachelor’s degree, though some employers will require that you obtain relevant safety certifications for their industry.
Environmental health and safety specialist earns an annual average salary between $81,150-$108,765. To feature in this profession a degree in environmental science or public health is required.
8. Environmental Planner
The job position involves researching and solving environmental concerns for different types of projects, as well as researching and ensuring compliance with environmental documents and regulations.
Environmental planning is urban and regional planning with a focus on sustainability. It aims to analyze and minimize the environmental impacts of proposed construction projects and make sure they meet all environmental regulations and documents.
Environmental planners are also known as green architects. They work for government agencies to ensure that construction projects don’t off negatively affect the environment review plan blueprints or proposals and meet with contractors to agree on alternative building materials or practices.
Environmental planners may also collaborate on green building projects to promote sustainability. To reduce the harmful impacts of construction, environmental planners utilize and implement clean technology solutions to assigned building projects.
Environmental Planner earns an annual average salary between $61,192-$76,693. The minimum educational requirement for an environmental planner is a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences or a related field.
9. Environmental Compliance Inspector
Environmental compliance inspector focuses on assessing businesses and organizations to ensure that they comply with all federal and state regulations and laws concerning environmental issues, such as air pollution, water quality, and waste reclamation.
During an inspection, samples are collected from the field and look for evidence of pollution or violation of environmental protection laws. Which also involves lab work on test samples.
After an investigation, you organize your documentation and evidence and create reports to submit to the relevant regulatory agency. If you find violations, you may need to testify in court or explain your findings before regulators.
Also part of an environmental compliance inspector’s job is to investigate potential violations through audits and on-site inspections. You gather data and analyze them, writing reports about your findings.
Another of your job duties is to develop compliance programs and projects for a company to implement. Environmental compliance inspectors work for state or federal agencies. They earn an annual average Salary range: $47,000-$82,000
10. Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental policy analysts research, analyze, and evaluate the effects an existing or proposed law, regulation, or program will have on the environment, people, wildlife, or any other facet of society.
The job involves packaging research in a way that can be used in policy to make laws and regulations that will make a difference. They create laws and policies which are needed to address environmental issues and problems.
Environmental policy analysts can work in private and government organizations. Environmental policy analyst annual average salary range: $ 56,960-$60,216
Conclusion
I do hope that this article has answered your question as to what kind of job is available for you as an environmentalist in the government sector. And it is also very important for you to note that these jobs are in high demand as relates to the environment and also in their remuneration. So you have to develop your Environmental initiative or prowess to earn you any of these jobs
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Ahamefula Ascension is a Real Estate Consultant, Data Analyst, and Content writer. He is the founder of Hope Ablaze Foundation and a Graduate of Environmental Management in one of the prestigious colleges in the country. He is obsessed with Reading, Research and Writing.