Career Exploration and Development

Careers for Environmental Majors

Explore eleven of the best careers for environmental majors and examples of prominent instutions and organiations that offer opportunites in the field.

Environmental scientists study the natural environment and its interactions with human activities. They conduct research to understand and mitigate environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction. They often work for government agencies, research institutions, or environmental consulting firms.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

Policy analysts research and analyze government policies and regulations. In the environmental context, they focus on issues like conservation, sustainability, and pollution control. They provide recommendations to policymakers, helping them make informed decisions.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

Environmental educators teach people about environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable practices. They work in schools, nature centers, museums, or as part of environmental organizations to raise awareness and promote responsible environmental behavior.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

The following public, private and graduate schools hire educators to teach and conduct research in environmental sustainibility, including environmental science, conservation, policy and resource managment.

Public Schools
Private Schools
Graduate Schools

Nature centers and museums like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History also hire professionals in envionmental sustainbility and related areas. The National Audubon Society and other nonprofit organizations can offer a variety of sustainbility focued positions as well.

Environmental planners work on urban and regional development projects, ensuring that they are environmentally sustainable. They consider factors like land use, conservation, and infrastructure to create plans that minimize environmental impact.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

City and regional planning departments

The following departments engage in urban planning and sustainable development projects in some of America's largest cities and may hire environmental planners.

Engineering and architecture firms
  • HDR, Inc. - A global engineering and consulting firm known for its work in environmental planning, sustainability, and infrastructure development.
  • AECOM - A multinational engineering firm that offers services in environmental planning, transportation, and urban design.
  • CH2M Hill (now Jacobs) - A global engineering and consulting firm that specializes in environmental and infrastructure projects.
  • Gensler - An architecture and design firm with a focus on sustainable building design and urban planning.
  • Stantec - A design and consulting firm that offers services in urban planning, sustainable design, and environmental consulting.
Environmental consulting firms

The following are leading firms offering consulting services in sustainability, including but not limited to natural resource management, urban planning and development.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Sustainability specialists help organizations reduce their environmental footprint and adopt sustainable practices. They assess and recommend improvements in areas like resource management, energy efficiency, and corporate social responsibility.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations
  • Multinational corporations with sustainability departments
  • Nonprofits promoting sustainability
  • Sustainability consulting firms

Environmental activists are advocates who raise awareness about environmental issues and work to bring about positive change. They may engage in grassroots organizing, advocacy campaigns, and public awareness efforts to promote environmental conservation. Though anyone in any career can take action to advocate for the planet, there are also organizations who offer paid positions in environmental activism.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

Marine biologists study marine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. They research marine life, conservation, and the impacts of human activities on oceans. They often work in research institutions, universities, or government agencies.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

Conservation officers enforce laws and regulations related to wildlife and environmental protection. They work to prevent poaching, protect natural resources, and ensure compliance with conservation laws.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

 

Animal caretakers are responsible for the well-being of animals in various settings such as zoos, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and animal shelters. They feed, groom, and provide medical care to animals while ensuring their safety and welfare.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

 

 

Project managers oversee and coordinate projects related to environmental conservation, sustainability, or research. They are responsible for planning, budgeting, and ensuring that projects are completed successfully and on time.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations

 

 

Research technicians provide support to scientists and researchers in conducting experiments and collecting data. In environmental research, they may assist in fieldwork, data analysis, and laboratory work to advance scientific understanding.

Prominent Institutions and Organizations