Environmental Consulting: A Clear-Cut Career Path
To work as an environmental consultant, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree at the very least; however, depending on your career goals, you may want to pursue an advanced degree or even additional certification. Continue reading to learn more about how to become an environmental consultant.
How To Be an Environmental Consultant: Get Your Bachelor’s Degree
What are the prerequisites for working as an environmental consultant?
Conservation Biology
Consider studying Conservation Biology if you’re interested in issues like biodiversity loss and invasive species. Students who pursue this major study cell biology, ecology, evolution, and genetics, among other things. It’s a field of study that you should strongly consider if you want to make a difference in the world.
Environmental Studies
Students in Environmental Studies learn about the social and ethical implications of environmental issues; undergraduate courses address issues such as environmental justice and teach students how to influence people who have the power to change the world; and the path to a career in environmental activism begins here.
Other Degree Programs
A degree in Environmental Studies or Conservation Biology, as well as degrees in Environmental Law Enforcement, Environmental Writing and Media, Sustainable Agriculture, or Environmental Policy, can help you gain some of the skills needed to work as an environmental consultant.
Post-Graduate Degree Programs: In-Depth Environmental Studies
Some employers prefer candidates with advanced degrees, so you might consider earning a graduate certificate in Urban Forestry, Wildlife Management, or Natural Resources. A Professional Science Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences will allow you to study subjects like biogeochemistry and ecology in greater depth; if this is the case, you should look for a Master’s program that meets your requirements.
Working In Your Field
Employers are often hesitant to hire someone who has no experience, making it all the more difficult to gain the experience you need to land your dream job as an environmental consultant.
Environmental Jobs for Undergraduates
Internships can be found on idealist.org or your local nonprofit job board, and caring for a city or national park can demonstrate your environmental stewardship.
Jobs to Pursue After Graduation
Consider applying for a job as a field officer or technician in an environment-related field office. Idealist.org and the Wellstone Jobs Board are great places to look for environmental campaign jobs in the United States.
A Step Beyond: Earn Your Board Certification
Board certification is offered by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists in a variety of specialties, and it is held by the best educated and most dedicated individuals in environmental science. To earn board certification, you must first complete several prerequisites, including earning your Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees.
Grow Into Your Environmental Consulting Career
Consider becoming an environmental consultant if you’re passionate about protecting the environment; your commitment could help you win a seat in a public office or become an advisor to high-ranking officials, and you could help change environmental policies and improve the health of our planet with hard work and dedication.
Are environmental consultants in demand?
According to the latest research report published by Environment Analyst, the global market for environmental consulting (EC) services increased 5.2% in 2018 to a record value of $35.8 billion (u00a327.6 billion).
What does an environmental consultant earn?
In the United States, the average environmental consultant earns $65,848 per year, or $31.66 per hour! Those in the lower 10%, such as entry-level positions, earn around $48,000 per year.
How do I become an independent environmental consultant?
Earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in environmental science, earth science, or a related field, and work as an intern or entry-level position with an environmental consulting firm to learn how to analyze data and produce reports for clients.
What is the job of environmental consultant?
Environmental consultants analyze samples and data, create models and projections, and assist in determining compliance with state and federal regulations.
Are environmental jobs in demand?
Despite setbacks in policy, environmental careers remain in high demand. Climate change activism among college students is fueling interest in green jobs, and the alternative energy sector is experiencing some of the fastest growth of any industry.
What skills do you need to be an environmental consultant?
Key abilities
- Good technical skills.
- keen observational field skills.
- good written skills.
- project management.
- good communication skills.
- good sales skills.
- confident presentation skills.
What are the highest paying environmental jobs?
7 Green Jobs with the Best Pay
- Conservation Scientist.
- Urban Planner.
- Environmental Lawyer.
- Zoologists.
- Hydrologist.
- Marine Biologist.
- Environmental Engineer.
Is environmental science a good career?
Environmental scientists, as well as environmental biologists, environmental engineers, environmental modellers, and environmental journalists, have a plethora of job opportunities because “environmental science is a broad and generalized field with endless job opportunities.”
Is environmental consulting stressful?
I’m an environmental consultant, and yes, it’s stressful. I’ve worked for both a big and small firm, and the big firm is definitely more stressful, especially when you’re first starting out. They’ll expect you to travel a lot, so make sure you’re okay with that.
What education do you need to be an environmental consultant?
Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science, environmental studies, geology, environmental engineering, or a closely related field is usually the minimum educational requirement for working as an environmental consultant.
Do environmental consultants travel?
Working in the field allows you to bring physicality and fitness to your work, and you can bank vacation time or receive overtime pay when you spend time outside. Your fieldwork ratio depends on the season, location, and background. Working in the field allows you to bring physicality and fitness to your work, and you can bank vacation time or receive overtime pay when you spend time outside.
How do you become a certified environmental professional?
A bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or science, as well as nine years of relevant experience, five of which must be in a supervisory role, are typically required to become a certified environmental professional.
What do environmental lawyers do on a daily basis?
Meeting with clients, researching environmental legal developments, drafting documents, and educating the public and students about environmental law are all part of an Environmental Lawyer’s day-to-day duties, depending on where they work.
Why is environmental consulting important?
Environmental consultants are vital in today’s economy because they protect natural resources for future generations, and their expertise and research can help business and government decision-makers understand and mitigate the negative effects of growth.
How long does it take to become an environmental lawyer?
To become an environmental lawyer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree and a law degree, typically a Juris Doctor (JD), as well as the ability to pass the bar exam after graduation.