Preparation for Environmental Careers
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by: AndrewMarshall
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Word Count: 512
With the state of the environment becoming an increasing concern, the problems associated with global warming, pollution, and organizations adhering to environmental standards are becoming more apparent. So is the creation of jobs and careers associated with mitigating these concerns. Jobs are being created to help enforce regulations, develop technologies, and even teach others about the importance of saving the environment. This is paving the way for potentially lucrative career options.
First things first, though. Education is the primary goal when first considering an environmental career. One option is to look into the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency. It offers programs such as the Student Career Experience Program, offered through accredited schools, that lets students work in the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance or the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances. Undergraduate and graduate students can also enroll in research fellowships in 4 different environmental categories. Programs for high school students are also offered.
In-person and online courses can also be found with the U.S. Green Building Council. Its independent courses, not associated with any college, focus on green building and LEED certification. Students can earn a title known as LEED Accredited Professional, opening the door to various career opportunities and enhancing the potential of others. Additional resources on curriculums and programs are listed from grade school all the way up to college and beyond.
In addition to online education, environmental school programs are available throughout the U.S. and the world. One site, EnviroEducation.com, which is owned by monster.com, allows visitors to search by state/country, specific environmental subject, and degree type to find schools offering their desired program. Environmental programs are offered at Yale University, Florida International University, and New York University, for example, as well as by a few of the online schools.
Once you've passed the courses you need for an environmental degree, it's time to find a job. There many types of jobs. Becoming a LEED Accredited Professional is one of them, and may help boost opportunities in various other jobs in the field. A starting gig could be working as a nature camp counselor or park ranger, but you can be a marine biologist, environmental scientist, meteorologist, an engineer, or consultant. Teaching in any one of these and other areas can also be a lucrative choice
Salary is another thing to consider. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Atmospheric Scientists earned a median of just over $77,000 per year in 2006, while those employed by the government earned even more. Engineers have earned anywhere from $40,000-$50,000 to over $100,000, while urban and regional planners earned in the $50,000-$60,000 range. Working as an occupational health and safety specialist is lucrative as well. Attaining LEED certification also helps, with accredited project managers earning over $76,000, according to PayScale.com.
So, earning a living for oneself is an important aspect, but not the only aspect of working in an environmental field. There is also the idea that the work is going directly towards preserving the environment for generations to come. The work may also go toward avoiding the potentially disastrous effects of pollution and global warming.
About the Author
Andrew Marshall writes on online degree programs, careers, career education, and online colleges.
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