There is no career path more diverse than the Environmental Sciences. There are myriad environmental jobs, spanning from pollution and waste management to tree science and renewable energy. With a wide range of careers available, it can be difficult to know where to start in an aspirant’s career path, or how best to get started with something they’ve always been interested in doing. This post aims to introduce the reader into the 4 best careers in Environmental Science by outlining their job functions, career opportunities, and typical work environments.
The first career discussed is that of a petroleum geologist. A geologist studies the processes that shape our planet, but with a focus on the effects of humans on the environment. As oil and natural gas are increasingly being used as power sources, more oil is being extracted from the Earth (it’s estimated only about 1% of all oil has been extracted). Petroleum geologists help find new locations to drill for oil, and how to better recover existing oil wells.
Known for their meticulous work, they constantly strive to improve efficiency in their line of work through research and fieldwork. Geologists also play a crucial role in uncovering new energy sources such as water and wind power. They work in many different environments such as the desert, tundra, and the deep oceans.
Another career is that of a forester. Foresters manage forests for society’s benefit. As we continue to use land more and more for housing, urbanisation, and natural regeneration of forest are at the forefront of the forest ecology movement. Foresters help monitor vital signs of the forest such as its ability to regenerate but also changes in natural resources like soil erosion.
They also look at how climate change has impacted forests through their research of topography. Foresters work in a variety of environments ranging from sub-tropical rainforests to tundra or boreal (subarctic).
Geoscientists are yet another important career. They study the physical aspects of our planet, such as studying rocks and soil samples in the lab or underwater. Geoscientists measure natural processes that shape the face of our Earth.
They incorporate chemistry, physics, and mathematics to develop models to understand how our planet works. These geologists are also crucial in measuring shifts in climate change and their impact on local habitats.
A fourth career path is that of a toxicologist or ecotoxicologist. Their main function is monitoring ecosystems for pollutants from industries or improper disposal of waste products from communities or townships. Toxicologists test samples from water, soil, sediment and plants for pollutants like heavy metals or other organic contaminants.