Environmental Careers - Find a Green Job

Environmental Careers - Find a Green Job Environmental Careers - Find a Green Job Do you care intensely  about the earth? Follow your passion and consider one of these environmental careers.  People who work in these occupations, also known as green jobs,  protect our planet and help repair it. Now, all you have to do is figure out which one of these is the  right career for you, and then  fulfill the educational requirements  to reach your goal. These occupations pay well, and some require only an associate degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts they will have an excellent job outlook. Agricultural Engineer Agricultural engineers design farm machinery, equipment, sensors, processes, and structures. They improve the processing of agricultural products and develop ways to conserve soil and water. Earn a  bachelors degree in engineering  with a concentration in agricultural engineering if you want to work in this occupation. For jobs that involve working directly with the public, you will also have to become licensed as a  Professional Engineer. Median Annual Salary (2017):  $74,780 Number of People Employed (2016): 2,700 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  8  percent (as fast as the average for all occupations) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  200 Conservation Scientist Conservation scientists find ways to utilize  land while protecting the natural resources on it. They work with landowners and governments. A bachelors degree in ecology, natural resource management, agriculture,  biology, or environmental science is required to work in this occupation. Eventually, you may want to get a masters degree or doctorate for advancement. Median Annual Salary (2017):  $61,480 Number of People Employed (2016):  22,300 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  6  percent (as fast as the average for all occupation) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  1,400 Environmental Engineer Environmental engineers use engineering principles and their knowledge of biology, soil science, and chemistry  to solve environmental problems. They have expertise in pollution control, recycling, and public health issues.   To work in this field, you will need a bachelors degree in environmental engineering. A professional engineering license is necessary to provide services to the public. Median Annual Salary (2017):  $86,800 Number of People Employed (2016):  53,800 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  8  percent (as fast as the average for all occupations) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  4,500 Environmental Scientist Environmental scientists goal is to identify, abate, or eliminate pollutants and hazards to the environment or the health of the population. They conduct research to help them in this endeavor. It is possible to get an entry-level job with only a bachelors degree, but you will have to continue your education to make yourself a more desirable job candidate for advanced positions. Most employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a masters degree in environmental science, hydrology, or a related natural science. Median Annual Salary (2017):  $69,400 Number of People Employed (2016):  89,500 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  11 percent (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  9,900 Environmental Technician Environmental technicians perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and look for sources of pollution. They work under the supervision of environmental scientists. The educational requirements to work in this occupation vary greatly. Most jobs require an  associate degree  or a certificate in applied science or science-related technology. For others, you will need only a high school diploma. There are even some jobs that require a bachelors degree. Median Annual Salary (2017):  $45,490 Number of People Employed (2016):  34,600 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  12  percent (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  4,200 Geoscientist Geoscientists study the earths composition, structure, and other physical aspects. Some help environmental scientists clean up and preserve the environment. You will need a masters degree to work in this occupation. Your degree can be in  physics, biology, engineering, chemistry, computer science, or mathematics as long as you take classes in geology. Median Annual Salary (2017):  $89,850 Number of People Employed (2016):  32,000 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  14  percent (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  4,500 Hydrologist Hydrologists study underground and surface waters. They manage the water supply and solve problems with its quality. It is possible to get an entry-level job with just a bachelors degree. If, however, you want to advance beyond that, a masters degree in geoscience, environmental science, or engineering with a concentration in hydrology or water sciences is required.   Median Annual Salary (2017):  $79,990 Number of People Employed (2016):  6,700 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  10  percent (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  700 Landscape Architect Landscape architects  design outdoor areas, for example, residences, parks, shopping centers, school campuses, golf courses, and parkways. Their goal is to make them beautiful, functional, and compatible with the natural environment. To practice this occupation, you will need a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). Individuals with bachelors degrees in other subjects can earn a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree instead. Median Annual Salary (2017):  $65,760 Number of People Employed (2016):  24,700 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  6  percent (as fast as the average for all occupations) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  1,600 Urban or Regional Planner Urban or regional planners help local governments decide how to best use their land and resources. They develop plans and programs after meeting with government officials, the public, and developers. To work as an urban or regional planner, you  must have a masters degree in urban or regional planning from an accredited graduate program. Your bachelors degree can be in a variety of majors, but studying economics, geography, political science, or environmental design at the undergraduate level can be excellent preparation for your graduate studies. Median Annual Salary (2017):  $71,490 Number of People Employed (2016):  36,000 Projected Job Growth (2016-2026):  13  percent (faster than the average for all occupations) Projected Increase in Jobs (2016-2026):  4,600 Comparing Environmental Careers Required Degree License Median Salary (2017) Agricultural Engineer Bachelors Required to work with the public $74,780 Conservation Scientist Bachelors none $61,480 Environmental Engineer Bachelors Required to work with the public $86,800 Environmental Scientist Masters none $69,400 Environmental Technician Associate none $45,490 Geoscientist Masters Required to work with the public in some states $89,850 Hydrologist Masters Required in some states $79,990 Landscape Architect Bachelors Required in almost all states $65,760 Urban or Regional Planner Masters none $71,490 Explore more  Careers By Field or Industry Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,    Occupational Outlook Handbook; Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,    O*NET  Online