3 answers
Allison
Student
Mendon, Massachusetts
5
Questions
Asked
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What are some careers in the field of environmental conservation?
Hello, my name is Allison and I will be studying environmental science and conservation at college in the fall. What are some careers related to this field of study? #environmentalscience #conservation
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3 answers
Simon Bird
Environmental Educator & Undergraduate Advisor
8
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Simon’s Answer
Hi Allison,
There are diversity of options and potential career paths depending on the type of work you might be interested in and the sector that may fit you best. Many local, regional, national and international conservation organizations exist that address environmental conservation from a variety of perspectives. Fundraising, educational, policy-related, lobbying, field-based, management, and other roles exist within those organizations. As a student, you should have plenty of opportunity to explore internship offerings either where you will be studying or during the summer near your home once you begin college. Those internships can be very valuable in not only providing initial professional experience, but also providing in-person exposure to specific career path examples.
In addition to NGOs, government agencies, and private entities, zoos and aquaria provide another potential conservation-oriented career path. Many have national and international wildlife conservation protection, research, and restoration programs, and engage in work that connect with addressing key environmental issues of global concern such as climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, pollution, invasive species, and emerging disease control. For example, the Bronx Zoo, Denver Zoo, Escondido Safari Park, Living Desert are all very active in conservation research, outreach, and practice.
One thing you can do is take a look through conservation-themed job posting websites to get a better sense of specific positions and institutions. For example, the Conservation Job Board is a good starting point: https://www.conservationjobboard.com/
Hope that helps!
Survey conservation job boards e.g. https://www.conservationjobboard.com/
There are diversity of options and potential career paths depending on the type of work you might be interested in and the sector that may fit you best. Many local, regional, national and international conservation organizations exist that address environmental conservation from a variety of perspectives. Fundraising, educational, policy-related, lobbying, field-based, management, and other roles exist within those organizations. As a student, you should have plenty of opportunity to explore internship offerings either where you will be studying or during the summer near your home once you begin college. Those internships can be very valuable in not only providing initial professional experience, but also providing in-person exposure to specific career path examples.
In addition to NGOs, government agencies, and private entities, zoos and aquaria provide another potential conservation-oriented career path. Many have national and international wildlife conservation protection, research, and restoration programs, and engage in work that connect with addressing key environmental issues of global concern such as climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, pollution, invasive species, and emerging disease control. For example, the Bronx Zoo, Denver Zoo, Escondido Safari Park, Living Desert are all very active in conservation research, outreach, and practice.
One thing you can do is take a look through conservation-themed job posting websites to get a better sense of specific positions and institutions. For example, the Conservation Job Board is a good starting point: https://www.conservationjobboard.com/
Hope that helps!
Simon recommends the following next steps:
Amy Rager
1
Answer
Montevideo, Minnesota
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hello.
Many states have environmental learning or nature centers that hire naturalists.
State game and fish departments, hire communications people, naturalists, law enforcement, educators and park rangers.
The federal government would include national park service with rangers, land managers, naturalists.
US Geologic Survey would have land managers, educators, curriculum designers.
National Science Foundation has entry level positions.
State, city, county parks all would have a related positions.
Soil,Water Conservation Districts- every county has one. Works with land owners to implement best practices for land conservation.
Natural Resource Conservation Service- same as above but federal.
Many states have environmental learning or nature centers that hire naturalists.
State game and fish departments, hire communications people, naturalists, law enforcement, educators and park rangers.
The federal government would include national park service with rangers, land managers, naturalists.
US Geologic Survey would have land managers, educators, curriculum designers.
National Science Foundation has entry level positions.
State, city, county parks all would have a related positions.
Soil,Water Conservation Districts- every county has one. Works with land owners to implement best practices for land conservation.
Natural Resource Conservation Service- same as above but federal.
Graziela Lindahl
Finance Analyst
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Graziela’s Answer
Hi Allison,
You're seeking a career in a beautiful field!
I work for the airlines as a finance analyst and I communicate regularly with co-workers in the environmental team to go over expenses and budget.
Here is some of the duties for the environmental career for an airline.
Fuel Efficiency - participating in measures to acquire fuel efficient aircrafts and engines and making sure that the airlines are in compliance with EPA/FAA guidelines for reduction of NOx emissions.
Aircraft Emissions - Helping the airlines in efforts to cut emissions of CO2
Aircraft Noise - Measuring and participating in studies to reduce the noise pollution on the airport nearby communities.
Airport Maintenance emissions - supervising efforts to reduce/eliminate airlines emissions into the air and water from the daily airport activity.
Recycling - overseas the inflight and the airport recycling system reducing the amount of solid waste that is sent to landfills.
Fuel Management and clean-up - removing/maintaining underground fuel tanks and airside fuel stations compliance activities. Promoting FOD cleanup efforts
De-Icing Fluid Management - Help to minimize the environmental impact of aircraft de-icing/anti-icing practices during the winter season.
Good Luck!
Graziela
You're seeking a career in a beautiful field!
I work for the airlines as a finance analyst and I communicate regularly with co-workers in the environmental team to go over expenses and budget.
Here is some of the duties for the environmental career for an airline.
Fuel Efficiency - participating in measures to acquire fuel efficient aircrafts and engines and making sure that the airlines are in compliance with EPA/FAA guidelines for reduction of NOx emissions.
Aircraft Emissions - Helping the airlines in efforts to cut emissions of CO2
Aircraft Noise - Measuring and participating in studies to reduce the noise pollution on the airport nearby communities.
Airport Maintenance emissions - supervising efforts to reduce/eliminate airlines emissions into the air and water from the daily airport activity.
Recycling - overseas the inflight and the airport recycling system reducing the amount of solid waste that is sent to landfills.
Fuel Management and clean-up - removing/maintaining underground fuel tanks and airside fuel stations compliance activities. Promoting FOD cleanup efforts
De-Icing Fluid Management - Help to minimize the environmental impact of aircraft de-icing/anti-icing practices during the winter season.
Good Luck!
Graziela
Thank you so much for your answer! This was very helpful!
Allison