Environmental Science Jobs in the United States

Environmental Science Jobs Overview

Environmental science jobs are on the rise by an estimated 8%to 11% over the next decade. This is no surprise considering the growing focus on environmentally friendly practices and the need to preserve both nature and human health. Careers you can pursue with an environmental science background include:

• Environmental scientist: researches and studies the environment to develop sustainable strategies for resource management and conservation. These include air quality, water pollution, ecosystem health and more.
• Environmental technician or specialist: assists scientists by collecting and analyzing samples of air, water soil, and other materials to monitor and assess the environmental conditions and potential pollution sources.
• Wildlife biologist: studies animal behavior, populations, and habitats to better understand and manage wildlife species. They also work to protect endangered species and conserve ecosystems.
• Geologist: focuses on the Earth’s physical structure, materials, and processes. They study the impact of human activities on the planet, such as soil erosion and geological hazards.
• Environmental health and safety specialist: develops and implements programs in various industries to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices in health and environment safety.
• Water treatment specialist: works on the design, operation, and maintenance of water treatment systems to ensure the safety and efficient purification of water for consumption and other uses.
• Environmental engineer: designs, develops, and implements technologies and solutions to address environmental challenges. Examples of these are designing treatment plants, managing water disposal, and developing sustainable energy systems.
• Conservation scientist: manages and protects natural resources including forests, rangelands, and watersheds. They also work to find strategies to balance human needs with ecological sustainability.
• Ecological restoration specialist: focus on restoring ecosystems such as wetlands, forest, and grasslands. They also put in place strategies to rehabilitate native flora and fauna and improve the ecosystem health.
• Sustainability analyst: analyzes the environmental impact of business practices and policies. They identify opportunities for improvement and recommend strategies for organizations to operate sustainably.

These professionals can work both for the private sector or the government in either research teams or as consultants. Depending on the specific role it might require a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, or you could be desk-based.

Salaries for Environmental Science Jobs

Environmental scientists earn between $39,696 and $83,597 per year on average, with a median salary of $57,572 per year. Looking at environmental technicians, the average salary sits between $14.65 and $30.01 per hour, so between $30,472 to $62,420 per year.

Many factors including your industry, and location can make your salary swing in one direction or another. For example, here are the top-paying industries for environmental scientists and their corresponding salaries per year:

• merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods: $137,140
• oil and gas extraction: $122,210
• natural gas distribution: $121,310
• other pipeline transportation: $119,540
• petroleum and coal products manufacturing: $119,100

Location-wise, below are the states in which environmental science jobs pay the most:

• District of Columbia: $118,430 per year
• Massachusetts: $104,010 per year
• California: $ 101,190 per year
• New Jersey: $98,650 per year
• Colorado: $91,210 per year

Keep in mind that the more experienced and specialized you are, the higher your salary will be. Explore Monster’s Salary Tool to find out where your environmental science position is in the highest demand and discover the skills that can help you land your next promotion.

How to Find the Best Environmental Science Jobs

Wondering how to source the perfect role for you among the many environmental science jobs out there?

• Start by narrowing down the areas in which you’re specialized and try to match them with your specific strengths and interests.
• Next, search for such roles on Monster’s job board. Check that you meet the requirements but don’t be too rigid about it. Those job ads describe an ideal candidate, if you fall short of one or two nice-to-have’s, you can certainly make up for it with transferable skills. Make sure the job listing clearly outlines the role title and responsibilities.
• Finally, research the company. Assess their mission and values and review what previous employees think of it.

How to Apply to Environmental Science Jobs

Learn how to showcase your skills and experiences in your resume and cover letter in an effective way. Here is how:

Update Your Resume for Environmental Science Jobs

Avoid using the same resume for every environmental science job application. Focus on building a strong resume that highlights your core competencies in line with the role you’re applying to. This means making a few adjustments to match the specific job listings you’re targeting. But how do you do that?

To catch recruiters’ attention and get past any screening software include relevant keywords in your resume. Use the job opening as a guide, but only reference what really belongs in your skill set. Examples of highly sought-after skills in environmental science professionals are:

• scientific research and analysis
• data interpretation and statistical analysis
• problem solving
• interpersonal communication
• collaboration
• fieldwork and sampling techniques
• regulatory and policy knowledge

Still not sure how to customize your resume? Reach out to Monster’s Resume Writing Services. One of our expert resume writers will optimize your resume for the win.

How to Write a Cover Letter for an Environmental Science Job

Use the same mindset to write your cover letter for environmental science jobs. Make it nice and succinct, but always relevant. Here’s an easy-to-replicate structure to guide you:

• Begin with a compelling introduction that highlights your passion for the field and the specific role.
• Detail your relevant qualifications, skills and experiences matching them with the job requirements.
• Share specific examples of projects, research or initiatives that prove your expertise.
• Highlight your commitment to environmental sustainability and showcase your ability to contribute effectively to the organization’s goals.
• Conclude by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity and desire to meet them for an interview.

Then, upload your resume and cover letter on your free Monster candidate account. You’ll be able to apply to future listings in a matter of seconds. Plus, we’ll keep you updated when new openings in line with your profile show up.

How to Follow Up with an Employer

Dying for an update on that environmental job you really wanted? Take action. After a week following the application deadline, craft a concise and professional follow-up email to express your continuous interest in the role. Here’s how to set out your message:

• Mention which role you applied for. Adding the date of submission can also be useful.
• Briefly highlight your broad qualifications and skills for the role.
• Repeat your interest in the role and inquire about the status of the hiring process.
• Thank the recruiter for their consideration and invite them to review your attached resume.

Interview Tips for Environmental Science Jobs

Are you facing your first job interview for an environmental science job? Or are you a seasoned interviewee? Either way, it’s always a smart move to study which type of interview you’re up against. For instance, a panel interview requires different preparation than an initial screening.

Practice your answers to typical interview questions. These include recruiters’ greatest hits such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this role?
• What motivates you?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

Next, focus on the specific role you’re applying for. Be sure to revise your experience, including all the technical knowledge attached to the job. Be ready for inquiries like the following:

• What methodologies or techniques have you used to collect and analyze environmental data?
• Can you share an example of a challenging project you’ve worked on and how you overcame it?
• How do you stay up to date with industry trends and developments?
• Tell me about a time when you effectively managed a team or led a group of individuals on an environmental project.

Pay particular attention to questions starting with “Tell me about a time...” or present a hypothetical scenario. These are behavioral questions. They are meant to assess how you did or would react in certain situations. Use the STAR method to build your answers to such questions.

Finally, strengthen the impression you leave on the recruiter by learning how to write the perfect thank-you note after your environmental science job interview.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

They offered you the role, well done to you! Now, it’s time to decide if you’re going to accept, decline or negotiate the job offer. Follow our step-by-step guide:

1. Thank the recruiter. Express gratitude for the opportunity and appreciation for the company hiring efforts.
2. Establish a decision timeframe. Request a reasonable time period to make an informed decision. Depending on the role this should be anywhere from 72 hours to a week.
3. Assess the offer. Focus on the compensation package as a whole, not just the salary. Benefits like health insurance coverage, retirement plans and PTO can make a difference as well.
4. Seek clarification. Don’t hesitate to ask for extra details if you’re unsure about any part of the offer.

Environmental Science Job Career Paths

Working in environmental science jobs can present plenty of opportunities for growth. Here are some of the most popular career advancements.

• Senior environmental consultant: Thinking about providing expert guidance to organizations on environmental matters? This job is for you. You’d lead teams in conducting comprehensive assessments, developing strategies and offer specialized insights to address complex environmental challenges.
• Chief sustainability officer: You’d be responsible for setting and executing an organization’s sustainability strategy. You’d lead efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote social responsibility. You’d also promote the alignment of business practices with sustainable principles while fostering innovation.
• Environmental policy advocate: In this role, you’ll advocate for legislation and policies that support environmental protection. You’ll be responsible for leading advocacy campaigns, engaging with policymakers, and conducting research to influence policy decisions. You’ll also collaborate with organizations to promote sustainable practices and address environmental concerns.
• Director of environmental compliance: Interested in overseeing an organization’s respect of environmental regulations? Become a director of environmental compliance. You’ll develop compliance strategies, manage audits, and implement measures to reduce environmental risks.

Similar Occupations

Are you open to exploring similar life science jobs? You might also be interested in:

• biochemistry jobs
• zoology jobs
• agronomist jobs