By Kristen Kostelnik | 09/04/2025
Environmental science is one of those wonderfully flexible degrees that makes it a good major to pursue. While most people think an environmental science degree only qualifies you for field-based positions, those jobs are far from being the only careers open to environmental science graduates.
There are environmental science jobs in just about every sector. Many careers begin with entry-level opportunities suitable for those graduates with an undergraduate degree such as a bachelor’s degree. Others require professional certification or a graduate degree such as a master’s or doctoral degree.
Field and Research Jobs for Environmental Science Graduates
If your career goals include observing ecosystems, collecting data, or running experiments, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in the field. These jobs include:
- Environmental scientist
- Wetland ecologist
- Wildlife biologist or game warden
- Hydrologist or climate analyst
Environmental Scientist
These professionals test air, soil, or water quality and study pollution sources. They also help design strategies to clean up contaminated areas.
Environmental scientists often work for environmental consulting firms, government agencies, or nonprofits.
Wetland Ecologist
Wetland ecologists study aquatic life, pollution, and climate impacts. This field of environmental science often involves working on wetland delineation, mitigation, or restoration projects.
Wildlife Biologist or Game Warden
If you’re passionate about protecting wildlife, you could become a wildlife biologist or game warden. This work typically entails:
- Monitoring animal populations
- Tracking migration patterns
- Designing habitat restoration projects
- Establishing hunting and fishing rules
- Enforcing wildlife protection regulations
- Conducting research
These jobs often involve long hours outdoors. Wildlife biologists and game wardens commonly work with state and federal wildlife agencies or natural resource management agencies. They can also be employed by land trusts or even zoos.
Hydrologist or Climate Analyst
Interested in water systems or climate patterns? Hydrologists use environmental science to study how water moves through ecosystems, and climate scientists analyze long-term weather data to understand climate change. These roles blend research with modeling and often require technical training or graduate study.
Technical and Consulting Careers
Are you a strategic thinker who enjoys applying environmental science to solving complex challenges? Do you like blending science with policy, business, or logistics? These industry careers might be right for you:
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental technician or field technician
- Geographic information systems (GIS) specialist or environmental data analyst
- Environmental engineer
Environmental Consultant
Consultants help companies, developers, or governments comply with environmental laws. They might conduct impact assessments, write reports, or advise on sustainability strategies.
This role blends science, communication, and client service, and it is perfect for someone who wants variety in their day. Environmental consultants are usually found in private corporations.
Environmental Technician or Field Technician
Environmental or field technicians often assist scientists and engineers by collecting samples, running tests, and analyzing data.
These types of jobs are good for graduates who are starting out and provide hands-on experience in labs and the field. Government agencies, corporations, and research institutions are typical employers.
GIS Specialist or Environmental Data Analyst
Love maps and data? GIS specialists use GIS technology and data from remote sensing tools. They map and analyze environmental patterns and support decisions about land use, conservation, or emergency planning.
This type of data analysis is a highly transferable skill. Since employers make data-driven decisions, knowing how to collect and analyze data and explain it to stakeholders is useful.
Environmental Engineer
This role uses engineering principles to solve environmental problems. For instance, environmental engineers may:
- Design water treatment systems and green infrastructure
- Manage waste disposal
- Develop technologies for cleaner air
Many environmental engineers start with a bachelor's degree and then pursue further training, licensing, or graduate school.
Career Paths Involving Policy, Health, and Community Impact
If you’re motivated to make a difference, these career options focus on people, public health, and the policies that shape our environment:
- Environmental health officer
- Sustainability manager
- Environmental policy analyst or planner
- Land-use or urban planner
Environmental Health Officer
These environmental health and safety professionals inspect workplaces, drinking water supplies, or housing. Their jobs involve ensuring safety, pollution control, and public health.
Environmental health officers typically need a strong background in environmental science or health. For some employers, a master's degree in public policy may be necessary.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability managers guide sustainability initiatives for companies and institutions. They may also be known as sustainability officers, sustainability coordinators, or environmental, social, and governance (ESG) specialists.
This type of work involves:
- Tracking emissions to ensure better air quality
- Implementing green practices
- Reporting on corporate environmental impact
Environmental Policy Analyst or Planner
If you like applying environmental science to laws and regulations that affect natural resources, human health, and ecosystems, then policy work might be for you. Analysts help shape laws, conduct research, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs. Some of these positions will require a master’s degree in environmental policy.
Land-Use or Urban Planner
Land-use or urban planners help design communities to become more sustainable and resilient. They work to balance development with:
- Conservation
- Transportation
- Resource management
- Pollution control
- Climate planning
Career Paths in Environmental Education
Some environmental science graduates use their communications skills to help others understand and care about the planet. These job titles include:
- Environmental educator
- Science writer or environmental journalist
Environmental Educator
If you love inspiring others and making science accessible, this type of job is a great fit. Environmental educators can be found at every level of education.
With the right degree and a teaching certificate, you could pursue opportunities as a science teacher. Environmental educators also lead nature programs at parks or museums.
Science Writer or Environmental Journalist
With so much misinformation online, science communicators are more valuable than ever. Are you a strong writer with a desire to make a positive impact? You could explain environmental issues to the public, contribute to news outlets, or create educational content for organizations.
Career Fields Involving Energy, Climate, and Resilience
Looking to create cutting-edge solutions to climate change? There are plenty of industries that need the expertise gained from a degree in environmental science, such as:
- Renewable energy specialist
- Wildfire specialist
- Climate resilience planner
- Sustainable agriculture or food systems analyst
Renewable Energy Specialist
As clean energy continues to grow, so does the demand for renewable energy specialists. They assess environmental impact, site new facilities, or monitor wildlife risks during construction.
Wildfire Specialist
With climate-driven wildfires increasing, some environmental scientists work in fire-prone areas helping develop early-warning systems, build community resilience, or plan controlled burns. This type of work not only requires a degree, but it may also require additional certification.
Climate Resilience Planner
Cities and governments need help adapting to shifting weather patterns, rising seas, extreme heat, and violent storms. They also need solid plans in place to recover quickly when these events happen. Climate resilience planners help design adaptation and resilience plans and manage response teams.
Sustainable Agriculture or Food Systems Analyst
Food and farming practices have a huge impact on the environment. These industries blend science, sustainability, and systems thinking to help feed the world responsibly. Agriculture extension agencies, corporations, and research institutions are typical employers.
What Skills Do You Need for Environmental Science Jobs?
To develop the skills needed by potential employers, consider volunteer work, internships, and student research projects. This type of work will help you to:
- Gain practical experience
- Build skills
- Make connections
- Figure out what work you love
An additional bonus to working in the environmental science field is that you’ll develop transferable skills, no matter which job titles interest you. For instance, these skills are in high demand by employers:
- Field and lab experience – sampling, testing, and observation
- Data analysis – especially with data collected from GIS and remote sensors
- Strong communication skills – writing, public speaking, and public outreach
- Understanding of environmental regulations – knowing the laws and regulations that protect the environment
- Project management and collaboration – working with teams and managing project efficiently
A degree in environmental science doesn’t lock you into one type of job; it opens up multiple employment possibilities. Whatever job title you choose, a degree in environmental science gives you a foundation for making a difference.
The B.S. in Environmental Science at AMU
Interested in studying conservation, environmental issues, resource management, and similar topics? For adult learners, American Military University (AMU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.
In this degree program, students can take courses in a range of topics, including soil science, water science, and remote sensing and geographic information systems. Other courses include general ecology, statistics, and environmental ethics.
For more information, visit AMU’s science degree program page.