Ten green careers to consider
August 5, 2024
Whether you prefer working outdoors, in a lab, or in an office, we’ve got you covered. Explore ten unique careers you can pursue with a CFANS degree and have a positive impact.
By Elena Mathern, BS ‘25, Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management
Students today want to make a positive impact through their careers, but finding the right fit can still be a challenge. A degree from CFANS offers hands-on experience in various areas of study, alongside access to career services, helping you seamlessly find a career that fits your values and interests.
“The career paths you can pursue with your major are vast,” says Maddie Portnoy, a career consultant who supports CFANS students. “I often talk to students who worry they have limited career options with their major, and I think it's helpful to know your career can adapt and pivot beyond what you may initially imagine.”
Some practical advice to consider: “When exploring potential careers, it's useful to consider what daily responsibilities you might enjoy in a job, and what matters to you in a work environment and culture,” says Portnoy.
While you plan your next steps, here are ten careers with an environmental impact to consider putting your CFANS degree toward.
So you want to combat pollution
Air Quality Engineer
Clean air is a basic necessity, and ensuring its safety is an important job. If you like the idea of working within a mixture of settings, specifically in a lab and outdoors, consider becoming an air quality engineer. This job focuses on monitoring air quality and remediating contaminated sites.
Consider this job if your strong suits are in technical problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Relevant CFANS major(s):
Environmental Technician
Another career that provides a mixture of lab and outdoor work is an environmental technician. By identifying the source of pollutants, these professionals can help mitigate the damage to an environment
Consider this job if your strengths are problem-solving and critical thinking
Relevant CFANS major(s):
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist
EHS specialists are essential to workplaces because they maintain health and safety standards for companies and do so by following consistent regulations and monitoring schedules. This job offers a social environment where you can get to know your coworkers, while ensuring their safety.
Consider this career if you work best by following a clear set of rules and thrive on organization.
Relevant CFANS major(s):
Perhaps you want to guide a sustainable future
Environmental Planner
Often working with cities, governments, consulting firms, or large corporations to help them achieve sustainability goals, environmental planners focus on sustainable development. They help their organizations use land and resources in the most efficient way possible.
Consider this job if your strengths are teamwork and multitasking.
Relevant CFANS major(s):
- Sustainable Systems Management
- Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
- Forest and Natural Resource Management
A master's degree in planning, environmental planning and management, or a related area is often preferred or required by employers.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
GIS analysts use data and software to create digital maps and reports that present spatial and geographical information. These skills are in high demand, with technology like ArcGIS being the industry standard in urban planning, presenting data, and tracking environmental changes.
Consider this job if you enjoy working with data and keeping your tech skills fresh.
Relevant CFANS major(s):
- Sustainable Systems Management
- Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
- Forest and Natural Resource Management
LEED Program Specialist
Environmental design is essential to making our cities sustainable. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green building rating system, and program specialists work with architects and engineers to design buildings that meet sustainability goals. This role allows professionals to be involved in not only the future of our cities but also their success as the climate changes.
Consider this job if you’re passionate about cities, and good at enforcing the rules.
Relevant CFANS major(s):
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability managers are essential assets to businesses. These professionals curate eco-friendly strategies and influence company culture to adapt to sustainable ways of working. This is a unique way to leave a better impact on the environment, and to lead by example for other businesses within your sector.
Consider this job if you want to work in a corporate environment, and have great attention to detail and organizational skills.
Relevant CFANS major(s):
Maybe you want to focus on the plant and animal kingdoms
Medical Entomologist
Entomologists are scientists who study insects and their habitats. Medical entomologists, who specialize in insects that can impact human health, are specifically in demand to address the prevalence of vector-borne diseases; who can help solve the puzzles and develop solutions to diseases as they arise.
Consider this job if your strengths are interest in insects and problem-solving
Relevant CFANS major(s):
- Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (Environmental Science track) with an Insect Science Minor.
- This specialized career may require a graduate degree in Entomology.
Plant Genetic Engineer
Plant breeders and geneticists work in fields, greenhouses, and labs to innovate the food we eat. They use technologies, from classical crossbreeding to molecular biology for alternative food production, which can help farmers weather disease and difficult growing conditions, and respond to consumer demand for more plant-based proteins. You can be a part of this interesting transformation!
Consider this job if you have a passion for the food system, combined with creativity and analytical skills.
Relevant CFANS major(s):
- Plant Science
- Food Science
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
- Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
Wildlife Biologist
Often working with NGOs, federal or state governments, or non-profit organizations, wildlife biologists contribute to the conservation of animals and their habitats by providing information that can encourage and educate protective efforts.
Consider this job if you have endurance for working outdoors and are committed to long-term problem solving.
Relevant CFANS major(s):
Summary
Whether you feel that your calling is to create solutions to address climate change, ensure that companies are following environmental regulations, or apply your skills in the lab, or you simply want to explore what piques your interest—there is something for everyone here at CFANS.
For support with career exploration and how you might apply your major, schedule an appointment with a Career Consultant at Career & Internship Services.
