ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES & SUSTAINABILITY

We’re glad you’re interested in environmental science careers. While you are welcome to liaise with any member of our team, Aisling Zaccarelli is the key advisor for this field and is eager to support you in your search. You may book an appointment with her, or any advisor in our office today.

Overview of Environmental Science Careers

You may be wondering what kind of work you can do with an environmental science major or an interest in this industry. Environmentally-focused opportunities can be found across industries including business, finance, healthcare, research, education, policy, law, agriculture, conservation, energy production, government, and journalism. Positions may be in for-profit business or non-profit organization settings, out in the field, inside a research lab, in government or at academic institutions. Environmental science and sustainability careers play a crucial role in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and pollution. Environmental science draws knowledge from various disciplines including biology, chemistry, geology, physics, ecology, social sciences, and policy.

Many Davidson students interested in environmental science will choose to enter the field by working in environmental consulting/advisory services or sustainability work. The former includes a vast area of opportunities which involve a wide range of skills from surveying, to analyzing data, to constructing remediation plans or recommendations, to evaluating strategic next steps. Sustainability work is similarly broad with Fortune 500 firms increasingly investing resources in this space and either dedicating in-house resources to it or outsourcing to consulting firms.

Overview of Consulting

A number of national consulting firms offer Environmental Consulting/Corporate Sustainability services. These include Deloitte, Bain, McKinsey, EY, Booz Allen Hamilton, KPMG, Guidehouse (formerly Navigant), Huron, Kearney, Point B, Sia Partners and Accenture. All of these firms have hired Davidson students in the past, but they do have early recruiting deadlines and involve specialized interview preparation (known as case interview prep). For more information, please be sure to consult the Consulting Guide here. Additionally, environmental advisory service firms exist across the country which provide consulting services to clients, as well. Davidson graduates have pursued opportunities at ERM, SMI, Kimley-Horn, and Apex Companies as Environmental Consultants and Field Scientists. These jobs often have their staff “out in the field” testing soil and water samples, conducting land assessments, etc. Regardless of size of firm, these roles involve strong communication and analytical skills, making Davidson students a natural fit for this type of work.

Renewable Energy

Another sector of interest to students exploring careers in environmental science is the renewable energy space which is focused on sourcing energy that can be replenished within a relatively short period of time. Examples of renewable energy sources include solar, wind, water, biomass, landfill gas, and geothermal. Green energy is a type of renewable energy that have the highest environmental benefits. Davidson students have landed opportunities at companies such as Stellar Renewable Power, National Renewable Energy Company (NARENCO), Summit Carbon Solutions, Azimuth Renewables, Apex Clean Energy, GE Renewable Energy, Encore Renewable Energy, LevelTen Energy, Boston Solar, Baltimore Gas & Electric, Guidehouse.

Sustainability

Sustainability offices are charged with developing and implementing business strategies that focus on the ethical, social, environmental, cultural and economic dimensions of doing business. Increasingly, firms are investing in the sustainability space and dedicating resources to these roles and making sustainability a corporate priority. Examples of firms that have hired Davidson graduates in the sustainability space include: Duke University, World Resources Institute, Nature Conservancy, Pew Charitable Trusts, New Market Waste Solutions, Environmental Protection Agency, Deloitte, and Boston Consulting Group.

Graduate & Professional Programs

Many programs exist and are continuing to evolve in this space. Programs tend to fall into environmental sciences, environmental engineering, environmental policy and management, or environmental-ecology or pure ecology-plant biology buckets. Additionally, degrees in Sustainability, Forestry and Aquatic Ecology/Sustainability are also growing. Both Masters and PhD programs are offered in these graduate programs, and the more competitive programs seek applicants with related field experience and/or research.

Key Skills for Environmental Scientists

The following skills are helpful for this field:

Scientific Research and Data Analysis: Environmental scientists need strong research skills to collect and analyze data related to environmental factors, ecosystems, and human impact. Proficiency in statistical analysis and data modeling is crucial for interpreting findings.

Environmental Impact Assessment: Assessing the potential environmental impact of projects, policies, or industrial activities is a vital skill. This involves evaluating environmental risks, conducting impact studies, and proposing mitigation strategies.

Project Management: Environmental scientists often work on projects involving multiple stakeholders. Effective project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and coordination, are necessary for successful implementation.

Communication and Collaboration: Environmental scientists must communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders, are essential.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Environmental science professionals encounter complex challenges that require innovative and critical thinking. The ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and make informed decisions is crucial.

Environmental Science Careers: Examples

Environmental Consultant: Working with organizations or government agencies, environmental consultants provide expertise on environmental regulations, conduct assessments, and develop sustainable solutions.

Conservation Scientist: These professionals study ecosystems, develop conservation plans, and work to preserve biodiversity and natural resources.

Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers design and implement technologies to mitigate pollution, manage waste, and develop sustainable infrastructure.

Environmental Educator: Educators promote environmental awareness and sustainability by teaching in schools, nature centers, museums, or through outreach programs.

Sustainability Analyst: Sustainability analysts assess organizational practices and develop strategies to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.

Wildlife Biologist: Wildlife biologists study animal behavior, habitat, and population dynamics to inform conservation and management efforts.

Climate Change Analyst: Climate change analysts study the impact of climate change, develop adaptation strategies, and analyze policy implications.

Environmental Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work in government, NGOs, or research institutions, analyzing environmental policies and advocating for sustainable practices.

Renewable Energy Specialist: Specialists focus on developing and implementing renewable energy solutions, such as solar, wind, or geothermal power.

Building A Successful Career in Environmental Science

This section provides strategies for career development and advancement within environmental science:

Networking and Professional Associations: Building professional connections through networking events, conferences, and joining associations allows individuals to learn from experienced professionals and stay updated on industry trends.

Internships and Field Experience: Gaining practical experience through internships or fieldwork provides valuable hands-on skills, expands professional networks, and enhances job prospects.

Continuing Education and Certifications: Pursuing additional certifications or attending workshops and training programs helps environmental scientists develop specialized skills and stay competitive in the field. For example, Davidson students who have obtained HAZWOPER training have been identified by environmental consulting firms as significantly more competitive than candidates who don't possess this industry training.

Staying Updated on Industry Trends: Keeping up with emerging technologies, policy changes, and research advancements is crucial for staying relevant and adapting to evolving environmental challenges.

Developing a Strong Portfolio: Building a portfolio that showcases academic projects, research work, publications, and practical experiences can significantly enhance career opportunities.

Fellowship, Internship & Mentorship Programs

Fellowship availability may vary year to year, so it's recommended to visit the respective websites frequently for the most up-to-date information and application details. Please note this is not an exhaustive list:

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Fellowships

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Science, Technology and Policy (STP) Program

EPA Environmental Fellowships

National Park Service Recent Graduates Program

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internships and Fellowships

Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) Fellowship

Meridian Institute Ruckelhaus Fellowship

Green Corps Environmental Fellowships

The Water Institute at UNC-CH

Ray Diversity Fellowship

Internship Programs

Seed Your Future (awesome resource!)