Environmental management positions may be found with a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree may be necessary to obtain some positions. Read on to find out what education you'll need to land a job in this field as well as important technical skills used in this career.
Education for an Environmental Management Job
Some entry-level positions require only a bachelor's degree in environmental management or a related field, but other positions, like research jobs and employees working on state geological surveys, require a master's degree. If you are interested in teaching environmental management at a university, you should expect to earn a doctoral degree.
Degree programs in environmental management or environmental science can prepare you for a career in this field, although majoring in hydrology, life science, chemistry, geology, atmospheric science, physics or geophysics could also prepare you for a position in environmental management. Students wishing to pursue a career in environmental management consulting may also choose to take business and marketing classes.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupationalField"> Important Facts about This Occupational Field</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Required Education </td><td> Bachelor's degree (<i>for conservation scientists</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Speaking, management, physical stamina, analytical, critical-thinking, decision-making (<i>for conservation scientists and foresters</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $63,750 (<i>for conservation scientists</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 3% (<i>for conservation scientists</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---Coursework">Coursework</h3><p>In an environmental management degree program, coursework is typically interdisciplinary and includes training in biology, chemistry, ecosystems, environmental technology, environmental health risk assessment, environmental law and environmental policy. Courses in air, land, water and wildlife management are also common. Degree programs often include hands-on projects or internships to provide students with the experience necessary to obtain a job.
</p><h3 id="section---NecessarySkills"> Necessary Skills</h3><p>Environmental management jobs require basic computer skills like using word processors and spreadsheets. In addition, employers look for job candidates who can use computers to analyze and integrate data, model data and create remote sensing maps. Hiring managers also look for experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS).
</p><h3 id="section---EnvironmentalManagementJobsOverview">Environmental Management Jobs Overview</h3><p>Environmental management is a broad field, including jobs like natural resources conservation manager, air quality specialist, water quality specialist, wetlands resources manager, hydrologist, land resources manager, environmental protection specialist and environmental management. Environmental managers often divide their time between field sites, offices and laboratories.</p>
