Policy and Activism Careers

Field: Law and Policy

An environmental attorney is a lawyer firmly committed to conservation and environmental issues. Combining science knowledge with a strong legal foundation, these lawyers fight for pollution-free air, clean water, the preservation of endangered species, and much more. They often represent the underdog and spend much of their time fostering negotiations between corporations and factories, government agencies, and environmental groups. Environmental litigation can be slow and the pay is modest, but dedicated environmental attorneys are passionate about their causes and thrive on litigation and the legal process.

• Educational Requirements: law degree and admission to the bar
• Necessary Skills: basic understanding of science; familiarity with environmental issues, regulations, and standards; research, investigative, negotiation, and communications skills; media relations savvy; persistence and patience
• Related Careers: policy developer, activist, lobbyist, grassroots organizer

Field: Public Action

Grassroots organizers are spirited, action-oriented individuals who work to unite groups or communities around certain issues, such as recycling, pollution, or chemical waste. Organizers help citizens create the mission, vision, and strategic plan to stimulate change and achieve their goals. Grassroots organizers usually work in a specified region as volunteers. In some cases, they may be hired by groups and paid a small stipend. This career is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about the environment, not motivated by money, and wants to work a flexible schedule.

• Educational Requirements: no specific degree required
• Necessary Skills: good listening and communications skills, public speaking, critical thinking, strategy development, passion and motivation
• Related Careers: activist, lobbyist, policy developer, environmental educator, recycling coordinator

Field: Public Action and Policy

Lobbyists are known for their power of persuasion. Their job is to sway politicians to vote on legislation in a way that favors their interests. Lobbyists must be able to tailor their appeals to specific individuals and interest groups. They must be well informed, self-confident, and have good people skills. There are two main types of lobbying: direct lobbying with politicians and indirect lobbying with grassroots organizations. Both types work long hours especially during the days before their issues' vote. Both public and private organizations hire lobbyists to work for their interests, including groups that advocate on behalf of the environment and wildlife.

• Educational Requirements: most lobbyists have bachelor's degrees in political science, communications, or public relations although a degree is not necessary
• Necessary Skills: strong persuasion skills, good communicator, confident, strong researcher
• Related Careers: politician, public relations, advertising, journalist

Field: Law and Policy

Policy developers are pioneers in the development of rules and regulations by which businesses must abide. Developers gather and objectively weigh input from many sources, including scientists, environmentalists, engineers, and businesses themselves. They work as a chief negotiator to create fair and acceptable standards. Policy developers often work within government agencies, and they spend much time meeting with stakeholders and lobbying Congress.

• Educational Requirements: minimum bachelor's degree in political science; master's degree in public policy administration preferred
• Necessary Skills: legal and economic knowledge; familiarity with environmental industry trends; listening, negotiating, and mediating skills; writing and public speaking skills
• Related Careers: policy analyst, environmental attorney, lobbyist, activist, grassroots organizer

Field: Waste Management

In some communities, recycling glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper is not required. Recycling coordinators may be hired in such communities by local governments or groups to "rally" citizens' participation. A coordinator's job is to keep abreast with recycling trends and news and to constantly persuade people to participate in recycling programs. Some coordinators also work closely with local government officials to push for recycling legislation. Though the salaries for recycling coordinators are minimal, environmentalists wishing to get involved in activist work on a part-time basis may find this job ideal.

• Educational Requirements: no specific degree required
• Necessary Skills: experience with recycling or other environmental issues; public relations, marketing, and communications skills; ability to work independently
• Related Careers: recyclable materials collector, recyclables salesperson, recycling product manager, environmental educator, grassroots organizer

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