At Conservation International, we believe that human societies can live harmoniously with nature. But it takes the belief and effort of dedicated people to make it happen. Some of the careers that improve the well-being of people and their environment at air quality inspector, conservation entreprenuer, environmental educator, and environmental journalist.
Environmental Engineer
Field: Engineering
Environmental engineers design, build, and operate systems safe for the natural world. They assess and evaluate the environmental and social impacts of engineering projects for the public, scientists, and other interest groups, along with developing new technologies to improve the eco-friendliness of these projects or meet government standards. Their engineering expertise is applied to natural resource management, pollution control, and environmental impact assessments. Environmental engineers often specialize in a particular industry sector, such as the mineral or chemical industry. They work closely with other professionals and their work can take them both indoors and outdoors when working on projects.
- Educational Requirements: minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering
- Necessary Skills: strong background in math and science; familiarity with environmental laws and trends; ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems, good communication skills
- Related Careers: civil engineer, transportation planner, environmental planner, chemical engineer
Landscape Architect Field: Planning and Design
Whether it's a public park, a community courtyard, a shopping center, or a national monument, landscape architects plan and design beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly spaces. Before beginning a project, landscape architects analyze the site to study the climate, drainage, soil, and plant life. They are responsible for all aspects of the project, from selecting shrubbery and overseeing soil placement to choosing materials used in constructing decks and patios. Because the pressure to construct useful, safe areas is growing, the future for landscape architects is bright. This career is ideal for people who thrive on variety – the job mixes research, planning, design, engineering, construction, geology, horticulture, botany, and more. Landscape architects conduct site visits throughout a project but also spend time inside a design studio or meeting with team members and clients.
- Educational Requirements: minimum of a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture; master's degree preferred
- Necessary Skills: spatial relations; conceptualization, research, planning, and design skills; communications and sales skills; ability to multitask
- Related Careers: drafter, environmental engineer, botanist, horticulturist, arborist, geologist, hydrologist, construction manager
Transportation Planner Field: Engineering
Transportation planners are part of a team that include transportation designers and operators. After conducting methodical research and analysis, planners propose means of travel by road, air, or water that are safe for people, cargo, and the environment. All projects, whether it's a new highway, bridge, or railroad, are planned carefully to limit negative effects on air and water quality and plant and animal habitats. While transportation planners spend much time outdoors at job sites, they are also often found indoors researching, writing, and meeting with government officials, community leaders, and environmental groups. Their job is more than constructing a new travel route – it involves complying with many standards and satisfying the varying interests of many diverse people.
- Educational Requirements: minimum of a bachelor's degree in engineering with a concentration in transportation
- Necessary Skills: experience in urban and environmental planning and construction management; background in math and science; familiarity with environmental laws and trends; problem solving, communications, mediation, and negotiation skills
- Related Careers: transportation designer, transportation operator, civil engineer, environmental engineer, environmental planner
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