If you’re like many students considering a career in environmental policy or management, you have a clear sense of purpose. You want to conserve natural resources for future generations while also meeting the needs of today’s society. While the issues are challenging and complex, it’s a critically important role that’s also quite fulfilling. Despite your enthusiasm for protecting the environment, you may not know exactly what would suit your personality and skill set. You’re also probably wondering which environmental policy careers offer the best prospects for job availability and income potential.
In today’s blog, we’ll highlight three of the top environmental policy careers you could pursue after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management. Learn the day-to-day responsibilities and job outlook for each career to decide what’s best for you.
Environmental Policy Analyst
What They Do
The goal of an environmental policy analyst is to help others (legislators, business owners, or communities) make informed decisions about policies or projects that will impact the environment. Although your duties will vary based on where you work, you can generally expect to:
- Research environmental trends, policies, and laws
- Consult with interest groups, including businesses, governments, and special interest groups
- Coordinate public reviews and participate in public hearings on major projects
- Analyze data, relationships, and policies (often using statistical models)
- Prepare reports and make presentations to stakeholders
- Identify problems created by projects and practices
- Propose options for mitigating environmental impacts
- Make recommendations that balance environmental conservation with social and economic needs
- Develop regulations and guidelines for the implementation of environmental laws and policies
At Everglades University, our bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management helps graduates analyze complex information and communicate their recommendations to others. In addition to the foundations of English Composition, Communications, Speech, and Statistics, our students take advanced coursework in Writing for Managers, Critical Thinking in Business, and Environmental Impact Analysis.
Where They Work
Many environmental policy analysts find work in federal, state, or local governments. There are opportunities in the private sector as well. Businesses seek environmental policy analysts to manage environmental compliance programs, incorporate environmental concerns into business strategies, and improve performance by waste reduction and energy efficiency. You might also pursue jobs in the nonprofit sector, with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund or The Nature Conservancy.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes environmental analysts in the broader group of environmental specialists and scientists. Between 2016 and 2026, these professionals should see employment opportunities increase by 11%, faster than average.
An environmental policy analyst needs to analyze complex ideas and present recommendations to stakeholders, helping make better decisions.
Environmental Lobbyist
What They Do
An environmental lobbyist persuades politicians to pass laws, policies, and regulations for a cleaner environment. Their goal is to bring critical environmental issues into the political spotlight and advocate for improvement through the legislative process. Your duties might include:
- Speaking on behalf of special interest groups or specific industries
- Consulting with scientists and environmental policy analysts for data to support the cause
- Scheduling and directing meetings with legislators on behalf of clients
- Representing clients at media events
- Preparing press releases and informational literature
- Testifying at public court hearings
- Coordinating public events to raise awareness of a particular issue
Just like an environmental policy analyst, communication is a critical skill to succeed as a lobbyist. However, you must also have the ability to persuade – both one-on-one and through media campaigns. To help you succeed as a lobbyist, our Environmental Policy and Management program prepares students with courses such as Negotiation Communications, Communication, and Environmental Justice, The Science of Persuasion and Negotiation, and Global Environment Politics.
Where They Work
Lobbyists usually work for public interest groups like the Environmental Defense Fund or the Sierra Club Foundation. You could also work for a lobbying/public relations firm or a specific election campaign. If you want to change federal law, you’ll most likely need to live near Washington DC. Since networking is always a vital step in job searching, you might want to look into The Association of Government Relations Professionals or The Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists to find a mentor and watch their job boards.
Job Outlook
Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t have a category specifically for lobbyists, we can compare a similar position. There is a 9% projected growth rate for Public Relations Specialists through 2026.
Environmental Lobbyists must excel at negotiation and persuasion. Our Environmental Policy and Management bachelor’s program includes extensive coursework to build your communication skills.
Environmental Remediator
What They Do
The goal of an environmental remediator is to remove pollution and contaminants from soil and water in our environment and natural areas. Once complete, remediation teams utilize several strategies to undo the damage. Your duties could vary quite a bit depending on the type of management position. We’ve highlighted the manager-level positions you might pursue after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management.
- Management and business specialists plan and organize remediation projects and those who supervise the workers on site. Everglades University’s bachelor program includes Principles of Management, Principles of Supervision, and Operations Management to help our graduates successfully oversee complex projects.
- Compliance officers must be aware of all local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental remediation. They ensure compliance and worker safety. To prepare you for the complex world of environmental regulations, our program includes coursework on Energy Policy, U.S. Environmental Policy and Management, and a capstone on Environmental Policy and Management. Coursework can also include preparation for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications.
- Construction managers coordinate and supervise construction workers and heavy equipment operators to ensure a productive and safe work environment. They make sure the job is completed on time and on budget. If this appeals to you, Everglades offers an option for interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to take 21 credit hours in any of our other programs. With bachelor’s programs in Construction Management and Crisis and Disaster Management, you can specialize in a particular area to make your resume stand out.
Where They Work
As the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points out, ‘Environmental remediation is an important sector of the green economy.” The largest employer of environmental remediation is the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA’s Superfund program is responsible for cleaning up some of the nation’s most contaminated land and responding to environmental emergencies, oil spills, and natural disasters. However, there are a growing number of private businesses offering environmental remediation and/or consulting.
Job Outlook
There is no specific category for environmental remediation. However, there are related careers such as construction management and compliance officers. Jobs will grow about 11%, faster than average.
Environmental remediation is an important part of the green economy. Management professionals are needed in the government and private sector to manage complex clean-up operations.
How to Get Started
There are many benefits to choosing Everglades University for your bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy and Management. Yet, it can seem very overwhelming to get started or head back to college. Our goal is to make this process as easy as possible and answer all your questions along the way.
The admission process starts with applying to the university. Everglades representatives are available to walk you through this process step by step, or you can submit everything directly online. The enrollment process happens on a rolling basis so that you can get your application in right away! If you have questions or would like more information, you can schedule a visit to the campus or call us any time.
You will need to verify your high school graduation and any previous college coursework during the application process. It is essential to include all previous coursework so you can get transfer credit for those courses. An application fee is also required during the initial application process and can be submitted online.
It is not necessary to have taken a national test such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing exam (ACT). Everglades University offers an entrance exam that can be used instead of these courses if you would prefer. International students can choose to take the university exam, and students should be fluent in English.
At Everglades University, our mission is to provide quality education to adult learners of any background. We have a collaborative environment where individuals can achieve personal growth. The Environmental Policy program can be completed online and in person to ensure the ability for people from all walks of life to enroll in the program.
Choosing a career and a college doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We are here to help you. Our admissions advisors can walk you through the program and help answer questions. Once enrolled, your program advisor is there to help answer your questions as well. Protecting the environment is an important goal and getting a degree in environmental policy is an exciting career path to take within this field.
As you can see, we’ve designed our bachelor’s program in Environmental Policy and Management to give you the broadest set of options once you graduate. If you’re ready to explore one of these environmental policy careers, contact us today!