Environmental jobs are those that serve to better the environment in one way or another. These tasks can be highly technical and involved in science, such as being an ecologist, or can be an advocacy position, such as a lobbyist. Most environmental jobs will require at least a certain degree of scientific knowledge. Even those involved in public relations and lobbying will need to have enough knowledge to explain things in a simplified manner to others. These jobs are often called green jobs, or green collar jobs.
The environmental jobs that require the highest level of education are those that involve a lot of scientific work in the ecology field. These individuals are responsible for assessing the health of a particular environment, and suggest ways to improve it or sustain it. They may be employed by the government, private organizations, or even private industry. Though private industry gets a lot of criticism, there are responsible companies that understand that a good environment is in the company's best interest over the long term, and will hire ecologists with this in mind.
An environmental consultant is a person who focuses not on the overall environment, like many environmental jobs, but on a specific portion. It could be as small as a specific piece of property. The consultant will assess the overall air quality, ground quality, and water quality for a client. Most likely, the client is looking to locate on the spot. Environmental issues may affect the cost of building on the site, and may not make the project feasible in that location.
Some environmental jobs focus on environmental health. These jobs will advise managers and others on how to perform job duties in otherwise hazardous environmental conditions. They may also assess the environment for different health concerns, such as allergies and asthma. Once the tests have been conducted, those involved in environmental health occupations may make recommendations for resolving problems, or at least come up with measures to protect those subjected to the conditions.
Lobbyists and public relations individuals are responsible for trying to influence policy. They will talk with key lawmakers and bureaucrats to explain the situation, and how different laws or policies could be shaped to improve it. Often, they may help coordinate testimony in congressional or legislative committees by bringing in the scientists who have studied the issue, and have first-hand knowledge of the situation. These individuals will also take their cases to the media, encouraging coverage both in print and broadcast forms. For those who have substantial advertising budgets, radio or television commercials may play a role.
