Studying geology or environmental science can help students qualify for a variety of jobs.
Though geology and environmental science are two separate majors, the knowledge and skills learned in each major have a lot of overlap. In fact, at many colleges and universities, a majority of the required classes and elective class choices for these majors are the same. Students who studied either geology or environmental science may qualify for the same entry-level jobs with many employers.
Regulatory Jobs
One of the largest employers of both geology and environmental science graduates are government agencies that work to protect and preserve the environment. All levels of government from federal to local have a need for educated workers to fill jobs in these fields. These employees may be involved in a variety of activities from approving highway projects to testing wastewater from plants and factories. Job titles in the regulatory field include environmental inspector, environmental technician, natural resource specialist and conservationist.
Natural Resource Production Jobs
Industries that produce oil, gas, timber and other natural resources may employ both geologists and environmental scientists in a number of positions. Graduates in these fields may be used both to locate resources to produce and to protect the surrounding ecology from damage. These industries may also employ geology and environmental science graduates specifically to assure compliance with federal and state regulations applicable to the industry. Job titles include conservation technician, ecologist and environmental officer.
Educational Jobs
Though most collegiate-level academic jobs require an advantaged degree, students who majored in geology or environmental science may find work in the education field with bachelor's degrees. For example, many nonprofit and advocacy groups employ geology or environmental science majors to produce literature furthering the group's goals or for consulting purposes. In some districts, students with degrees in geology or environmental science can teach at public and private schools without degrees in education. Museums may be another source of employment. Job titles in this field include researcher, writer, public information assistant, lobbyist, fundraiser and teacher.
Park Jobs
Students who studied either geology or environmental science in college may be eligible for employment with various federal, state and local park and recreation sites. Students can work at parks using their broad-based skills to help others to understand and preserve nature as well as to protect the park. More specifically, geology and environmental science graduates can work at parks that are more devoted to their specific skills. For example, a geology graduate may work at a park with picturesque rock formations while an environmental science graduate may work at a location with an ecology threatened by human development. Job titles include park ranger, conservation technician and group or tour leader.
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