What Can I Do With A Major In Earth Science? Compiled by the staff at the SUNY Oneonta Career Development Center Introduction Earth Science is the study of the earth, past, present, and future. The study of Earth Science recognizes that the planet is affected by its natural processes and the way in which humanity uses and exploits its natural resources and environment. Earth Science majors are employed across the whole spectrum of earth science work in general and geological work in particular. Functional Skill Set for Earth Science Majors Managing time Speaking Listening Writing Observing Photos Sketching Graphing Gathering resources Mapping Collecting Traveling Hiking Use computers to display and analyze data Ability to Visualize Ability to make decisions from incomplete data Aptitude for accuracy and detail. Ability to conduct and clearly explain scientific research. Thorough knowledge of geological principles and mathematics. Transferable skills and personal traits: interpersonal skills, team player, creative thinker, independent worker, interested in getting advanced training and degrees, analytical and research skills, written communication skills, perseverance, stamina, ability to visualize.
Related Career Titles for Earth Science Majors Agricultural Scientist Agricultural Technician Air and Water Quality Manager Air Pollution Analyst Architect Biochemist Biologist Biomedical Engineer Biotechnologist Chemical Technician Chemist City Planner Ecologist Engineering Technician Environmentalist Analyst Environmental Consultant Environmental Educator Environmental Engineer Environmental Engineering Environmental Health Specialist Environmental Lobbyist Environmental Nurse Environmental Physician Forester Fund Raiser Geographer Geologist Geophysicist Hazardous Waste Manager Hydrologist Industrial Hygienist Journalist, Author, Photographer Management Consultant Meteorologist Outdoor Trip Leader Park Ranger Pharmacy Technician Project Manager Public Health Veterinarian Range Manager Resource Economist Seismologist Soil Conservation Technician Teacher Urban and Regional Planner Water/Wastewater Plant
Some Organizations that Typically Employ Earth Science Majors: Energy industry (petroleum, coal, natural gas) Engineering consulting firms Environmental consulting firms Natural history museums Scientific journals Testing labs Environmental advocacy groups Minerals industry Bureau of Reclamation Forest Service National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Admin. NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection NJ Dept. of Transportation Travel/tourism (ecotourism companies) Waste management companies Peace Corps Soil conservation Service US Environmental Protection Agency US Geological Survey Public and private elementary, middle and high schools Two-year community colleges Four-year institutions Corporations Media Political Action Committees Natural Park Service State, county or city parks Resorts Marinas Privately owned facilities NASA
Start a Strategic Plan Get on planning boards, commissions, and committees. Have a planning specialty (transportation, water resources, air quality, etc.). Master communication, mediation and writing skills Network in the community and get to know who s who in your specialty area. Develop a strong scientific or technical background. Diversify your knowledge base, for example, in areas of law, economics, politics, historical preservation, or architecture. Learn certification/licensure requirements for teaching public K-12 schools. Join professional associations and environmental groups as ways to network. Become active in environmental political organizations. Take scientific or engineering courses. Get a solid background in the basic sciences while obtaining a broad-based education. Obtain legal, real estate, and financial skills through coursework, internships or parttime jobs. Volunteer through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and hold an office. Keep up with new funding sources. Consider law school for careers as counsel to environmental organizations. Get a broad scientific education. Obtain skills in areas such as planning, administration, communications, and negotiation through coursework, internships or part-time jobs. Get experience and skills in computers, statistics and computer modeling. Join the Peace Corps as segue into federal government positions. Get on government agencies job registers. Get a broad-based education that will develop both technical and interpersonal skills. Gain expertise in additional areas such as communications, writing, fund-raising, negotiation and computer applications. Obtain working knowledge of a foreign language such as Spanish, Arabic or Chinese Consider double major in hard science or engineering. Get laboratory experience. Work in government office or regulatory agency. Get experience with technical writing. Get involved with local chapters of citizen watch groups. Become familiar with Superfund and its activities. Develop a specific skill in the areas of engineering, chemistry or laboratory work. Work at state and local agencies as a way to start an air quality career. Get a strong chemistry background. Become familiar with high-tech tools.
Focus on a specific technical field. Obtain skills with computers, statistics, and accounting through coursework, internships, or part-time jobs. Develop good communication and public relations skills. Get a minor or double major in a technical area (soil science, wildlife or surveying) or in an arts and science area (business, economics, political science or computer science). Professional Organizations and Associations for Earth Science Majors: American Geological Institute 4220 King St. Alexandria, VA 22320 (703) 379-2480 http://www.agiweb.org American Inst. Of Petroleum Geologists 1444 S. Boulder Ave. Tulsa, Ok 74119 (918) 584 2555 Geological Society of America PO Box 9140 3300 Penrose Pl. Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 477-2020 http://www.geosociety.org Association of American Geographers 1710 Sixteenth St., NW Washington DC 20009 (202) 234-1145 National Association of Geoscience Teachers http://www.nagt.org/index.html National Earth Science Teachers Association http://www.nestanet.org Science Teachers Association of New York State http://www.stanys.org Revised 12/7/10
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES/SCIENCE What can I do with this major? AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES SOIL SCIENCE Soil and Water Conservation Land Use Planning Waste Disposal Environmental Compliance Reclamation of Contaminated Lands Landfill Operation and Monitoring Agrichemical Management Fertilizer Technology Agricultural Production Research Education SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Chemistry Engineering Hydrology Logistics Planning Recycling Transportation Compliance Government agencies including: US Environmental Protection Agency Natural Resource Conservation Services USDA Forest Service US Department of Health and Human Services State farm bureaus Environmental research laboratories Agricultural or environmental consultant firms Privately owned farms and ranches Universities Private waste management firms Maintain knowledge of current environmental issues including policy, conservation, and industry trends. Develop acute observational skills. Stay current on technology used in natural resource management including software, geographical information systems, and global positioning systems. Seek related experience through co-ops, internships, or part-time jobs in area of interest. Gain extensive laboratory and research experience to prepare for research positions. Participate in related clubs, organizations, and soil judging teams to build contacts and cultivate academic interests. Learn about certification programs offered by the Soil Science Society of America including soil science and agronomy. Become familiar with the federal job application procedure for government employment. Obtain Ph.D. for optimal research and university teaching careers. Develop strong communication skills, both written and oral. Develop decision-making and problem-solving skills, diplomacy, and the ability to work under pressure. Gain familiarity with current technologies, regulations, and statutes. Join community groups or service organizations that focus on environmental awareness; attend public meetings about waste management. Become flexible and learn to look at issues from various perspectives.
(Environmental Studies/Science, Page 2) AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT Hydrogeology Quality Control Risk Assessment Environmental Engineering Public and Environmental Health Industrial Hygiene Biology Chemistry Geology Chemical Engineering Planning Compliance AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT Engineering Planning Analytical Chemistry Environmental Quality Analysis Meteorology Risk Assessment Safety and Health Management Toxicology Project Development Compliance WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT Aquatic Ecology Aquatic Toxicology Biology Civil/Environmental Engineering Hydrogeology and Hydrology Drinking Water Supply and Treatment Waste Water Treatment Groundwater Protection Surface Water Management Estuary Management Wetlands Protection Compliance Industrial Engineering Private companies that generate hazardous waste in production Hazardous waste management firms Private industry Consider a double major in hard science or engineering. Attend public meetings on hazardous waste issues. Gain laboratory experience and computer expertise. Complete an internship in a government office or regulatory agency. Gain experience with technical writing. Get involved with local chapters of citizen watch groups. Become familiar with Superfund and its activities. Stay up-to-date with federal regulations and both industry and regional standards. Additional training in economics and policy is desirable. Develop strong oral communication and technical writing skills. Learn to work well under pressure and develop negotiation skills. Seek volunteer or paid positions within area environmental groups. Develop a strong chemistry background by taking additional courses. Obtain laboratory skills by assisting faculty with research projects. Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and regulations. Develop interpersonal, oral communication, and technical writing skills. Seek an advanced degree in policy for increased marketability. Learn about certification programs offered by the American Institute of Hydrology. Learn to use the tools and software associated with watershed modeling.
(Environmental Studies/Science, Page 3) AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION Biology Ecology Planning Law Geographic Information Systems Preserve Management Natural Resource Management Soil Conservation Land Acquisition Indian nations Utilities and timber companies Land trust organizations such as The Nature Conservancy or Trust for Public Land Gain a solid background in the basic sciences while obtaining a broad-based education. Obtain legal, real estate, and financial skills through coursework, internships or part-time jobs. Volunteer through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and hold an office. Keep up with new funding sources. Consider law school for careers as counsel to environmental organizations. FISHERY AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Aquaculture Botany Data Management Biology Hatchery Management Marine Biology Ecology Education Research Planning PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION Administration and Management Law Enforcement Recreation Planning Natural Resource Management Research Site Operations and Maintenance Ecotourism Direct Mail Merchandising Marine sport fisheries Utility companies Developers Timber companies Wildlife ranges Scientific foundations Zoological parks Hunting and fishing clubs National Park Service Federal agencies State, county, or city parks Resorts Marinas Privately owned facilities Tourism agencies Develop a broad scientific education. Obtain skills in areas such as planning, administration, communications, and negotiation through coursework, internships, or part-time jobs. Get experience and skills in computers, statistics and computer modeling. Join the Peace Corps as a segue way into federal government positions. Learn about the federal job application process. Develop a broad-based education that will develop both technical and interpersonal skills. Gain expertise in additional areas such as communications, writing, fund-raising, negotiation, and computer applications. Obtain working knowledge of a foreign language such as Spanish. Learn to work well with and communicate with all types of people. Participate in travel and recreation programs. Join related organizations and seek leadership roles to gain experience planning trips and other programs.
(Environmental Studies/Science, Page 4) AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES FORESTRY Consulting Entomology Hydrology Natural Resource Management Planning Research International Forestry Urban Forestry Timber companies Obtain skills with computers, statistics, and accounting through coursework, internships or part-time jobs. Develop good communication and public relations skills. Get a minor or double major in a technical area (soil science, wildlife or surveying) or in an arts and science area (business, economics, political scienceor computer science). ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION Teaching Journalism Tourism Law Regulation Compliance Political Action/Lobbying Public and private elementary, middle, and high schools Two-year community colleges Four-year institutions Corporations Media Political Action Committees Master public speaking skills. Learn certification/licensure requirements for teaching public K-12 schools. Develop creative hands-on strategies for teaching/ learning. Publish articles in newsletters or newspapers. Learn environmental laws and regulations. Join professional associations and environmental groups as ways to network. Become active in environmental political organizations. PLANNING Air Quality Aviation Building/Zoning Land-Use Consulting Recreation Transportation Water Resources Federal, state, regional, and local government Corporations Banks Real estate development companies Law firms Architectural firms Market research companies Colleges and universities Nonprofit groups Get on planning boards, commissions, and committees. Have a planning specialty (transportation, water resources, air quality, etc.). Master communication, mediation and writing skills. Network in the community and get to know "who's who" in your specialty area. Develop a strong scientific or technical background. Diversify your knowledge base. For example, in areas of law, economics, politics, historical preservation, or architecture.
(Environmental Studies/Science, Page 5) AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Law firms Large corporations Federal and State government agencies including: US Environmental Protection Agency Department of Justice Attorney General Office, e.g. Green Action and Natural Resources Defense Council Earn a law degree. Prepare for law school by maintaining a high g.p.a. and studying for the LSAT. Build strong recommendations from faculty. Work a part-time or summer job in a law firm. Develop strong written and oral communication skills. Participate in pre-law honor societies, debate teams, or moot court. GENERAL INFORMATION Environmental studies and environmental science differ from each other in the amount of science course work needed. Environmental studies provides a broad base of hard sciences as well as liberal arts or social science coursework. Environmental science incorporates hard sciences and environmental sciences. Choice depends upon career focus, for example, administration or policy-making versus technical areas or research. Combine liberal arts skills with analytical skills to increase employability. Formally, obtain a double major or minor in one of these areas. Informally, obtain these skills through internships, co-ops, volunteer work, summer jobs, or independent research projects. Become familiar with current environmental laws and regulations. Stay up-to-date with changing environmental legislation. Join related professional associations; read related literature and journals to keep up with new developments. Attend seminars, conferences and workshops sponsored by professional associations or public interest groups. Network and get to know people who are working in area of interest. Research agencies/organizations of interest before applying for a position. Learn local, state and federal government job application procedures. Obtain graduate degree for job security/advancement. 1996 The University of Tennessee Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (1996, Revised 2002, 2006) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer
AREAS FORESTRY What can I do with this major? EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES FIELDWORK Inventory Harvest Planning Reforestation Firefighting Forest Health Wildlife Management Recreational Design/Planning State and federal government agencies: USDA Forest Service Local, state, and national parks Reserves State extension services State divisions of forestry Peace Corps Universities Private tree care/landscaping companies Utility companies Pulp and paper manufacturers Timber companies International: World Bank United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization Non-governmental organizations, e.g. The Nature Conservancy Maintain knowledge of current environmental issues including policy, conservation, and industry trends. Be prepared to work with minimal supervision, outdoors, in all types of weather conditions. Develop physical stamina, be able to tolerate extensive walking, and be willing to relocate to find employment. Maintain up-to-date computer skills including desktop publishing and specialized tools used in fieldwork. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Learn a foreign language to increase marketability for international employment. Participate in related clubs and organizations like The Society of American Foresters or The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council to build contacts and cultivate academic related interests. Gain knowledge of the social and cultural factors that affect forest management in areas of interest. Take courses in communications, horticulture, landscape architecture, entomology, pathology, urban affairs and planning to increase marketability in urban forestry. Seek volunteer or paid experiences in forestry or conservation. Obtain Certified Forester credential through the Society of American Foresters. Seek forester certification/registration at the state level if applicable. Become familiar with the federal job application process for government employment. Seek management experience to advance e.g. junior forester to forest manager.
(Forestry, Page 2) AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY Forest Engineering Production Wood Science/Utilization Research Sales Marketing Management Public Relations State and federal government agencies: Corps of Engineers Bureau of Outdoor Recreation National and state parks State extension services Resource agencies Universities Pulp and paper manufacturers Timber companies Research groups Maintain knowledge of current environmental issues including policy, conservation, and industry trends. Participate in related clubs and organizations to build contacts and cultivate academic related interests. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Acquire strong background in physical sciences such as physics or chemistry and wood science. Obtain dual degrees in civil engineering and forestry to enter as a forest engineer. Seek experience in sales, marketing, management, or administration to increase marketability in operations. Earn a graduate degree for advanced opportunities in research or management. Plan to earn Ph.D. for employment as a professor. Obtain paid or volunteer experiences in the wood products industry. Become familiar with the federal job application process for government employment. EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION Teaching Research Public Relations Environmental Policy/Law Local, state, and federal government agencies: City, state, and national parks State extension services Public schools Nature centers Wildlife refuges Youth camps Environmental education centers Universities Vocational schools Private schools Timber companies Pulp and paper manufacturers Maintain knowledge of current environmental issues including policy and conservation. Develop strong communication skills, particularly public speaking and group presentation skills. Join relevant campus organizations and seek leadership positions. Understand the resources and populace of an area of interest. Earn a minor in journalism, broadcasting, media relations, and/or education to increase marketability. Seek paid or volunteer experiences in a local park, nature camp, or educational center. Obtain teacher certification to secure positions in public education.
(Forestry, Page 3) AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION CONT. Obtain advanced degree to teach at the post-secondary level. Become familiar with the federal job application process for government employment. Plan to earn law degree to advance in policy or environmental law. MANAGEMENT Resource Recreation Range/Wildland Management Forest Management State and federal government agencies: National and state parks USDA Forest Service Corps of Engineers Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Indian Affairs Soil Conservation Service Department of Defense State extension services Fish and Wildlife Service Botanical/zoological gardens Historical sites Land management companies Land appraisers Livestock ranches Private consulting services Conservation agencies Universities Maintain knowledge of current environmental issues including policy, conservation, and industry trends. Develop strong communication skills including public speaking, group presentation, and mediation. Maintain up-to-date computer skills including desktop publishing and specialized tools used in fieldwork. Take courses in outdoor recreation, park administration, or outdoor interpretation. Gain knowledge of the sports/leisure, logging/mining activities and wildlife of regions of interest. Acquire strong knowledge of ecology, fiscal procedures, program design, government and social trends. Join student organizations such as Society of American Foresters and Wildlife and Fisheries Student Chapter to network and cultivate academic interests. Be prepared to work with minimal supervision, outdoors, in all types of weather conditions. Develop physical stamina and be able to tolerate extensive walking, and be willing to relocate to find employment. Obtain professional certification from The Society for Range Management. Obtain paid or volunteer experiences in a recreational setting such as a national park or forest. Earn PhD. to obtain employment as a professor.
(Forestry, Page 4) GENERAL INFORMATION For entry-level positions, a bachelor s degree is sufficient. Some federal and private agency work, consulting positions, and especially research positions require a graduate degree. Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experiences in field of interest. Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Maintain up-to-date computer skills and knowledge of specialized tools used in fieldwork. Join a student club, a student professional association, or a local/state/national forestry association to network and cultivate related academic interests. Plan informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities to make contacts in government and industry and to learn more about specific fields. Stay current on news in forestry including policy issues, industry trends, and the job market by reading periodicals such as the Journal of Forestry or Forestry Industries. Plan to relocate to national parks, forests, and cities with demand for foresters. Be prepared to work under minimal supervision. Many foresters advance from fieldwork to administrative positions. Teacher certification is required for public education and varies by state. Contact the Society of American Foresters for updates to the national Certified Forester credential and other similar certifications. Additional forester certification can be obtained at the state level and varies by state. 2006 The University of Tennessee Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2006) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer