Environmental Sciences & Geosciences

Even if you have no experience, environmental science jobs are still available. The basic qualifications for an entry-level position include a degree in a relevant subject, such as environmental science or geology. Even if you need more professional experience, you can develop skills in your area of specialization before graduation!

So how do you gain experience in the field if you haven’t worked in the field? And how do you get work in the field without having experience? Fear not, there are several ways around this frustrating catch-22! Here are some ways you can find an entry-level environmental science related roles:

Start with Internships, Volunteer Experiences, or Early Career Development Programs

• Many companies offer internships, volunteer experiences, or early career development programs specifically designed for students and recent graduates. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects.
• Students should also explore summer camps, research internships, REU programs, scholarships, and fellowships in environmental science or geosciences.
• Check out the “Gain Experiences” section on this page to browse real-world volunteer projects with real organizations!

Research & Explore Entry-Level Jobs

• If you hope to gain work in this field, learning how to find entry-level jobs could help you start your career!
• You can start by researching the most popular entry-level environmental science jobs, and see which align closest with your unique career goals and skills.

Utilize Your Network

• Networking is another powerful tool for landing your first environmental science job. Reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who work in your field of interest.
• Also don’t overlook joining a LinkedIn community and making a simple LinkedIn post stating that you’re open to work and asking for help from your connections.
• Lastly, attend job fairs and other events related to your industry. These events are a great opportunity to meet people who can provide valuable insights and help you connect with potential employers!

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter For Each Application

• Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job or internship you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it’s not directly related to the job.
• Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience.
• In addition, remember to always use keywords mentioned in the job description on your resume because many companies use software to match your resume with keywords found in job descriptions.

Build A Strong Online Presence

• Establishing a professional online presence can help employers discover you!
• Maintain and update your LinkedIn profile, and participate in relevant online communities.
• This visibility can increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers and industry professionals.

If you’re a environmental science students or graduate, chances are good you’ll want to know some of the best mid-level environmental science-related jobs out there and where to start looking. Employers are eager to find environmental science and geoscience students and graduates, especially those who have good research and analysis skills!

Some experienced professionals find they are looking to make a new career move. Knowing how switching to a environmental science career can be beneficial can help you plan the next part of your professional life!

Switching Careers – Advice for Career Changers

• As a career switcher, you have a distinct advantage over graduates and early-career job seekers: Your career to date. Through your career you’ll have accumulated lots of skills and knowledge which may be transferred into a new career and are sought-after by environmental science employers!
• Transitioning to a career in environmental science should build on existing professional experience. In many cases, making a successful switch is a matter of refining specific skills, and highlighting transferable skills from your past experience.
• Spend time researching the technical and soft skills your ideal environmental science job requires, and spend time updating your resume and applications to be sure you have noted all your current/newly acquired skills, relevant certifications, and transferable skills from your past experience.

Popular Environmental Science & Geoscience Jobs To Explore

• As you begin considering career options, you might want to spend some time researching the various environmental science career paths out there and which aligns closest with your passions and skillsets.
• While researching specific roles, you will want to consider researching some of the top companies looking to hire environmental science and geoscience students and graduates.

Popular Environmental Science Job Boards To Explore

• You are probably asking, where can you find environmental science-related jobs with great companies? Well, job boards are one place you can start!
• We put together this list of the best job boards so you can quickly and easily find jobs and/or internships to explore!

As a seasoned professional in the environmental science field, employers may be expecting that you have not only the experience in the field, but the technical knowledge and certifications to prove your expertise! Career path for experienced environmental science professional’s are diverse and wide ranging!

Skills & Knowledge for Environmental Science Majors

• Environmental science students and graduates generally speaking have a wide range of research skills, and most environmental research generally involves determining data collection methods, collecting and analyzing air, water, and soil samples, analyzing environmental data gathered by others, and analyzing for correlations to human activity. Students and graduates also need to know how to prepare reports and presentations that explain their findings.
• When creating a resume for a environmental science career, it’s important to highlight the relevant skills that demonstrate your expertise and qualifications in the field:
  • Analytical skills: Environmental scientists and specialists base their conclusions on careful analysis of scientific data. They must consider all possible methods and solutions in their analyses.
  • Communication skills: Environmental scientists and specialists may need to present and explain their findings to audiences of varying backgrounds and write technical reports.
  • Interpersonal skills: Environmental scientists and specialists typically work on teams along with scientists, engineers, and technicians. Team members must be able to work together effectively to achieve their goals.
  • Problem-solving skills: Environmental scientists and specialists try to find the best possible solution to problems that affect the environment and people’s health.
  • Self-discipline: Environmental scientists and specialists may spend a lot of time working alone. They need to stay motivated and get their work done without supervision.

Explore Environmental Science Certifications

• Environmental Science certifications can quickly and affordably improve your skills and job prospects in the industry!
• Its import you take the time to first explore certification types and find options to find the best fit for your unique career goals!

Even if you have no experience, geologist jobs are still available. The basic qualifications for an entry-level position include a degree in a relevant subject, such as environmental science or geology. Even if you need more professional experience, you can develop skills in your area of specialization before graduation!

So how do you gain experience in the field if you haven’t worked in the field? And how do you get work in the field without having experience? Fear not, there are several ways around this frustrating catch-22! Here are some ways you can find an entry-level geoscience-related roles:

Start with Internships, Volunteer Experiences, or Early Career Development Programs

• Many companies offer internships, volunteer experiences, or early career development programs specifically designed for students and recent graduates. These opportunities provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects.
• Students should also explore summer camps, research internships, REU programs, scholarships, and fellowships in geosciences.
• Check out the “Gain Experiences” section on this page to browse real-world volunteer projects with real organizations!

Research & Explore Entry-Level Jobs

• If you hope to gain work in this field, learning how to find entry-level geologist jobs could help you start your career!
• You can start by researching the most popular entry-level jobs and see which align closest with your unique career goals and skills!

Utilize Your Network

• Networking is another powerful tool for landing your first geologist job. Join professional organizations, reach out to friends, family, and acquaintances who work in your field of interest.
• Also don’t overlook making a simple LinkedIn post stating that you’re open to work and asking for help from your connections.
• Lastly, attend job fairs and other networking events related to geology industry. These events are a great opportunity to meet people who can provide valuable insights and help you connect with potential employers!

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter For Each Application

• Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to the job or internship you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience, even if it’s not directly related to the job.
• Consider using a functional resume format that focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience.
• In addition, remember to always use keywords mentioned in the job description on your resume because many companies use software to match your resume with keywords found in job descriptions.

Build A Strong Online Presence

• Establishing a professional online presence can help employers discover you.
• Maintain and update your LinkedIn profile, and participate in relevant online communities, and showcase your projects or contributions on platforms like GitHub.
• This visibility can increase your chances of being noticed by potential employers and industry professionals.

If you’re a geology student or graduate, chances are good you’ll want to know some of the best mid-level geology-related jobs out there and where to start looking. Employers are eager to find geoscience students and graduates, especially those who have good research and analysis skills!

Some experienced professionals find they are looking to make a new career move. Knowing how switching to a environmental or geoscience career can be beneficial can help you plan the next part of your professional life!

Switching Careers – Advice for Career Changers

• As a career switcher, you have a distinct advantage over graduates and early-career job seekers: Your career to date. Through your career you’ll have accumulated lots of skills and knowledge which may be transferred into a new career and are sought-after by employers!
• Transitioning to a career in geoscience should build on existing professional experience. In many cases, making a successful switch is a matter of refining specific skills, and highlighting transferable skills from your past experience.
• Spend time researching the technical and soft skills your ideal geoscience job requires, and spend time updating your resume and applications to be sure you have noted all your current/newly acquired skills, relevant certifications, and transferable skills from your past experience.

Popular Geoscience Jobs To Explore

• As you begin considering career options, you might want to spend some time researching the various geoscience career paths out there and which aligns closest with your passions and skillsets.
• While researching specific roles, you will want to consider researching some of the top companies looking to hire geologists.

Popular Geoscience Job Boards To Explore

• You are probably asking, where can you find geoscience jobs with great companies? Well, job boards are one place you can start!
• We put together this list of the geoscience job boards so you can quickly and easily find jobs or internships to apply to!

As a seasoned professional in the geoscience field, employers may be expecting that you have not only the experience in the field, but the technical knowledge and certifications to prove your expertise! Career path for experienced geoscience professional’s are diverse and wide ranging!

Skills & Knowledge for Geoscience Majors

• Geoscience students and graduates generally speaking have a wide range of research skills, and most environmental research generally involves determining data collection methods, collecting and analyzing air, water, and soil samples, analyzing data gathered by others, and analyzing for correlations to human activity. Students and graduates also need to know how to prepare reports and presentations that explain their findings.
• When creating a resume for a geoscience career, it’s important to highlight the relevant skills that demonstrate your expertise and qualifications in the field:
  • Communication skills: Geoscientists must be able to present their research findings clearly to a variety of audiences, including both scientists and those who do not have a background in geoscience.
  • Critical-thinking skills: Geoscientists conduct research through observation and testing, then evaluate data to explain their findings.
  • Outdoor skills: Geoscientists may spend significant time outdoors performing fieldwork. They must be comfortable being outside for long periods, which may include overnight camping.
  • Physical stamina: Geoscientists need to be physically fit because they may need to hike, sometimes to remote locations, while carrying equipment for fieldwork.
  • Problem-solving skills: Geoscientists must be able to analyze statistical data and other information in order to address problems.

Explore Geoscience Certifications

• Geoscience certifications can quickly and affordably improve your skills and job prospects in the industry!
• Its import you take the time to first explore certification types and find options to find the best fit for your unique career goals!

• Review this helpful Application Process list.
• First, you must create an account with login.gov.
  • login.gov is a service that offers secure and private online access to government programs, such as federal benefits, services and applications. With a login.gov account, you can sign into multiple government websites with the same email address and password.
• Next, create your USAJobs profile.
  • Once your account is created and your USAJobs profile is complete, you can search & apply for jobs!
• Watch How To Apply To Federal Jobs Video.

• Students & alumni can browse career events nationwide and virtually hosted by various federal agencies through the USAJOBS Events calendar!