Any Environmental Scientists Out There?

FeelingIForgot 1/14/13 10:29 am

Hey Phans, I'm working on my BS in Environmental Science and I've been given an assignment over the winter session to interview someone who is in a career I am interested in. I don't want to bother anyone but if anyone has a bit of time to give me an interview and help me out it would be greatly appreciated. I know we all love the outdoors so I figure there is a solid shot we have some environmentalists among us. Thanks for the help guys and gals.

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WordsFromASong 1/14/13 11:01 am

I'm not an es, but curious as to what your college is saying are career options and where you envision yourself working. After being in my career awhile, I often feel bad for what I perceive to be the plight of the es as often I hear some working in compliance are forced to compromise their values and sign off on things that aren't so awesome. After typing all that, I'm now thinking, don't we all?

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FeelingIForgot 1/14/13 11:04 am

The class I'm in now is focused on us researching career paths ourselves so there is no guiding hand pointing us in one direction so to speak. I think you are right in some areas like EPA jobs but I can't say for sure, hence the interview. I know personally I would like doing an outdoors style job. Something like a ranger/wilderness emt or the like.

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WordsFromASong 1/14/13 11:09 am

That sounds more like an outdoor rec, ecology or forestry-type degree, what is your concentration?

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FeelingIForgot 1/14/13 11:12 am

Environmental Ecosystems, I was originally headed towards the ecology side of things, but I took a Back Country MEdicine course last semester and loved it so thats where the interest in the wilderness emt came from. I'm still interested in both sides of things though.

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WordsFromASong 1/14/13 11:18 am

Sounds awesome! Get a good internship

I def was thinking more st or fed compliance. Lots of jobs out there performing NEPA compliance for fed and st agencies using fed dollars, those can be hit or miss.

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GhostBuster 1/14/13 11:37 am

I graduated in May with a BS in environmental science. I'm not currently employed in the field but I've had internships and done volunteer work on ongoing research projects if you'd like to hear about any of those

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docbh 1/14/13 12:00 pm

I work for a land trust in Massachusetts within the land stewardship department. I previously worked for an environmental consulting company overseeing environmental cleanups around New England. My degree was in community and environmental science. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about either field. Feel free to drop me a PM and we can go from there.

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Boogie_On_Roggae_Woman 1/14/13 12:26 pm

I am currently completing my masters in Environmental Policy and Management (writing my thesis to be completed in March) and also work for an Architect-Engineering Consulting firm as an Environmental Planner. Not quite the same as an Environmental Scientist (more policy, less science) but I would lump them together particularly if you are thinking about getting into the NEPA side of things. As a consultant I work for clients primarily in the oil and gas and energy sectors to help them get through the NEPA process, FERC permitting, etc. We work for both the private and public sectors.

@WordsFromASong, you are correct though, there are times where I have to try really hard to get over my own environmental ethics and work for clients and projects that I do not particularly agree with; I guess I take comfort in the fact that it is my job to make sure they are compliant with all the environmental policies that currently exist, and can dare to dream that these policies will continue to change and adapt to the reality of the world and environmental issues we face today.

@FeelingIForgot, feel free to PM me if you want to discuss anything further regarding consulting in the environmental field.

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Gandalf 1/14/13 2:12 pm

currently studying environmental and natural resource mgmt and wildlife and fisheries

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chalk2001 1/14/13 2:26 pm

BA in Environmental Studies

Worked for a year as an environmental specialist in hospital/pharmaceutical hazardous waste compliance (including storage and transport). Lots of chemistry.

Decided I didn't like it and now work as a LEED consultant and energy analyst for larger commercial buildings through a mechanical/electrical engineering firm. Think green building design (water reclamation systems, solar panel analysis, etc).

Bit of a reach considering your original posts, but if you need me, PM!

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AcuraMan 1/14/13 2:46 pm

I have a BS in Environmental Science.

Last Summer I worked for the Wyoming Game & Fish doing lake/river/stream conservation along with saving the trout. Pretty awesome gig if you like living out there. Let me know if you have any questions

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Purple_Humpback_Whale 1/14/13 2:49 pm

@spencur 6 is a student similar to this field

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Sativar 1/14/13 5:23 pm

I have my BS in Occupational Safety & Environmental Health, and I am currently an Environmental, Health & Safety Consultant. I deal more with the regulatory compliance side of the spectrum. Basically I shove paperwork around, perform testing, conduct trainings, wander around factories, and earn hotel points to use for Phish shows. :-)

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papadance 1/14/13 5:47 pm

B.S. Environmental Science/Policy

7 yrs in the bizz. Anything you need, feel free to ask

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joyjoy 1/14/13 5:53 pm

Masters in Ecology and Environment, 10 yrs in the field. I do the morally ambiguous NEPA work referenced above

but working as a federal contractor is better than as a consultant to industry. I did field work for a few years, but it's not too compatible with family.

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Dino_Guy 1/21/13 5:30 pm

You should look into internships with the SCA or volunteer with NPS or the FS. SCA does everything from social sciences to wetland biology, and any of those options will let you get into the field and give you a good idea of what it's like to live and work in these areas.

Not that this has anything with looking for interviews.

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fishman4 1/21/13 9:03 pm

I'm currently a Sophomore majoring in Environmental Science. I'm also adding a minor in GIS next year which I am hoping will open a lot more doors for me. I don't have a specific job that I am looking to get after college. I'm still trying to figure out what area I want to focus in the most. Any suggestions?

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WordsFromASong 1/21/13 9:14 pm

GIS should definitely help you; good call

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SilenceContagious 1/22/13 4:35 pm

I'm a senior in high school applying to colleges to study environmental science. This has all been very interesting and informative to read, thanks guys.

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