If you’re an activist who cares about environmental protection, you know what actions to take – you participate in protests, call your representatives, organize with grassroots groups and demand that the world’s biggest polluters take accountability. The experience and skills you develop as an activist can serve you well in a career, too. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the best environmental protection careers for activists in fields like reforestation, renewable energy and communications.
Table of Contents
| Career | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Reforestation |
| 2 | Sustainable agriculture |
| 3 | Air quality management |
| 4 | Environmental remediation |
| 5 | Solar energy |
| 6 | Wind energy |
| 7 | Ecology |
| 8 | Geology |
| 9 | Hydrology |
| 10 | Environmental advocacy/communications |
#1. Reforestation
Reforestation is the planting of new trees in areas hit by deforestation, which happens due to wildfires, logging, mining and agriculture. Specific jobs include foresters, conservation educators and tree nursery managers. People who work in reforestation have responsibilities like:
- Conducting forest inventories
- Developing curriculum for educational workshops and seminars
- Coordinating resources for forestry operations and emergencies
- Caring for young trees as they grow in nurseries
Where do reforestation professionals work?
Reforestation professionals often work for local and national park agencies, but they’re also found at environmental protection nonprofits and research centers.
What education do reforestation professionals need?
Most employers like candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited forestry program, but some accept associate’s degrees, too. For more advanced job opportunities, a master’s degree can be a good idea.
Why is reforestation a good career for activists?
Without healthy forests, our water, air and soil would be devoid of life. 1.6 billion people also depend on forests for their livelihoods, which makes trees not only vital to environmental protection, but income equality, too. Reforestation is a great career for activists who care about both.
#2. Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is a farming practice that balances the need to grow food and raise animals with environmental protection. Techniques include crop rotation, crop-and-animal integration, better water management and so on. People who work in sustainable agriculture may perform tasks such as:
- Analyzing soil health and developing techniques that reduce erosion
- Overseeing crop rotation and land management
- Managing pests with less harmful techniques
- Assessing farms on their environmental footprint and agricultural practices
Where do sustainable agriculture professionals work?
Sustainable agriculture professionals work for farms, government agencies, research centers, consulting firms, advocacy groups and environmental protection nonprofits.
What education do sustainable agriculture professionals need?
You’ll likely need at least a bachelor’s degree in agriculture or another science-related field. Some colleges even offer dedicated sustainable agriculture and food degrees, which gives you more tailored coursework and fieldwork.
Why is sustainable agriculture a good career for activists?
According to Project Drawdown, agricultural land covers more ground than forests, deserts, wetlands and cities. Unsustainable practices destroy ecosystems, drive species to extinction and worsen climate change. We need agriculture to feed the world, but by working in sustainable agriculture, activists can contribute to environmental protection, too.
#3. Air quality management
Professionals in air quality management focus on air inside and outside, so people can rest easy knowing the air they breathe is safe. Jobs include air quality scientists, engineers, analysts and consultants. Responsibilities may include:
- Improving air filtration systems in offices, hospitals, homes and other buildings
- Educating people on the use and maintenance of air filtration systems
- Analyzing air quality data in order to identify pollutants and impacts
- Advising companies and governments on meeting air quality standards
Where do air quality management professionals work?
Air quality management professionals work for air filtration businesses, government agencies, research centers, environmental protection nonprofits, consulting firms and industrial businesses.
What education do air quality management professionals need?
Air quality management professionals typically get a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, chemistry, engineering, occupational health and safety, or a similar field. There are also certifications, like the Certified Indoor Air Quality Manager certification, which require a certain level of education and work experience.
Why is air quality management a good career for activists?
Clean air is a human right, but according to the Clean Air Fund, indoor air pollution kills 3.8 million people each year while outdoor air pollution kills 4.2 million. Air pollution also contributes to environmental problems like acid rain, climate change and species extinction. Air quality management is a great career for activists who want to protect all forms of life.
#4. Environmental remediation
Environmental remediation is the removal of pollutants and contaminants from soil or water. The clean-up after an oil spill is one example. Depending on the situation, the entity responsible for the mess (like an oil company) manages the clean-up. Environmental remediation tasks include:
- Determining the money and labor needed to perform a clean-up
- Analyzing the types of contaminants at a site and deciding what removal technologies will be most effective
- Removing contaminated soil and other materials from the site
- Performing techniques that treat or break down chemical pollutants
Where do environmental remediation professionals work?
Environmental remediation professionals include chemists, engineers, technicians and others, so they work at many places, including government agencies, consulting firms, waste management companies, industrial corporations and environmental protection nonprofits.
What education do environmental remediation professionals need?
It depends on the role you’re interested in. Compliance officers tend to get bachelor’s degrees in law or business, while most employed scientists and engineers have master’s degrees in environmental science, engineering or related fields. Waste removal professionals may only need a high school diploma, but certifications and on-the-job training are often required.
Why is environmental remediation a good career for activists?
If you can’t prevent pollutants from entering the soil and water, cleaning them up is the next best thing. Environmental protection activists can find meaningful work cleaning up oil leaks, chemical spills, toxic waste and other disasters.
#5. Solar energy
Solar energy is a renewable energy source provided by the sun. According to research, the solar energy that reaches Earth in an hour can fulfill the world’s energy needs for an entire year. Harnessing it is the tricky part, which is what professionals in this field work on. Responsibilities include:
- Studying and developing materials used to make solar energy technologies
- Overseeing the manufacturing of solar cells
- Finding and buying land where solar energy can be gathered
- Installing solar technologies like solar panels on roofs
Where do solar energy professionals work?
Solar energy professionals work for solar energy companies, solar power plants, government agencies, labs, research centers, factories and nonprofits focused on renewable energies, environmental protection and climate change.
What education do solar energy professionals need?
If you want to work as an installer, you may only need a high school diploma and an electrical license, but careers in research and engineering require at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering, materials science or a similar field. Higher-level jobs require master’s degrees. Many employers ask for specific certifications, too, which assure you have the proper knowledge and practical experience to succeed.
Why is solar energy a good career for activists?
Harnessing solar energy is part of ending the world’s reliance on fossil fuels. It’s becoming more affordable, as well; according to the United Nations, the cost of solar power electricity fell 85% between 2010 and 2020. It can still be costly for individuals, especially at first, but activists can work on increasing affordability, as well.
#6. Wind energy
Like solar energy, wind energy is a renewable energy with massive amounts of untapped potential. Professionals in the sector work in research, development, manufacturing, installation and more. Responsibilities can include:
- Designing and testing new and improved wind turbines
- Measuring potential hazards and health impacts of wind farms
- Collaborating with land owners, governments and other stakeholders on land acquisition
- Installing and servicing wind turbines
Where do wind energy professionals work?
Most wind energy professionals work in manufacturing at wind energy companies, government agencies, labs and construction companies.
What education do wind energy professionals need?
Wind turbine technicians typically need to attend a trade school, while engineers or scientists need master’s or doctorate degrees in engineering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers also need certifications, which vary based on what systems the turbine manufacturer uses.
Why is wind energy a good career for activists?
Wind energy doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions like burning fossil fuels, making it a clean, renewable energy source. There are still challenges with wind fluctuations, storage and environmental impact, so it’s good to have environmental protection activists at the table.
#7. Ecology
Ecology is the study of how different organisms interact with each other and their environments. For example, a scientist studying the impact of an invasive species is working in ecology. Within the ecology field, you can specialize in areas like microbiology, zoology, marine biology and more. Job responsibilities include:
- Collecting specimens and other samples for data analysis
- Writing environmental impact reports for governments and nonprofits
- Developing and submitting grant proposals for research projects
- Analyzing environments affected by pollution, contaminants and invasive species
Where do ecologists work?
Ecologists work for labs, private research centers, universities, government agencies, intergovernmental groups, consulting firms, national parks and environmental protection nonprofits.
What education do ecologists need?
Ecologists need at least a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, botany or a scientific field relevant to what they’re interested in. Higher-level jobs, as well as research-focused jobs, typically require at least a master’s degree, although PhDs are not uncommon.
Why is ecology a good career for activists?
Without ecologists, it would be impossible to understand the effects of things like invasive species, pollution and climate change. If you’re interested in science and activism, ecology careers can help you protect biodiversity and the environment.
#8. Geology
Geologists study the earth’s materials, structures and processes. Depending on the type of geology you go into, you might focus on fossil fuels, mineral extraction, groundwater or the physical impacts of climate change and pollution. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting fieldwork, including mapping land, collecting samples and measuring activity
- Analyzing data to understand a material’s age and structure
- Assessing and managing natural resources like oil and minerals
- Developing reports, fact sheets, charts and other resources that stakeholders can understand
Where do geologists work?
Geologists work for universities, research centers, labs, government agencies, mining corporations, fossil fuel companies, construction companies, intergovernmental agencies and nonprofits.
What education do geologists need?
A bachelor’s degree in geology is often sufficient for geologists doing fieldwork. If you want to focus on research, teaching or leadership roles, you’ll need an advanced degree. Certifications, which certify geologists based on experience and education in areas like coal or petroleum, can help your employment chances.
Why is geology a good career for activists?
While geologists can work for mines and fossil fuel companies, their expertise also equips them for careers in sustainable resource management and the study of climate change, fuel extraction and pollution. If you want to play a part in protecting the earth and showing what happens when we don’t, geology could be a good fit.
#9. Hydrology
Hydrology is the study of water. As a career, it includes analyzing water quality, the water cycle, groundwater sources and more. Environmental scientists, engineers, managers and technicians can work in hydrology. Job responsibilities include:
- Collecting water samples from wells, groundwater sources and other places to ensure safety
- Managing water resources to make sure sources don’t run out
- Assessing the impact of pollution and human activities on water sources
- Preparing reports, presentations and other resources for governments, corporations and the public
Where do hydrologists work?
Hydrologists work for labs, research centers, government agencies, intergovernmental groups, consulting firms, corporations and nonprofits.
What education do hydrologists need?
Hydrologists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (like environmental science or geology), although advanced research and teaching positions require doctorates. For those working in the US, the American Institute of Hydrology offers certifications, which are valued, although not always required for every position.
Why is hydrology a good career for activists?
According to the World Health Organization, at least 1.7 billion people drink contaminated water. Water scarcity is also a serious problem; by 2050, ⅔ of the world’s population may experience water shortages, while ecosystems like wetlands could disappear. Hydrologists help preserve water systems and contribute to environmental protection.
#10. Environmental advocacy/communications
Environmental protection involves regulating fossil fuel companies, passing green legislation and encouraging public participation. None of that happens without strong messaging. Advocacy and communications, which includes jobs in marketing and public relations, provide the messaging that gets things moving. Professionals in this space work on:
- Developing communication and fundraising strategies to reach specific audiences, like politicians, corporations and donors
- Creating content like press releases, reports, fact sheets, news stories and social media posts
- Researching and analyzing environmental legislation
- Translating complex scientific or technical information into everyday language
Where do environmental advocacy/communications specialists work?
Professionals specializing in environmental advocacy and communications work for nonprofits, government agencies, intergovernmental groups, research centers, universities, consulting firms and corporations.
What education do environmental advocacy/communications specialists need?
Many advocacy/communications jobs only require bachelor’s degrees in fields like marketing or communications. That said, due to the job market’s competitiveness, a master’s degree may be necessary, especially for those with less work experience. Depending on the job, an employer may prefer someone with a science background; it depends on whether they’re prioritizing scientific expertise over marketing/communication.
Why is environmental advocacy/communications a good career for activists?
Many activists have excellent communication and fundraising skills, so they’re a natural fit for advocacy and communications careers. Whether they’re working in marketing, PR or fundraising, these professionals help persuade stakeholders to care more about climate justice, biodiversity and environmental protection.