The image presents a farmland backdrop with a "Career Pathways" wheel at its center. Options listed include: "Agribusiness Systems," "Animal Systems," "Biotechnology Systems," "Environmental Service Systems," "Food Products and Processing," "Natural Resources System," "Plant Systems," and "Power, Structural and Technical Systems." Text boxes raise questions such as "Do you enjoy nature?" "Do you enjoy science?" and "Would you like to use science to understand climate change?"
Do you enjoy nature and trying to understand how it works? Do you love science and seeing it applied to solve real-world problems? Would you like to be at the forefront, using science to understand and combat climate change and its impact on species?
"Environmental Service Systems" is highlighted on the choice wheel.
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then a career in environmental science may be for you.
A scientist holds a small beaker containing soil. She reports data to her colleague, who records it on her iPad.
Careers in the environmental systems pathway focus on understanding, conserving, and preserving our environment through scientific methods.
A man conducts experiments in the lab. He crushes a sample, mixes it with water in a beaker, and observes it closely.
Students who enjoy working in this pathway are often interested in learning about the chemistry of water and soil, wetland management and restoration, and wildlife identification. They might learn how to analyze water, air, and soil samples and trace pollution sources, as well as how to bring awareness of environmental issues to their community.
It’s fall season, and someone is seen raking leaves.
There are many possibilities for SAEs in environmental science. For instance, you might begin your SAE by simply raking leaves for neighbors in the fall.
Composted leaves are visible.
After composting the leaves over the winter, you then sell the compost in the spring.
A polluted creek is shown.
You might study conditions of a local stream or creek where you suspect pollution problems.
A scientist inputs data into his device.
You could even apply for a grant to help pay for cleanup efforts.
A smiling woman, wearing a worker's helmet, stands in a farm holding a notepad, overseeing operations. A man holds a large sheet of paper in his hand, standing in a field with numerous windmills. A man in a garden studies a plant.
Specific career options for this pathway include Environmental Compliance Officers, who enforce environmental laws; Environmental Engineers, who devise engineering solutions to environmental issues, and Ecologists, who study the relationship of organisms and their environment.
A scientist sits at the bank of a body of water with an instrument submerged, examining readings.
There is much competition for top-level career positions in environmental services.
A woman works on a laptop in a jungle setting.
Many professionals working in the industry hold multiple degrees, including PhDs, to reach these positions.
Young men and women wearing "volunteer" and "recycle" t-shirts engage in conversation.
There are, however, many volunteer opportunities in environmental services and these opportunities often open doors to careers in the industry.
A young scientist places a sample inside a machine and closes it.
With our ever-changing environment and the growth of our global population, environmental science careers will be in high demand.