When students, parents, and anyone else asks "what kind of jobs or careers can one get with a degree in Environmental Studies?" I like to respond with a question: "What can't one do with a degree in Environmental Studies?" Because of its interdisciplinary training in the social sciences, humanities, and natural & physical sciences there is little to nothing that's off the table in terms of employment opportunities! This page is dedicated to compiling a wide range of career resources, bothlcally and from across the internet, dedicated to helping one explore the broad field of environmental employment opportunities. Please be sure to check back frequently as we like to update and add new resources as they become available.
Here are some ES and UCSB resources one must take advantage of:
1.) Enroll in ENV S 190 (1 unit colloquium) in the fall quarter. The theme of this 20+ year seminar is Environmental Careers: what they are, how to choose one, and what UCSB resources you may use to better prepare for life after graduation. The class is designed to help students think about their career interests and how to achieve their professional aspirations. The sooner one takes this class the quicker they can take advantage of lessons learned during the rest of their time at UCSB.
2.) UCSB Career Services offers students a myriad of career resources. They also have compiled a fantastic resource of "What Can I Do with a Degree in Environmental Studies?" that outlines a number of the common pathways students take in the Environmental Field after completing this degree.
3.) Seek Academic Advising: Students interested in exploring more about the careers are encouraged to meet with the Environmental Studies Academic Advisors in Bren 4313.
This list is only a sample of the various resources available online. Students should do their own research and meet with the Environmental Studies Academic Advisor for further questions.
Guide to Green Degrees and Environmental Careers
Guidebook for those pursuing a green career. Inside this guide you will find information on what exactly a green degree is, how to plan your career path once obtaining your degree, and how to go about sprouting career opportunities!
Guide to Green Careers - All You Need to Know
Highlights various green industries, salaries, and education level requirements.
US Department of Labor
Great information on available job opportunities and industries such as salary, education needed, expected growth, and sample "day in the life" job descriptions.
Governmental Jobs
Job information from every government sector from the Department of Energy to the CIA. Job applications, questionnaires, descriptions, and exam information are available.
Climate Career Moves: Dennis Nord, UCSB ES Alum's Career Blog
Dennis Nord, retired director of UCSB's Career Service's blog on how best to search for, acquire, and feel fulfilled in a green career.
Outdoor Careers
A guide to finding a career in the outdoors.
This list is only a sample of the various resources available online. Students should do their own research and meet with the Environmental Studies Academic Coordinator or Advisor for further questions.
UCSB ELI Environmental Job and Internship listings
This page is provided as a courtesy of UCSB's Environmental Leadership Incubator (ELI), and is one of many resources that are available to undergraduates and recent graduates seeking employment or internship opportunities.
EPA Career Search
This page gives an overview of various EPA careers, job listings, hiring paths, and resources on how to apply for federal jobs.
Josh's Water Jobs
This is a search engine for jobs in the environmental field related to water resources. A great resource for Hydro majors!
GreenBiz- Environmental Economics
Job opportunities in the for profit business world for the environmentally oriented worker.
Renewable Energy
Job listings that are specifically related to energy.
Top 10 Outdoor Industry Job Boards
Explores top online job boards for outdoor careers and provides details of what types of jobs are advertised on each of these boards.
General Environmental Job Search Engines
These websites are general environmental job websites with a fairly good mix of entry level and senior level positions in lots of different areas such as energy, consulting, organic products, environmental nonprofits, and policy.
This list is meant to be a resource for recent ES graduates who are looking to pursue a more short-term, exploratory career opportunity before committing to a longterm professional career or grad school. This list is only a sample of the various resources available online. Students should do their own research and meet with the Environmental Studies Academic Coordinator or Advisor for further questions.
Peace Corps
Peace Corps volunteers work all around the world at the grassroots level to create change that lasts long after their service.
Green Corps
Green Corps trains future organizers, provides field support for today's critical environmental campaigns, and graduates activists who possess the skills, temperament, and commitment to fight and win tomorrow's environmental battles.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps works closely with federal agencies, Governor-appointed State Service Commissions, and hundreds of nonprofit partners to work on sustainability projects centered around conservation, renewable energy, and community resilience that address climate change.
GrizzlyCorps
GrizzlyCorps is a branch of AmeriCorps that sends recent college graduates into rural communities across California to promote regenerative agri-food systems and fire and forest resilience.
Taking a Gap Year Resources
Lists a number of gap year opportunities, covering a wide range of interests.
Capital Fellows Program
Capital Fellows spend 10-11 months as paid, full time employees working in a Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Branch office, run through CSU Sacramento.