The environmental services industry is a field that is growing rapidly, as more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of environmental protection.
If you’re looking for a career in this exciting industry, then you’ll want to read on. In this article, we’ll cover the 20 best paying jobs in environmental services, look at average salaries, and touch on the responsibilities and necessary skills a job seeker should have.
What are Environmental Services?
The environmental services industry is a broad field that covers many different aspects of environmental protection. This can include anything from waste management and recycling to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
In short, environmental services is all about protecting the environment and ensuring that it is sustainable for future generations.
Is a Career in Environmental Services a Good Path?
There are many reasons why you should consider a career in environmental services. For one, it’s a rapidly growing industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field will grow by 15% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
But it’s not just the job growth that makes environmental services a great career choice. It’s also the fact that it is an extremely important field. As we become more and more aware of the damaging effects of human activity on the environment, the need for qualified environmental professionals continues to grow.
If you’re looking for a stable career with good job prospects and the opportunity to make a real difference in the world, then the environmental services industry is a great choice.
20 Best Paying Jobs in Environmental Services
Environmental scientist
Average base salary: $53,871 per year
Environmental scientists conduct research, collect data, analyze environmental problems, and try to come up with solutions.
They need to be able to think critically and analytically and have good written and oral communication skills.
Geologist
Average base salary: $59,109 per year
Geologists study the earth’s rocks, minerals, and other natural resources. They also try to predict geologic events, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
They need computer skills, since they often use computer models in their work, and they also need to be attentive and able to think analytically.
Air Quality Specialist
Average base salary: $51,091 per year
Air quality specialists are responsible for monitoring and improving air quality. This can include everything from conducting research to working on public education campaigns.
To work as such a specialist, you need to be able to work with modeling, analyze data, and use it to make predictions or plan for the future.
Reservoir Engineer
Average base salary: $114,501 per year
Reservoir engineers are responsible for the development and management of water resources. This can include anything from irrigation systems to drinking water supplies.
They need to be able to use computer models, as well as understand hydraulics and hydrology. They also need to have good communication skills, since they often work with other engineers and scientists
Agriculture specialist
Average base salary: $49,513 per year
Agriculture specialists work in the agricultural industry, where they advise farmers and other agricultural workers on best practices. This can include anything from crop rotation to irrigation.
To work as an agriculture specialist, you need to have a good understanding of agriculture, as well as good communication skills. You also need to be able to work with people from different backgrounds, since you’ll be working with both farmers and non-farmers.
Environmental Project Manager
Average base salary: $66,277 per year
Environmental project managers are responsible for the planning and execution of all project tasks. This can be anything from cleaning up an oil spill to developing a new recycling program.
Being an environmental project manager requires critical and analytical thinking skills, as well as good leadership skills and the flexibility to keep a project going despite challenges.
Environmental health officer
Average base salary: $53,173 per year
Environmental health officers are responsible for protecting the public from environmental hazards. This can include anything from inspecting food establishments to investigating complaints about noise pollution.
To work as an environmental health officer, you need to have good communication and interpersonal skills. You also need to be able to pay attention to detail and be organized.
Environmental Economist
Average base salary: $70,334 per year
Environmental economists are responsible for the economic analysis of environmental issues. This can include anything from the study of environmental taxes to the impact of environmental regulations on businesses.
To work as an environmental economist, you need strong analytical skills. You also need to be able to understand and use economic models, as well as have good communication skills.
Climbing arborist
Average base salary: $38,443 per year
Climbing arborists are responsible for the care and maintenance of trees. This can include anything from trimming branches to removing entire trees.
To work as a climbing arborist, you need to be physically fit and have good climbing skills. You also need to be able to use power tools, such as saws and chains
Urban planner
Average base salary: $64,107 per year
Urban planners are responsible for the planning and development of urban areas. This can include anything from transportation planning to zoning regulations.
To work as an urban planner, you need good problem-solving skills. You also need to be able to use planning software, such as GIS and have good communication skills.
Water project manager
Average base salary: $62,935 per year
Water project managers are responsible for the planning and execution of all project tasks related to water. This can be anything from building a new water treatment plant to fixing a broken water pipe.
Being a water project manager requires critical and analytical thinking skills, as well as good leadership skills and the flexibility to keep a project going despite troubles.
Sustainability manager
Average base salary: $75,172 per year
Sustainability managers are responsible for planning and implementing various development initiatives. This can include everything from developing a clean energy plan to creating a composting program.
To work as a manager, you need to have good project management skills and leadership skills. You must also be familiar with the principles of sustainability and have good communication skills.
Energy manager
Average base salary: $82,720 per year
Energy managers are responsible for planning and implementing energy initiatives. This can include everything from developing an energy efficiency plan to creating a renewable energy program.
To work as an energy manager, you need an in-depth knowledge of energy. In addition, you need to have good soft skills and be able to negotiate with people.
Environmental planner
Average base salary: $56,462 per year
The environmental manager is responsible for ensuring that the environmental services department meets its goals and objectives. They plan, organize, and direct the work of the department, and oversee all operations.
If you want to be an environmental manager, you need to have a strong business background and be able to manage a team.
Solar energy consultant
Average base salary: $82,630 per year
Solar energy consultants are responsible for planning and implementing solar energy initiatives. This can include everything from developing a solar energy plan to creating a solar energy program.
To work as a solar energy consultant, you need good project management skills. You must also have a good understanding of the subject, with a college degree.
Environmental Advisor
Average base salary: $59,522 per year
The environmental advisor is responsible for providing advice and guidance on environmental issues. They work with clients to help them understand and comply with environmental regulations.
To work as an environmental advisor, you need strong research and analytical skills. You also need to be familiar with environmental regulations and have good communication skills.
Environmental Protection Specialist
Average base salary: $51,294 per year
Environmental protection specialists are responsible for enforcing environmental regulations. This can include anything from investigating environmental violations to issuing fines.
To work as an environmental protection specialist, you need strong research and analytical skills. You also need to be familiar with environmental regulations and be able to get along with people easily.
Hydraulic engineer
Average base salary: $81,584 per year
Hydraulic engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of hydraulic systems. This can include anything from water treatment plants to irrigation systems.
To work as a hydraulic engineer, you need strong engineering skills. You also need to be familiar with hydraulics and have good problem-solving skills.
Environmental engineer
Average base salary: $66,800 per year
Environmental engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of environmental systems. This can include anything from sewage treatment plants to air pollution control systems.
To work as an environmental engineer, you need strong engineering skills. You also need to be familiar with environmental regulations and have good troubleshooting skills.
Sustainability engineer
Average base salary: $69,505 per year
Sustainability engineers are responsible for the planning and implementation of sustainability initiatives. This can include anything from developing a recycling program to creating a green energy program.
To work as a sustainability engineer, you need good project management skills. You also need to be familiar with the principles of sustainable development and have good communication skills.