Environmental Science is the study of the relationships among humans, other organisms, and the non-living physical environment, with an emphasis on the impacts of human activities. Technology, when used wisely, contributes to the solution of current environmental problems and the prevention of new ones. As the population and our technological advances grow, so does our impact on the world we live in. Colorado Mesa University offers an exciting Environmental Science program where students can learn new technologies and solutions to challenging environmental problems.
The goal of the Environmental Science and Technology program at Colorado Mesa University is to educate our students in the science, protection, and restoration of natural ecosystems and natural resources including air, land, and water. Students develop a solid foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, and communications and apply this knowledge to the study and solution of environmental problems. Within the Environmental Sciences degree, there are two degree options: 1) Pollution Monitoring and Control, or 2) Ecosystem Restoration. The Pollution Monitoring and Control option focuses on the prevention, investigation, and clean up of environmental pollution. The Ecosystem Restoration option focuses on strategies for managing natural resources including their sustainable management, conservation, and amelioration of past human impacts. In either degree option, students experience diverse learning environments including hands-on experiences gained outdoors in the field and the laboratory, as well as through traditional classroom settings. CMU also has many clubs and organizations including the Sustainability Council that can help students build campus and community connections while preparing for careers and/or advanced study in the field of Environmental Science.
- Agricultural scientist
- Agricultural technician
- Air/Water quality manager
- Air pollution analyst
- Biologist
- Biotechnologist
- Chemical technician
- Chemist
- Civil engineer
- Conservation agent
- Conservation systems analyst
- Consumer safety inspector
- Earth scientist
- Outdoor trip leader
- Park ranger
- Soil conversation tech
- Teacher
- Ecologist
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental lawyer
- Environmental Regulatory
- EPA inspector
- Fisheries conservationist
- Project manager
- Water/Wastewater plant operator
- Forest ranger
- Geographer
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Hazardous waste manager
- Hydrologist
- Industrial hygienist
- Management consultant
- Natural Resource specialist
- Occupational safety specialist
- Ocean technician
- Range manger
- Resource economist
- Wildlife manager
- Zoologist
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a bachelor’s degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
• Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
• Develop or implement programs for monitoring natural resources and environmental conditions.
• Identify plants and animals in the field and laboratory.
• Develop testing procedures or direct activities of workers in the laboratory.
• Evaluate sites for restoration activities and make recommendations.
• Assess soil health.
• Take measurements of the living and non-living components in different ecosystems, such as streams, rangelands and forests.
• Calibration and use of testing instruments and scientific apparatus.
• Examines and analyzes material for presence and concentration of contaminates.
• Receives, sets up, tests, or decontaminates equipment.
• Conducts pollution surveys; collecting and analyzing samples such as air and ground water.
• Performs environmental quality work in field or office settings.
• Performs laboratory and field work such as logging numerical and visual observations.
• Inspects facilities to monitor compliance with regulations governing substances such as asbestos, lead, or wastewater.
• County, state, and federal agencies, such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Mesa County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
• Environmental research and consulting firms
• Engineering consulting firms
• Universities
• State or federal parks
• Environmental advocacy organizations
• Construction companies
• Resource extraction companies
• Law firms
Skills Needed by Environmental Science majors:
• Attention to detail
• Computer literacy
• Project design and implementation
• Decision making
• Data collection and evaluation
• Data analysis
• Interpretation of results
• Communication skills including technical writing and oral presentation
• Work effectively in a team or alone
• Enjoy working outdoors
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Interpersonal skills
Other Environmental Science resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Use the A-Z index to select the occupation you are researching. •
- View OOH information on Archivists, Curators, and Museum Technicians
O*NET-Online: http://www.onetonline.org
The U.S. Department of Labor- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
My Future.com: https://myfuture.com/
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.
- American Water Works Association
- Cyber-Sierra
- Eco Jobs
- Environmental Career Center
- Environmental Jobs
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Society of Wetland Scientist
- Water Environment Federation
Also check specific organizations and associations, such as the ones listed above, for job opportunities.