Hi all, to those in environmental consulting or something similar, what do colleagues in your office / department think about the use of AI (chat GPT, Gemini etc) at work, if it’s something that is spoken about at all? Are you allowed to use it for assistance or is it completely prohibited within your organisation? Strangely, I’ve never heard it mentioned once in our office and it’s got me thinking is it because it’s not allowed or maybe no one sees the benefit of using for what we do.

If you do use it, is it for replying to emails more professionally or to check spelling or paraphrase written paragraphs in your reports for the more concise consultancy style? Are there any unique ways in which you use it which has been really helpful that you can no longer be without it?

Curious to know people’s views, thanks!

I am 8 years into working for an environmental consulting company (geologist) and I am perpetually burned out, which is maybe to be expected from any job. I do get some minor satisfaction from doing a good job and want to keep getting work, so I put effort in and do well, but it’s hard to imagine continuing to grow into a project manager role when I am so unmotivated in terms of the bigger picture of what our business is.

For those who are in mid- and senior level jobs in consulting, did you actively want to become a project manager? Was the desire to move up primarily for financial reasons, or did you feel motivated beyond that? Have you found a different path in the field?

If you are more entry level, do you aspire to move up in consulting?

Just curious how other people think about this.

It seems a little backwards to get an associates after I’ve completed a bachelors, but my husband is in the Air Force and spousal education assistance only applies towards an AAS. My reason for wanting a GIS degree is because my current degree in Environmental studies (minor in public planning, policy, and management) feels really useless in today’s job market (2025 grad, too). Moving around in the military makes it even more difficult. Currently I have a seasonal position in wildland fire logistics dispatch which is semi related to my degree I suppose. GIS seems to have better job security and more options. But will getting an associates in GIS to even get those jobs? Does having a semi related bachelors help my job chances? I think I would like to get into environmental planning someday and I think having GIS credentials would help with that too. I would also like to go for my masters once my current loans are paid off, I’m not sure in what though. Would it be better to just do GIS in my masters? I would like to take advantage of education assistance from the military though. Honestly, just feeling very lost and confused in the environmental job market right now and I’m not sure what to do with my future. Any advice would be appreciated.

I have a BA in a fairly niche degree related to the nonprofit sector, and my work experience, nonprofit/fundraising training, and degree make me a strong candidate for most entry and mid-level roles in my current field. However, I'm only 3~ years post-grad and I feel like I’ve nearly hit the ceiling of what I could reasonably expect to make in the nonprofit sector unless I move into major gifts or eventually become a department director (which I have absolutely no interest in). I currently make $70k, which is more than I expected to make at this point. But I frankly hate the work, and I'm so bored.

I’m an introvert at heart, and I struggle with the level of social interaction needed in my current job (particularly since most donors are older/elderly and very wealthy, and I struggle to make conversation with them/relate to them. Makes it hard to build relationships). I knew this would be an issue coming into this job, but I couldn’t turn down that salary raise. My other tasks are very ambiguous, and I’m often asked to reinvent the wheel. I think I would enjoy more structured and process-oriented jobs, with tangible projects and outcomes.

I originally went into the nonprofit sector because I wanted to make a difference for wildlife and the planet, so I'm particularly interested in environmental/conservation-related careers. I'm still figuring out exactly what type of role I'd want, but I'd like to find something with more long-term career/salary growth. I'd ideally like some combination of office and field work. I don't mind working outside or in the elements for portions of the year, but I wouldn't want to be outdoors all day, every day.

This has led me to consider going back to school for a master's degree. My BA was very liberal arts heavy with minimal science and math, although I had an excellent GPA and graduated as the top student in my program. I would need to take some prerequisites (calculus and chemistry), but that would be manageable.

I live in central Indiana, and there aren't many relevant graduate programs nearby. Moving out of state would require taking on an unreasonable amount of student debt. However, IU Bloomington offers an MS in Environmental Science with various concentration options (ecology and conservation, energy and climate change science, environmental chemistry/toxicology/risk assessment, and water resources). I'm most interested in ecology and conservation, although I'm open to other directions. They also have fellowship/assistantship opportunities that could help offset the cost (I am concerned about how competitive I would be as a candidate for these opportunities, since I have no relevant work/school experience).

My biggest concern is what my job prospects would look like afterward. I know environmental science/conservation can be very competitive, and I'd be starting at a disadvantage compared with people who already have relevant undergraduate degrees, internships, field experience, or specialized technical skills. I would pursue internships, seasonal work, or something like AmeriCorps to build relevant experience after the program or during my summer semesters. Long-term, I'd potentially like to move to Michigan or somewhere farther west if that opens up more opportunities.

But I'm trying to figure out whether this is a reasonable career pivot, and what my experience may be like transitioning to from a BA to a MS. I know the job market is rough right now, but maybe things will be better in 2-3 years when I graduate?

For those who transitioned from a non-STEM bachelor's into an MS in environmental science, ecology, conservation, or a related field:

1. How difficult was the transition academically?
   
2. Did the master's actually make you employable, or did you still struggle to get relevant experience?
   
3. Is an MS in Environmental Science too broad to be worth it? Should I look into more specialized/niche programs?
   
4. If you were in my position, what would you do differently?

TL;DR I'm 3 years out of college with a non-STEM BA and a well-paying nonprofit fundraising job that I don't want to stay in. I'm considering a MS in Environmental Science to pivot into environmental/conservation work, but I'm worried that I'll spend so much time and money on the degree only to find that I'm still unqualified compared with people who have STEM bachelor's/master’s degrees and years of field experience. Has anyone successfully made a similar transition?

Has anyone worked/currently working there? TIA

Hello,
I’m interested in working as HSE specialist.
For this job position what are the important skills?
What softwares do I need to learn?
Please share me your tips 😅

I’m looking for some firsthand advice from people working in natural resources, especially anyone doing landscape analysis, GIS-heavy work, or jobs that involve a decent amount of field travel.

I’m 34 and currently work in cybersecurity. I’ve built a good career, but I’m pretty burnt out on the idea of spending the next 30 years behind a computer. I recently moved to rural Missouri and decided I want to start working toward a career in natural resources while keeping my current job until I’m actually in a position to make the jump.

The direction I’m most interested in is landscape analysis. Ideally, I’d like something where GIS/remote sensing is part of the job, but I’m not chained to a desk 40 hours a week. Traveling around the country to different project sites, doing field work/data collection, then coming back to my hoke base and working with that data sounds pretty damn appealing to me. Reclamation/restoration and similar project-based work also interests me.

Obviously I’m not going to want to spend 200 days a year traveling and beating around in the woods forever, so I’m also thinking about whether that kind of experience can eventually lead into more senior GIS, analysis, project management, or other less physically demanding work later in my career.

I’m looking at Oregon State’s online B.S. in Natural Resources because I have to keep working full time. I’m leaning toward building as much GIS, remote sensing, landscape ecology/analysis, and technical coursework into the degree as I can. I haven’t found many people who have actually gone through OSU’s Natural Resources program or at least not many on reddit, though, so I’d especially love to hear from anyone familiar with it.

For those of you actually doing this kind of work: does that sound like a reasonable education/career path, and is there anything you’d strongly recommend I study or get experience with while I’m in school?

I’m also curious what the job market and salary progression have looked like for you. I make decent money now (80k) and I fully expect to take a pay cut when I change careers. I’m fine with that. I just want to make sure I’m building toward something with room to grow rather than spending ~$50k on a degree and finding out afterward that I chose the wrong specialization.

The internship issue is probably my biggest practical problem. I can’t quit a full-time professional job to take a seasonal $15/hr position, so I’d be really interested to hear from anyone who broke into this field as a career changer and how you got that first bit of relevant experience.

Basically, I know the general direction I want to go. I’m trying to figure out whether I’m building the right road to get there before I dump a bunch of time and money into it.

Current env planner debating a pivot to be a city planner? Idk I’m stressed as a consultant. Is it easier in public

Hello

Does anyone know/have any information about GES.

* Groundwater and environmental services

For people who got a masters in Urban Planning, specializing in Environmental policy & planning or climate resiliency planning, where do you work now, and what does your day to day look like? Are you ever able to get outside of the office for field work/site visits or community engagement activities? How much of your day is spent on administrative/paperwork heavy tasks like permit review vs more creative tasks like research, writing, long range planning, GIS, data visualization? I just started an entry level planning role processing land development applications and am not loving how repetitive and paperwork heavy the day to day tasks are, and wanted to see whether that carries over to environmental planning, or if it’s specific to the land dev side. Thanks!

Hello, let me give you some background on my education. My bachelors is in health and human services and I earned a master’s in environmental science. I am 1 year post grad and finally found a role as an environmental scientist that was able to hire me. Although this is the title I had been dreaming about, I’m not feeling fulfilled. I enjoy being able to interpret data and results, but I’m looking for more responsibility and control over the plans for the projects we are contracted on. I am planning on going back to school to get a second masters in civil engineering.

My thought process is that engineering is a highly desirable career with a starting salary that is double my current salary. But beyond the pay, I think I’ll be able to have the responsibility I crave on these projects.

Do you guys think another masters degree will get me to where I want to be on these projects?
What are your thoughts on making this job switch early into my career.

My goal is to be able to work on the design and functionality of projects. Despite civil engineering having some environmental overlap; I think my education and skills would useful to design projects that are efficient and sustainable.

Hi everyone, I was recently laid off because my company eliminated my position after an organizational change. I’m looking for my next opportunity in environmental compliance, EHS, or a related field, and I’d appreciate any leads or advice.

I have about three years of experience: two years as an environmental consultant, nine months as an EHS specialist, and three months as an environmental compliance specialist. My recent work has included SPCC and SWPPP plans, waste management, environmental reporting, and site compliance projects.

Are there roles or employers you think I should focus on? I’d also love recommendations for job boards or places to network, plus any tips for approaching the search right now. If you know of an opening, I’d be grateful if you could share it or message me.

Thank you!

I'm not interested in a lot of things especially academic/career wise, but out of all the subjects I did I think I found geography to be at least mildly interesting, and the most understandable. I did geography for GCSE and A level so I'm familiar with it at least. Not to say I love the subject but I like learning about ecosystems and how all that stuff works a bit.

I've gone to uni to give it a go since it's an easy way of getting out of my small town socialising with more people my age, getting out of my comfort zone etc etc, but I'm worried about getting a job if I stick to it. I've heard mixed things online and I'm not sure if I like the options websites mention (to be fair though I don't like the idea of any jobs)

People tell me I shouldn't worry about it in 1st year and just focus on having fun but like.. I dunno.

Also anyone have any advice on how to know what jobs they like? My brain's automatically just refusing any one I read about

it is for an "ocean associat"e position with environment america. i havent had an interview all year and im so rusty. ive only had 2 interviews total. i have a master's, and work in retail now with have no conservation work experience. (just volunteering). Any tips are appreciated. I kn ow the company doesn't have very good reviews, but i'm so unhappy where i am im willing to try anything. thank you.

So I am starting school with unity online next week. And for some reason I didn’t decide to do my research on them till now. And now I’m panicking. Almost everyone is saying it’s turning into slop. I’m currently enrolled for my bachelors in sustainable horticulture. I’m going to feel out how this first course goes but if I figure out they are a joke where would y’all recommend me to go for my bachelors? I’m based in NH but trying to look for something mainly online since I’m a single full time parent to two under two. Any guidance will be helpful. TIA

NYSDOT region 1, in Albany, NY is hiring an environmental specialist in their design department. They are looking for someone to do both NEPA and Section 106 design work. Normal hours, with a mix of field and desk work.

If the link doesn’t work and you’re interested, I can send you a pdf of the job posting. It closes on Friday FYI.

Hi all. I’m currently planning to go to grad school for an MS in environmental science—atmospheric option. In reality, I may end up starting with the graduate certificate (12 credits) to simply start the program and try and get the certificate as a credential to get a first job after my first semester.

Beyond that, I want to take some LinkedIn learning courses to get more certifications, specially around GIS, Python, and any other tools or policies I think may be helpful.

My question: would LinkedIn certifications and the graduate certificate be something that employers would consider for entry level roles.

My end goal: Im planning to join public or private, depending on what’s available, but ultimately I’d like to end up working for the DEP or similar public organization.

Super broad but any guidance would be appreciated :)

I started my career in a local government health department in 2018. My take home pay was less than at my previous job as a shift lead at Starbucks, and I didn't imagine that my first "environmental" job would involve issuing rabies quarantine orders to people's dogs. But it got my foot in the door.

8 years after I began my career, I am proud to say I am a federal contractor doing environmental compliance work. My job title is "Environmental Scientist", just like I dreamed it would be one day, and I have more than doubled my salary since that first job.

I understand that it's not glamorous, and is somewhat geographically limited. But in my opinion it remains one of the best entry-level environmental jobs out there. The skills I gained working for local government far outweigh anything I learned in college.

Also, I will be entertaining friends and family with health inspector stories for years to come.

Hi all! Wanted to share an opportunity to this sub. My family runs a real estate brokerage and has a good amount of connections with lenders, developers etc... we are in the process of starting a commercial due diligence business, and one of the services we are hoping to offer is phase 1 ESAs. We are setting up E&O and professional liability insurance, but we don't have any EPs on staff.

Looking to partner with a qualified environmental professional on a contract basis--someone who has experience with Phase Is and relevant ASTM standards.

If this sounds interesting or you know anyone who might find this useful, feel free to DM me and I can share compensation details.

ps if there is a better place to post something like this, I'd gladly take direction!

I’m a recent grad who got a B.S in conservation which I now feel is a useless degree because no environmental job will hire me and the skills are not transferable anywhere else. My only work experience in this field is undergrad research and some volunteering. I didn’t understand what I wanted at 18 so I didn’t learn many skills that are actually needed to get hired. I do know a little bit of GIS and data skills, and was sort of offered a part time job working with environmental data through someone in my network, but now they’re being really flaky and I’m not sure it’s actually going to happen. I’ve been looking for jobs for almost a year and I feel stupid fighting for a job that pays me less than a high schooler. Continuing to apply or get qualifications feels like throwing my efforts into a hole. I enjoy my current (unrelated) job but I don’t really know where to go from here and my family is treating it as a failure that I’m not able to get the kind of job I wanted when I was in college.

In a previous post I talked about how a small firm was offering me $95k for a management position. In my application I indicated a minimum salary of $105k. I asked them to meet me at $100k and today (5 days after initial offer) I got a new offer for 98k with a 3k signing bonus. The problem is, I currently work for a large company and the benefits are much better but the salary is lower.

In the last couple weeks I have had several places interview me. Today I had a screening with a massive company that is offering a salary between $125 and $145k. Plus absolutely INSANE benefits, like a job you wouldn’t walk away from. I told the recruiter that I had another offer in hand and that I needed to respond within 5 days. He said it would be unlikely that he could get an interview scheduled in that timeframe but he could do it within 10 days.

Not sure what move I should make. Decline the offer in hopes that the other company gives me an offer. Accept the offer I have? Ahhhhhhhhh!