Climate scientist jobs

Are you interested in the effort to combat climate change? You, too, can make a difference for the planet by pursuing one of these 10 in-demand careers related to climate change.

Today, courses and degrees in environmental and climatic sciences may be obtained at a wide variety of educational institutions.

Some of the most in-demand professions related to climate change are environmental lawyer and clean vehicle engineer.

Even those who aren't interested in science may help battle climate change by working in environmentally friendly industries like fashion.

What Should You Major in if You Want to Work in the Field of Climate Change?

There are now more schools and institutions in the United States offering degree programs that concentrate primarily on environmental and climatic sciences. For instance, the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Department at UCLA gives students the opportunity to major in climate science.

When it comes to gaining employment in the field of climate research, having a degree in any other field of science might also be beneficial. You may, for instance, think about majoring in biology, meteorology, or engineering. Some educational institutions provide students with the opportunity to concentrate their studies on topics connected to climate change, such as environmental engineering.

Another option for you would be to get a degree in environmental studies. Majors in sustainability studies may be found at universities such as the University of Florida and Roosevelt University. Other educational establishments, such as the University of California Davis, offer degrees in sustainable agriculture.

You should seriously consider enrolling in a graduate school if you currently have a bachelor's degree and are interested in making a shift in your professional life. There are a number of master's degree programs that focus solely on climate science, such as the MS in climate science offered by George Mason University. What Should You Major in if You Want to Work in the Field of Climate Change?

There are now more schools and institutions in the United States offering degree programs that concentrate primarily on environmental and climatic sciences. For instance, the Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Department at UCLA gives students the opportunity to major in climate science.

When it comes to gaining employment in the field of climate research, having a degree in any other field of science might also be beneficial. You may, for instance, think about majoring in biology, meteorology, or engineering. Some educational institutions provide students with the opportunity to concentrate their studies on topics connected to climate change, such as environmental engineering.

Another option for you would be to get a degree in environmental studies. Majors in sustainability studies may be found at universities such as the University of Florida and Roosevelt University. Other educational establishments, such as the University of California Davis, offer degrees in sustainable agriculture.

You should seriously consider enrolling in a graduate school if you currently have a bachelor's degree and are interested in making a shift in your professional life. There are a number of master's degree programs that focus solely on climate science, such as the MS in climate science offered by George Mason University.

10 Prominent Careers in the Fields of Climate Change and Sustainability

Are you still unsure which degree will best prepare you for a profession that involves preventing or mitigating the effects of climate change? Before you plan out how to achieve the job you want, it could be helpful to think about the position you desire. The following are some of the most common job pathways relating to climate change.

1. Environmental Lawyer

For all attorneys, the job market is expected to grow by 9 percent between 2020 and 2030.

For all attorneys, the median annual salary is 126,930 dollars as of May 2020.

Educational Requirements In order to practice environmental law, prospective attorneys need to get a law degree and demonstrate that they are qualified to practice in their state.

Environmental attorneys often work for legal companies that concentrate on topics such as climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability. However, they may also be employed by government organizations. These lawyers could file a lawsuit against a company if they believe the company violated particular sustainability criteria, for instance.

In order to practice environmental law, you are required to receive a Juris Doctor degree from a law school that has been granted accreditation and to pass the bar test in your state. There are several educational institutions that allow students to specialize in environmental law.

2. Climatologist

8 percent annual job growth expected between 2020 and 2030

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $99,740

Educational Prerequisites: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in meteorology or a discipline that is very closely connected to it. In most cases, a master's degree or a doctoral degree is required to work in the research field.

Climatologists investigate weather patterns over extended periods of time and conduct research that investigates the overall effects that carbon emissions have on the climate.

These scientists are required to have a degree of at least a bachelor's in order to work for either a government agency or a research center. Those who choose to devote their careers largely to research will, in most cases, be required to get a doctoral degree.

3. A Scientist Working With Renewable Energy

The job market for materials scientists is expected to grow by 6% between 2020 and 2030.

In the field of materials science, the annual salary at the median level is $99,460 as of May 2020.

The minimum level of education required is a bachelor's degree, preferably in chemistry or a closely related discipline. A master's degree or doctoral degree is often required for employment in the research field.

Researchers in renewable energy concentrate their efforts on investigating clean energy sources such as wind, water, and sun power heat, as the name of their field indicates. In order to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels like coal and oil, these climate experts are studying ways to boost the effectiveness of renewable energy sources and expand their use.

In most cases, obtaining a career in the field of renewable energy research will require that you have a doctorate degree in addition to considerable levels of previous professional experience.

4. Geoscientist

7 percent job growth expected from 2020 to 2030

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $93,580

Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree is often necessary for entry-level positions; however, certain companies may call for a master's degree instead.

Geoscientists, who specialize in the Earth, play a significant part in efforts to halt climate change. These experts investigate not just the natural resources but also the many components that make up the planet itself.

You will require a bachelor's degree, often in either geology or environmental science; however, a significant number of geoscientists also hold master's degrees. Work opportunities are available in academic institutions and research facilities.

5. Environmental Engineer

The rate of job growth expected between 2020 and 2030 is 4%.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $92,120

Educational Prerequisites: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering or a discipline that is closely linked to it.

Consider pursuing a career in environmental engineering if you are interested in developing strategies that may be implemented to address the challenges posed by a changing climate. In this line of work, your primary emphasis will be on the design and construction of environmentally friendly and resource-conserving structures, such as green and water-efficient buildings.

Environmental engineers are required to hold a bachelor's degree in either environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or civil engineering. A significant number continue their education and get a master's degree.

6. Engineer of Eco-Friendly Vehicles

7 percent job growth expected from 2020 to 2030

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $90,160

The minimum level of education required is a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology, in addition to a license issued by the state.

Do you remember when hybrid automobiles were thought to come from the future? Charging facilities for hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming common sights on the corners of cities. Engineers working on clean cars are responsible for the creation of these vehicles, and they are also responsible for the development of new types of energy-efficient autos.

Having a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a field that is closely related is often required in order to work as an engineer on environmentally friendly vehicles.

7. Environmental Scientist

8 percent annual job growth expected between 2020 and 2030

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $73,230

Education requirements include a bachelor's degree in environmental science or an area closely linked to science.

Consider pursuing a career in climate science or environmental science if you're interested in making a contribution to the field of climate change research. These experts devote their time to researching climate change and the ways in which it impacts the planet.

Typically, their work is focused within a particular field, such as observing the impacts of rising temperatures on the world's oceans or the food supply available to humanity. Work opportunities are available in a variety of contexts, including educational institutions, research organizations, and government bodies.

8. Scientists in the Field of Conservation

7 percent job growth expected from 2020 to 2030

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $64,010

Educational Prerequisites: a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science, Forestry, or a Field That Is Very Closely Related to Either of Those Two Subjects.

Scientists that specialize in conservation maintain the natural resources of the Earth by carrying out duties such as determining the quality of the water or soil and ensuring that operations involving forestry comply with conservation rules.

These scientists' primary responsibilities include putting out flames and assessing the damage they've caused, tasks that have become more important as the effects of climate change have become more severe. In order to pursue a career in conservation science, you will need to get a bachelor's degree in forestry or in a scientific discipline that is very closely connected to it, such as agricultural science.

9. Technician in Renewable Energy Sources

68 percent job growth expected between 2020 and 2030

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $56,230

Educational Requirements Completion of an accredited postsecondary program that does not lead to a degree, often conferred by a vocational or technical institution.

Technicians in the field of renewable energy install and maintain various systems, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and others, in order to guarantee that renewable energy sources function as intended. Installers of solar photovoltaic systems and technicians of wind turbines are two examples of possible careers for these people.

This is a highly hands-on work, and in contrast to many of the jobs on this list, these technicians normally do not need college degrees; rather, they may finish a training program at a technical school, community college, or even on the job. This job requires a high level of manual dexterity.

10. Technical Specialist in Environmental Science and Protection

11 percent job growth expected between 2020 and 2030

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $46,850

The minimum educational requirement for most employment is an associate's degree in environmental science or a topic that is closely related; however, many positions need a bachelor's degree.

You may or may not be familiar with management consultants. Companies seek for these individuals to fill the role of analysts, with the intention of having them examine the company's operations and finances and provide recommendations about how the company may become more lucrative and efficient.

Technicians who specialize in sustainability perform many of the same tasks as their counterparts; however, their primary responsibility is to specifically inspect organizations and counsel businesses on how to integrate environmentally responsible and sustainable practices into their daily operations.