Contrary to what many people think, the environmental sector offers plenty of job opportunities. According to a 2024 Global Green Jobs Report from LinkedIn, “Global demand for green talent grew twice as quickly as supply between 2023 and 2024.”1 While some career opportunities require a college degree, there are also many environmental jobs without a degree requirement. For example, you can get an environmental job with a GED, on-the-job training experience, or other equivalent qualifications.
If you are a nature lover and wish to pursue a career in environmental science or related fields, this guide is here to help. It provides a wide range of details on environmental jobs, including a list of high-paying environmental jobs without a degree and their education requirements, plus places where you can find these jobs.
What Is an Environmental Job?
Environmental jobs, otherwise called green jobs, are occupations that primarily provide services or products that improve and preserve the quality of the environment. These jobs protect biodiversity, prevent pollution, produce safe energy, and reduce the environmental footprint. You may find them in the agricultural science, research, administration, public health, and manufacturing industries.
The effects of climate change are now more visible than ever. As people increasingly advocate for environmental sustainability, restrictions on fossil fuels, and the rise in environmental regulations and policies, firms now look to green-collar workers to help achieve more sustainable processes, efficient waste disposal, and reduced carbon footprint.
What Do Environmental Jobs Pay?
There are diverse specializations of environmental jobs, and their salaries differ significantly from one another. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the annual median wage for environmental workers was $78,980, as of May 2024.2 Occupations that require more sophisticated skills and education enjoy higher pay.
Environmental and sustainability jobs show a promising growth rate that suggests more job opportunities in the future.1 In 2023, the World Economic Forum (WEF) reported that U.S “green jobs are expected to expand to nearly 24 million, comprising 14% of total US jobs by 2030.”3
What Skills Do You Need to Land an Environmental Job?
Knowledge of Environmental Policies and Regulations
There are numerous policies and legislations that companies must follow to achieve global or national sustainability recognition. Knowing these laws and understanding how they impact the environment and businesses is essential for many environmental jobs. Likewise, it is crucial to stay updated as these regulations are often changed or revised.
Environmental Awareness
Environmental awareness means being able to think about your actions and their potential impact on the environment and human health. That involves understanding the principles of environmental science and having knowledge of environmental law, policy, and management. It also means being aware of the climate crisis and the latest environmental issues, and being able to think critically about them.
Research and Analytical Skills
Developing research and analytical skills is crucial for success as a green-collar worker. Research helps you find innovative solutions to industry-wide or company-specific problems. Analytical skills help you derive actionable insights from your findings to address various environmental concerns.
Communication, Leadership, and Project Management Skills
In your career as a green-collar worker, you will likely work with stakeholders and team members to achieve set environmental goals. Having excellent communication skills helps you relate ideas and instructions to other team members. Likewise, project management skills ensure that you can maximize the material and human resources available to achieve set goals.
What Education Do You Need to Get an Environmental Job?
The educational requirements for environmental jobs vary with each specialization. Many environmental career paths, such as environmental chemistry, require an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or higher qualifications, mainly because of the high-end and specialized techniques needed.
In contrast, there is a range of roles that do not demand many educational qualifications. Career paths like environmental technicians and green HVAC technicians only require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Instead of college, professionals in these fields can get relevant training through apprenticeships, courses, certifications, and bootcamps.
Why College Is Not for Everyone
College is an excellent way to get a well-rounded education and meet new people, but it is not the only way to achieve these things. There are many other options available for people who do not want to go to college, and it is important to choose one that is right for you.
Some people choose to go to trade or technical schools instead of colleges. These schools offer programs that teach specific skills in a shorter period than traditional colleges. Some people choose to get their education online. This option allows them to learn whatever they want at their own pace and from any location.
How to Get an Environmental Job with a GED
Research Career Paths
The first step towards launching a career in sustainability is to check out various tracks available and select one that suits your career goals. You should also ensure that you meet the basic educational requirements to land a job in that field.
Get Relevant Training
There are several trade schools and online courses that prepare you for specific environmental jobs. While getting a relevant advanced degree-level education is the most common path, you should also be open to different channels to learn about recent environmental information, news, and events to stay updated on the latest trends in the field.
Obtain a License or Certification
Getting certifications from renowned authorities verifies that you have the skills to take on specific environmental jobs. Not to mention, it is an excellent addition to your resume. Depending on your location, some specializations require obtaining a license to practice.
Apply for Internships
Internships are an excellent way to hone your skills. They expose you to actual industry problems and help you learn unique solutions to those challenges. In addition, they can help you build relevant industry experience and boost your portfolio.
Build a Solid Resume and Perform Streamlined Job Searches
A well-written resume makes a good impression on your potential employer. Since you do not have a college degree, you may choose to develop a functional resume highlighting your skills and core competencies. When performing job searches, you should also look out for the company’s requirements and apply for a variety of roles that fit your portfolio.
High-Paying Environmental Jobs Without a College Degree
| Job | Average Salary |
| Waste Management Manager | $71,0124 |
| Environmental Scientist | $84,1235 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialist | $75,8746 |
| Landscape Architect | $83,1287 |
| Urban Farmer or Agricultural Manager | $59,2868 |
| Natural Resource Scientist | $60,6839 |
| Environmental Test Technician | $49,57110 |
| Arborist | $60,67511 |
| Green Construction Worker | $95,16812 |
| Forest and Conservation Worker | $41,54413 |
Environmental Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree: A Closer Look
Waste Management Manager
A waste management manager is responsible for the overall waste management of a company. That includes organizing and implementing recycling and garbage disposal programs and working with local government officials to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
While a bachelor’s degree isn’t required, you should have at least three years of work experience in environmental services or waste management. Being in a management role demands excellent leadership and communication skills.
Environmental Scientist
An environmental scientist is a professional who studies the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of the environment and strives to protect it. They may work for government agencies or in the private sector. Some of their duties may include conducting research, writing reports, and advising policymakers on how to protect the environment best.
Environmental scientists need to have a strong understanding of science, math, engineering, and natural science. They must also communicate effectively, work well in teams, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
An occupational health and safety specialist’s key role is to create and enforce safety protocols in the workplace. They ensure that employees are safe and healthy and that the workplace is free of hazards. That can include ensuring that workers have the correct safety equipment and conducting safety audits.
Occupational health and safety specialists may also be responsible for training employees to perform their jobs safely. They may also be involved in investigating workplace accidents and injuries.
Landscape Architect
A landscape architect is a professional who plans, designs, and oversees projects for the construction and maintenance of public and private outdoor spaces. These spaces can include parks, playgrounds, gardens, cemeteries, and campuses.
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Landscape architects must have a strong understanding of horticulture, engineering, architecture, environmental studies, and design to create successful outdoor spaces. They must also communicate effectively with clients, contractors, and other professionals to bring their vision to life.
Urban Farmer or Agricultural Manager
An urban farmer is a professional who works to produce food in an urban environment. Agricultural managers are responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all agricultural production and activities.
The role of urban farmers and agricultural managers is growing in importance as the world’s population becomes increasingly concentrated in cities. These farm workers and agricultural managers must be able to think creatively and solve problems to produce food for a growing population.
Natural Resource Scientist
A natural resource scientist is a professional who specializes in the study of natural resources and the management of those resources. Some of the occupations that fall under the broad umbrella of natural resource sciences include park rangers and marine scientists. While the park rangers protect terrestrial natural habitats, marine scientists protect bodies of water.
While you don’t need a college degree to work as a natural resource scientist, most employers prefer applicants with at least one or two years of experience in related work. However, an advanced degree in marine biology or soil science will be helpful to advance your career.
Environmental Test Technician
An environmental test technician is responsible for conducting tests on various ecological parameters, including temperature, humidity, noise levels, and air quality. They also work with clients to identify any potential environmental hazards.
The work of environmental field technicians is essential as they help ensure that workplaces and public spaces are safe and comfortable. They also help companies comply with federal government regulations governing ecological safety procedures. They may be responsible for monitoring air quality, water quality, or noise levels.
Arborist
An arborist, also called a “tree surgeon,” is a professional who practices arboriculture, the science and art of caring for and managing trees. Arborists are involved in the planning, planting, pruning, maintaining, and removing of trees. They may also do some landscaping work or work in forests.
Climbing arborists use ropes and harnesses to move through the tree and use hand tools such as chainsaws, loppers, and axes to cut away dead or diseased branches. They may also use herbicides and pesticides to treat trees. Arborists must be able to think on their feet, as the work they do is often dangerous and unpredictable.
Green Construction Worker
A green construction worker specializes in sustainable building practices. They use materials and methods that are environmentally friendly and conserve resources. Their duties also include retrofitting buildings to make them more energy-efficient.
Green construction workers reduce the negative environmental impact that buildings have on the environment by using recycled materials, installing energy-efficient systems, and choosing environmentally friendly construction methods. They must also be skilled in various areas, including carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing.
Forest and Conservation Worker
A forest and conservation worker protects and manages forests, parks, and other natural resources. They work to maintain a natural environment, healthy forests, and ecosystems by planting trees, controlling pests, and preventing fires in natural habitats.
Forest and conservation scientists typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. They may receive on-the-job training to handle specialized equipment, such as chainsaws and aerial lifts.
Where to Find Environmental Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Green Jobs Network
Green Jobs Network specializes in green and natural resource job postings.14 You can find a wide range of jobs on this platform, including part-time and full-time positions, remote, and entry-level jobs—all within the U.S.
Environmental Career Center
The Environmental Career Center features a variety of green job openings, alongside the job description and an overview of the hiring company.15
EcoJobs
The EcoJobs board is an online resource for connecting people with environmentally friendly jobs and environmental science careers.16 It includes a searchable database of green jobs in the U.S.
Consider an Environmental Jobs Degree Later in Your Career
Although you may not need a degree to get started in the environmental field, you may want to consider additional education later in your career, considering the numerous benefits. The most apparent advantage may be that a relevant degree helps you scale to more rewarding career paths since you already have years of experience.
When deciding on a major, ensure to choose one that is most relevant to your career path. For an associate degree, you should consider taking courses in agricultural science, environmental science, and geology. Completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program may be necessary for some specific specializations.
Environmental Jobs Without a Degree FAQ
Yes, popular job platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn also have many environmental job postings. Simply type “environmental jobs” into the job search bar on the platform’s website to find them. You can also include other filters to narrow the search results to suit your job preference and find an entry-level position.
Yes, there is a variety of environmental jobs that are in high demand. Some of the most popular environmental science careers include environmental engineers, atmospheric scientists, environmental consultants, environmental scientists, and environmental health and safety specialists.
There are many environmental jobs for students. One option is to become a park ranger—one who protects natural resources in parks and public lands. Another option is to become a conservation scientist. Furthermore, students may also join green research groups or train for entrepreneurial environmental jobs like solar panel, HVAC, and wind turbine technicians.
Sources:
2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/home.htm?view_full
3 https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/06/the-future-of-work-in-the-green-economy/
4 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Waste-Management-Manager-Salary
5 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Environmental-Scientist-Salary
6 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Occupational-Safety-Specialist-Salary
7 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Landscape-Architecture-Salary
8 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Farm-Manager-Salary
9 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Natural-Resource-Scientist-Salary#Yearly
10 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Environmental-Test-Technician-Salary#Yearly
11 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Arborist-Salary#Yearly
12 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Green-Building-Construction-Salary
13 https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Forestry-Workers-Salary
14 https://greenjobs.greenjobsearch.org/
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