Find the Perfect Environmental Job

Whether you are in the planning stages for an environmental career, in college or already graduated, you will need to know some places to search for environmental jobs. However, environmental jobs are not generally advertised in the local newspapers, so it will require a little research and perseverance to locate the career position you're looking for.

First of all, if you don't have a sufficient education or enough experience to land the job you are looking for, you might need to consider an internship. Internships can be paid or non-paid, but it's the experience you're really looking for, rather than the money at this point. Real work experience counts for even more than an education without any experience. One source that lists entry level or internship environmental positions is http://www.chicagoenvironment.org/jobintern/index.cfm. This site has jobs in the water resources field, parks and outdoor recreation, as well as environmental and biological sciences jobs. It also lists other types of jobs like marketing and research, and some training programs as well. When looking at gaining practical experience through an internship, it's important to remember that you may have to relocate, at least temporarily, to get the job.

Once you have a bit of experience under your belt, and preferably at least a Bachelor's degree in your field, then you can start looking for more advanced jobs. There are a number of websites out there that have a good sampling of jobs both in the US and internationally. A few of these sites are:

• Stopdodo.com
• Ecojobs.com
• Ejobs.org
• Environmentaljobs.com
• Environmentalcareer.com
• Ecoemploy.com
• Environmental-expert.com
• Eco.org
• Jobs4theenvironment.com
• Sustainablebusiness.com/jobs
• Enviroeducation.com/careers-jobs

Of course this is not a complete lists of websites, but these sites offer easy to search for jobs and links. Some even offer advice or training opportunities. There are also private sites such as those for various state or federal, or local, parks, such as for the US Fish and Wildlife Service; www.fws.gov, or the US Army Corps of Engineers; www.usace.army.mil. Most of the Corps of Engineers jobs, however, are involved more with engineering or environmental permitting. If you are interested in a job working for the US Forestry Service, you can find listings here: www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a site, www.epa.gov, that gives lots of information about the environmental, rules, regulations and careers. Another Federal job site is www.federaljobsearch.com.

So, whether you're looking for a government job in the environmental field or want to work for the private sector as a consultant, you can find extensive listings without ever leaving your home. All it takes is a little time to sift through the various sites and web pages, then you'll be ready to submit your resume and land that perfect