Best Climate Change Jobs

The following jobs are ideal for people who want to leave a positive impact on climate change and are passionate about working with the environment. The majority of positions listed on this page have above average growth rates, and are great opportunities for those who are interested in exploring an impactful field of work. There are positions for people with a wide variety of skills and experiences in areas related to climate change. These areas include marketing and outreach, policy analysis, and scientific research. The job descriptions also include information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics such as the median salary for each position, education requirements, and projected growth.

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Field-Based Jobs

Office-Based Jobs

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Best Field-Based Climate Change Jobs

The following jobs require work outside of an office or indoor setting. Fieldwork usually consists of collecting environmental samples, studying nature, and being able to interpret results for the general public. Because these jobs consist of work being done out in the natural environment, workers in these positions should be willing to work in all types of weather conditions and terrain. Most of these jobs also require knowledge and skills related to natural sciences.

Best Office-Based Climate Change Jobs

The following jobs are ideal for people who prefer to work in an office environment while still making an impact on climate change. These roles work for a variety of organizations, including state government and the National Weather Service. All positions in this section have higher than average projected growth rates.

Best High Paying Climate Change Jobs

The following jobs have an average annual salary of $60,000 or above. High-paying jobs in the climate change field also require a higher degree such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. The positions usually have minimal supervision and are responsible for managing subordinates in their field such as technicians. Atmospheric and space scientists are in high demand, with a projected growth rate of 12% and an average annual salary of $92,070.

Entry Level Climate Change Jobs

The following jobs are entry-level jobs related to climate change. Recent college graduates or those with only an associate’s degree are eligible to apply for these roles. They require minimal experience or training in an environmental related field. All five positions listed in this section have projected growth rates of over 10%, making them strong employment opportunities for individuals with associate's degrees.

References

19-2041.01 - Climate Change Analysts. (n.d.). https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2041.01

Atmospheric Scientists, Including Meteorologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, August 14). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/atmospheric-scientists-including-meteorologists.htm#tab-5.
Economists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 30). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/economists.htm.
Environmental Engineering Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineering-technicians.htm.
Environmental Engineers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/environmental-engineers.htm#tab-2.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-science-and-protection-technicians.htm.
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-science-and-protection-technicians.htm.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm#tab-2.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm#tab-2.
Field Research Biologist: Job Description, Duties and Requirements. (n.d.). https://study.com/articles/Field_Research_Biologist_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html.
Geological and Petroleum Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geological-and-petroleum-technicians.htm.
How to Become an Environmental Economist | EnvironmentalScience.org. (n.d.). https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/environmental-economist.
How to Become an Environmental Policy Analyst | EnvironmentalScience.org. (n.d.). https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/environmental-policy-analyst.
Hydrologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/hydrologists.htm.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/occupational-health-and-safety-specialists-and-technicians.htm.
Park Naturalists: Job Duties & Career Requirements. (n.d.). https://study.com/articles/Park_Naturalists_Job_Duties_and_Requirements_for_Becoming_a_Park_Naturalist.html.
Social and Community Service Managers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm.
Sustainability Specialist: Job Description, Salary & Job Outlook. (n.d.). https://study.com/articles/sustainability_specialist_job_description_salary_job_outlook.html.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, April 13). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm#tab-2.