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Environmental Studies

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Professional pathways in Environmental Studies

The breadth and depth of our environmental studies program opens the door to hundreds of career paths for graduating students. Our alumni hold positions in governmental agencies, the nonprofit sector, and private businesses.

Across our environmental studies and environmental science programs, students have gone on to positions such as:

  • Environmental consultant
  • Communications manager
  • Geographical information system mapper
  • Restoration technician
  • Environmental educator
  • Peace Corps/Americorps volunteer
  • Environmental scientist
  • Policy associate
  • Habitat conservation technician

Students who graduate from the Environmental Studies Program are encouraged to keep in touch and let us know what you’ve been up to as you journey out into the world. Whether you are a graduate of the program, a prospective student, friends, family, faculty, or former ENVS major, we invite you to take advantage of the resources we have available to those in the environmental field, and network with members of the program.

Pathways Background Image

Letters of recommendation are a critical element in your application for graduate school or a new job. Your goal is to not only get a recommendation, but to also get a great one. Asking for a last-minute recommendation in the wrong way can backfire or result in a '"no." Here are a few tips for making sure you get the strongest letter possible.

Tips for asking for letters of recommendation

Environmental Connect is our annual environmental networking event. Each year, we are joined by more than 15 community partners as they share their work with students. Partners are from organizations who have either sponsored ENVS interns, employed ENVS alumni, or currently offer other opportunities such as volunteering.

Learn about Environmental Connect

    

Environmental Career Resources:

Here are some job databases where environmentally focused openings may be posted. *Disclaimer: We provide these links as a courtesy but we do not investigate them. Always use careful judgement when using online resources.

Career Listings – Government

  • USA Jobs – official govt. site for jobs and employment information provided by the Office of Personnel Management. Available for all federal agencies.
  • Peace Corps – “the toughest job you’ll ever love!”

Career Listings – Non-Profit

  • American Conservation Experience – non-profit youth conservation corps dedicated to providing service learning opportunities for emerging land managers and conservation-minded volunteers in culturally diverse and naturally inspiring settings.
  • Idealist.org – non-profit jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Environmental Defense Fund – full-time and part-time jobs listed by city, internships too!
  • Global Volunteer Network – volunteer on environmental projects in Ecuador, New Zealand, and Thailand.
  • Greenforce – runs biodiversity surveys in international countries, with assistance from host universities.
  • National Wildlife Federation Conservation Career Gateway – devoted to the conservation of wildlife.
  • Northwest Youth Corps – provides opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. Programs focus on education, challenge, community, leadership and empowerment, giving youth critical life skills and confidence. NYC programs stress teamwork, inclusion, and leadership while promoting a solid work ethic and individual achievement.
  • RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments) Program – live and work in rural Oregon’s resource-dependent communities, helping to improve economic and environmental conditions.
  • VolunteerMatch – Volunteer listings and opportunities in your local area.

Career Listings – Professional Societies (These are also good links for career information, conferences, etc.)

Career, Internship and Graduate School Guides (not necessarily listings)