5 Environmental Science Careers That Involve Travel Opportunities

Have you ever wanted to travel the world as part of your career? Do you ever find yourself wondering what’s waiting out there to discover? If you have always wanted to travel and study science in a new place, then these five careers might be calling your name. 

Since environmental issues have been looming as of late the world has seen an increase in the need for professionals with experience in environmental science.

The five careers listed below require some amount of fieldwork, which involves travel to whatever project you’re working on at the time.

Keep in mind that most of these careers require a bachelor’s degree or higher; however, the final career listed only requires an associate degree in most cases.

The job outlook is generally positive with such a demand for jobs like these. By choosing one of these careers, you will be in high demand and likely have options for growth. 

 

1. Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists put their expertise to use by working with government agencies and programs to help collect data and solve environmental issues.

They might work to clean up areas that have been polluted or serve to advise various companies and government agencies dealing with a specific environmental problem. 

Environmental scientists usually work in a lab, but since they work on special projects, they often travel to complete fieldwork as well.

The average salary of an environmental scientist is about $70,000 a year, but this varies depending on where the job is based and for which company or agency the scientist works.

 

2. Geoscientist

Geoscientists work to study the earth’s physical components, including composition and structure. They might work to help environmental scientists clean up polluted or contaminated areas and thus preserve the environment, and they also search for natural resources like metals, petroleum, and groundwater.

Like many environmental science careers involving travel, geologists spend time in the field and labs. They often work with teams on specific environmental projects and are expected to collect and present data.

On average, geoscientists can expect a salary of about $90,000. You might also hear geoscientists referred to as geologists or geophysicists.

 

3. Hydrologist

Hydrologists use their special scientific knowledge to research the water of the earth, both underground and on the surface. Hydrologists focus on collecting information about the properties of water, as well as its circulation and distribution.

This career often serves as a support to other programs and projects that research environmental issues and situations. They generally will do this by monitoring groundwater in various ecosystems and studying watersheds and stormwater.

The job of a hydrologist often requires travel, since hydrologists have to work in the field to conduct their studies on various water sources. Once they collect data, they will likely spend the rest of the time in a laboratory setting. They also present their findings to companies, government agencies, or clients they are working with at the time.

Hydrologists can make salaries anywhere from $50,000 to $120,000 a year, but the average salary is about $80,000 a year.

 

4. Ecologist

Ecologists utilize their environmental expertise to solve environmental issues. They survey various ecosystems to assess the organisms within them, noting the size, diversity, and behavior of those populations. 

Those who become ecologists tend to work for research institutes, government agencies, conservation charities, and environmental trusts. 

Since a good amount of this job requires working out in the field, ecologists do travel a great deal to conduct their scientific research and record data on various plants and animals in certain ecosystems. 

After collecting data, ecologists spend the rest of their time in a laboratory or office, analyzing and evaluating the data they’ve gathered and then presenting that data as needed.

Ecologists also spend time writing reports and might even educate local communities about the ecological and environmental challenges in their respective areas.

An ecologist’s salary varies depending on where and for whom they work, but expect somewhere between $50,000 and $75,000 a year on average.

 

5. Environmental Field Technician

Environmental field technicians help monitor the environment, investigate areas where pollution or contamination may exist, and report their findings to clients.

Much of this job requires fieldwork, so environmental field technicians do travel quite a bit to various sites they are testing for environmental issues.

Tasks to expect as an environmental field technician include setting up equipment to monitor pollution and contamination levels, collecting samples, and analyzing findings in a laboratory or office.

This is more of an entry-level position, as environmental field technicians often work to assist environmental engineers or scientists, hydrologists, or scientific teams. They often work for state or local government agencies, consulting firms, or specific laboratories.

The average salary for an environmental field technician is about $36,000; however, many environmental field technician positions only require an associate degree rather than a bachelor’s degree.