What are the best ways to find an entry-level job in Environmental Services?

One needs to take stock of one’s education, skills, experience and interests to help identify the kind of entry level environmental jobs to target. Environmental jobs can be found in the private sector or the public sector (government). The jobs could vary widely in the type of skills required as some will require strong technical skills while others could require more management or leadership skills.

Identify your skills but do not focus on finding the perfect role. Many skills are transferable in a broad industry. For example, I started in Geotech learning transferable skills. Next was dream job as an environmental scientist working my way up to project manager and eventually a small staff specializing in PA Act 2 and brownfields redevelopment at two different companies over the last 20 years. What has worked is learning all I can about what people in different disciplines do and never being above or below any task. Learn as much as you can about the industry and leverage the skills learned. The perfect position doesn’t exist, but you’re always working toward a goal.

It's all very well to have preconceived notions of what would be the "perfect" job, company, and location. In an imperfect world, that's rare. First of all, I would encourage obtaining a degree in environmental engineering. It provides a very technically solid foundation for conducting work or research into whatever area is the most attractive or available. Oftentimes we have to settle for second, or third, best. I would emphasize data analytics as one of my foundations plus strong fundamentals in physics, chemistry, and microbiology. In addition to the sciences, it's important to have the ability to effectively write and communicate verbally and to think critically and creatively. Not all problems have yet to be solved!

No início da faculdade, oferecer-se como voluntário (estagiário) em empresas ambientais é uma forma eficaz de ganhar experiência prática e estabelecer contatos na área. Além disso, considerar a realização de cursos (especialização, mestrado, doutorado) ou certificações relacionadas aos serviços ambientais pode aumentar as qualificações. Muitas empresas proporcionam programas de estágio para candidatos iniciantes, abrindo portas para o setor. Conectar-se com profissionais da área ambiental por meio de redes sociais, como o LinkedIn, busque influências relevantes. Destaca-se a importância de personalizar currículos e cartas de apresentação, evidenciando como suas habilidades e experiências atendem aos requisitos do trabalho.

Much like the tech industry, conservation is also evolving. Keep abreast of technologies and skills in demand. That said, be mindful of your passions and talent, and transferable skills; having a knack for data analysis won't necessarily translate into into liaising and fundraising. Also, your first job post-graduation will set the trajectory, and your interests and goals might change as you mature. Dabble into as many spheres as possible until you find work that does not feel like work.

Here is how I got started...When I entered the world of environmental consultancy it seemed the minimum requirement was a masters degree. I didn't have one. I couldn't afford it and needed to work. I pulled a list of consultancies together from the nearest city to me (Leeds) I brushed up my C.V. and I hit the road, almost all turned me away. But one man gave me a chance, (Andrew Dean) I started working for free to get experience, I was on benefits and I had squared this away with the job centre, this then shortly translated into an offer of employment. A kind of try before you buy. So be proactive, jobs aren't going to fall in your lap. Someone will recognise the effort to differentiate yourself Good luck.

Suggest people facing the same challenges, join the GFUMP, @Ground Forum Mentoring Programme.Please contact me via LinkedIn for more details

Na minha época de iniciação, foi importante o primeiro passo ainda na faculdade como estagiária, iniciei em uma empresa de montagem de módulos de plataforma, o meu ganho de expertise e bagagem foi além das minhas expectativas do momento e em poucos meses tive o reconhecimento de busca de aprendizado efetivei na empresa, como auxiliar técnica e isso foi de fato muito importante para iniciar a minha trajetória desta forma, onde pude conhecer grandes profissionais que me incentivaram e me inspiraram a querer aprender mais e mais, então quando me perguntam por onde começar e aprender inicie por no "chão de fábrica" porquê é lá que estão as maiores experiências profissionais.