Environment & Sustainability

Do you consider yourself problem-focused, thoughtful, or eco-friendly?
Are you interested in learning about human/environment interactions or conservation efforts that support sustainable living?
Does it sound like fun to conduct field work outside?
Could you see yourself analyzing environmental data through geologic mapping, helping to prevent environmental hazard disasters, or advocating for “going green"?

Careers in this community focus on studying the physical aspects of the earth and applying knowledge to educate and inform on how to protect the environment and human/animal health.

Meet the Community Advisors

Mallory Becraft

Alicia Joens

Lynne Sebille-White

Schedule an Appointment

Upcoming Events of Interest (free for students)

Apply to the Underrepresented Students in Sustainability (USS) Mentoring Program! USS aims to connect underrepresented undergraduates exploring careers in environmental sustainability with University of Iowa faculty who are passionate about the field. All undergraduates at the University of Iowa are welcome to apply, and preference is given to students who: (1) identify with a group that is underrepresented in environmental sustainability (2) come from economically, geographically, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds; or (3) have demonstrated interest in environmental justice and working with underserved populations. Submit your application before 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 6th.
Science & Environmental Studies Virtual Graduate School Fair - October 15, 2019. Register & learn more about participating programs.

Campus Resources & Initiatives

Office of Sustainability and the Environment
Campus Initiatives
College of Public Health - Occupational & Environmental Health (graduate program), Career Paths, Research Centers & Programs
State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa
UI Office of Outreach & Engagement Environmental Sustainability Community Projects. Community Engaged Learning Classes & Student Stories of Hands On Learning.

Sample Occupations & Industries

Click Here to see where Hawkeyes GO & what they DO after graduation.

Aquatic Toxicologist
Arborist
Campaign Organizer
Climate Change Analyst
Community Organizer
Conservation Manager
Ecologist
Ecotourism Director
Energy Specialist
Environmental Analyst/Manager/Planner
Environmental Economist
Environmental Engineer

Environmental Accountant/Marketing Assistant/Public Relations Associate
Environmental Lawyer
Farmer's Market Manager
Field Research Coordinator
Forester/Forestry Technician
Geodatabase Analyst
GIS Analyst/Coordinator/Specialist
Hydrologist
Land Conservation Specialist
Natural Resources Specialist
Marine Biologist
Museum Technician/Assistant

Outdoor Guide
Park Ranger
Peace Corps Member
Seed Collector
Sustainability Coordinator/Specialist
Urban/Regional Planners
Wastewater Treatment Specialist
Water Conservation Specialist
Water Quality Specialist
Watershed Restoration Specialist
Wildlife Specialist
Wind Energy Operations/Project Manager

Explore Occupations & Industries

To research various UI majors, minors and certificates, visit Find Your Program.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*Net contain information on duties, education and training, pay and job outlook.

Vault for UI Students (Click on "Guides", then "Other Industries" to view

Vault Guide to Environmental Careers
Vault Guide to Environmental Science and Conservation Jobs
Vault Guide to Green Programs
Vault Guide to Park and Public Land Jobs

EcoCareers Slide Deck, UI Campus Visit March 2017, courtesy of Kevin Doyle, Principal at Green Economy

Environmental Science Career Information & Options

Sustainability within Business

B Corps (Find for-profit companies who meet rigorous social and environmental standards)
Campus Sustainability Resources (UI Office of Sustainability)
Career Information for Undergraduates (Ecological Society of America)
GreenBiz
Green Marketing
Environmental Accounting

Environmental Law & Policy

Harvard Law School's "A Trail Guide to Careers in Environmental Law"
7 Considerations for Pursuing an Environmental Law Career
What is an Environmental Lawyer?

Volunteering

Related Student Organizations

Want to put your interests to good use? Join with other students who share them. Check out student organizations involved in environment & sustainability.

Related Student Organizations:

Volunteering is another great way to explore your interests, build your resume, and connect with the community!

Volunteer Center of Johnson County
Hawkeye Service Breaks
UI Volunteer Fair (held at the start of each semester)

Job & Internship Resources

Check out student employment, internships & post-graduation full-time jobs in Handshake. Employers targeting University of Iowa students & alumni use this recruiting system to connect with you!

Environment/Conservation/Sustainability

Food/Agriculture

Geography/Geoscience/GIS

NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)

USAJobs (Federal Jobs Database)

GoGovernment (helpful application tips & info. on federal employment)

Top Federal Hiring Agencies for Biological and Environmental Science

Professional Organizations

Professional Organizations are a great way to Explore, Prepare, Experience and Achieve!

Explore: Learn what people in the industry do, talk about, and take action on.

Prepare: Learn job titles, companies, and organizational/thought leaders.

Experience: Check out the resources; including specialized job boards, and LinkedIn groups to find mentors and job shadowing/informational interviewing opportunities.

Achieve: Polish your professional image by taking an active part in your industry’s association. Reach your goals through networking and the professional development opportunities your association provides.