Earth Day: 10 STEM Jobs That Help Save the Planet

You may have heard of the saying 'going green,' which means adopting an environmentally-mindful lifestyle that helps Mother Earth. Do you know how this applies to your career? In celebration of Earth Day (April 22, 2023), we look at ten STEM jobs that help save the planet.

1. Environmental Engineers

Photo source: Carroll Engineering Corporation

Environmental engineers do field work like water and soil sampling and air monitoring to solve environmental issues. Their duties include researching, designing, and monitoring programs to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. They also collaborate with other experts such as hazardous materials removal workers and environmental scientists to address environmental problems and environmental sustainability.

2. Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Environmental scientists and specialists investigate environmental problems and provide solutions to them with their knowledge of natural sciences. They gather data from water, food, soil, and air samples to identify and assess environmental threats. After analyzing the specimens, they develop plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental issues.

3. Hydrologists

Hydrologists use their expertise to study water movement throughout the Earth’s crust. They collect water and soil samples to analyze the impact of pollution, erosion, and drought. Hydrologists employ sophisticated computer systems to analyze complex datasets. They also specialize based on water sources. Examples are groundwater and surface water hydrologists.

4. Geoscientists

Geoscientists conduct field studies to learn about the physical aspects of the Earth. They visit locations to collect rock samples, analyze aerial photographs, and gather other data. They also research resource changes to predict geological risks and hazards such as erosion and volcanic activity. Types of geoscientists include oceanographers, paleontologists, and seismologists.

5. Atmospheric Scientists

Atmospheric scientists study weather and climate conditions. They measure atmospheric properties like temperature, dew point, humidity, and wind speed, and analyze the data through computer models. The collected data helps them educate the public and issue weather warnings. Other types of atmospheric scientists include broadcast meteorologists, climatologists, and forensic meteorologists.

6. Conservation Scientists and Foresters

Conservation scientists and foresters oversee natural resources activities to ensure compliance with habitat protection and government regulations. They also review forest and soil quality data to assess the damage to forest areas caused by logging or fires. To improve land, they advise farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers to safeguard the environment.

7. Agricultural and Food Scientists

Agricultural and food scientists analyze and research companies and products to improve safety and efficiency. They are also responsible for creating new food products and developing processes to package and deliver them. Other types of agricultural and food scientists include plant scientists, soil scientists, and animal scientists.

8. Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Zoologists and wildlife Biologists study how animals interact with their environments. They observe the traits of animals, such as movement patterns, interaction with other species, diseases, and reproduction. With the help of Geographic Information Systems, Zoologists and Biologists estimate wildlife populations, track animal movement, assess potential habitat threats, and more.

9. Microbiologists

Microbiologists study microorganisms to understand how they live, grow, and interact with their surroundings. They also monitor its effect on plants, animals, and the environment. More importantly, microbiologists aid in developing new vaccines, better biofuels, and engineered crops. Other types of microbiologists include bacteriologists, industrial microbiologists, and parasitologists.

10. Geographers

Geographers study the Earth and its inhabitants. They gather data through field observations, censuses, maps, photographs, and satellite imagery. They analyze data and report findings to inform governments, businesses, and the public about urban planning and disaster response. Other types of Geographers include physical geographers and human geographers.

If you’re interested in more jobs or careers that can help the environment, watch this video.