Environmental Jobs

Experts in the career niche suggest the following five tips:

• firstly, pursue a relevant course of education, by obtaining the necessary degrees and certifications related to the environmental field/s of your choosing;
• secondly, gain essential practical experience, by volunteering or interning (see more on this below) to build on what you can add to your curriculum vitae (CV);
• thirdly, network actively, by attending conferences, joining online forums, and connecting with professionals already embedded in, and doing great things for, the environment;
• fourthly, stay informed about the latest development, by following environmental news and research studies, and reading up on useful emerging technologies;
• lastly, develop your soft skills because communication and excellent leadership practices will be as critical to your future success as having the relevant technical and academic knowledge at your fingertips.

For interest, see also manager jobs and director jobs.

Environmental jobs are careers that involve protecting, managing, and restoring the natural environment. These jobs span across a range of different sectors, including conservation, sustainability, environmental education, policy-making, and ecological research, as just a few examples.

In South Africa, environmental jobs are critical for preserving the country's biodiversity, ensuring sustainable development, and addressing the impacts of climate change. With environmental degradation threatening water supplies, food security, and public health, these roles will become increasingly vital to national resilience and economic stability.

The following list showcases 10 of the most popular environmental careers that it is possible to pursue in South Africa, and what each role entails:

• an environmental scientist – conducts research and assessments to understand a range of different environmental problems;
• an ecologist – studies ecosystems and helps conserve biodiversity;
• a conservation officer – works in national parks and reserves to protect wildlife and their natural habitats;
• an environmental engineer – designs systems to reduce pollution and manage waste;
• a sustainability consultant – advises businesses on reducing their environmental footprint;
• an environmental educator – teaches learners, students, and broader communities about environmental issues;
• a climate change analyst – studies the impact of climate change and develops adaptation strategies;
• an environmental lawyer – advocates for environmental laws and represents clients in environmental cases;
• a recycling and waste-management officer – oversees waste reduction and recycling programmes;
• and
• a renewable energy specialist – develops and implements solar, wind, and other renewable-energy focused projects.

See more options at health and safety jobs and research jobs.

The qualifications needed in each type of environmental career vary significantly, but as a general rule a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, environmental engineering, geography, or a related field is a well-thought-out starting point.

For specialised roles, such as environmental law or research, a postgraduate degree is going to be necessary.

Technical roles, such as environmental engineering, may necessitate a professional licence or certification.

Additionally, short courses, workshops, and certifications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), and/or Climate Change can be extremely valuable.

Educations.com suggests the following 10 institutions at which you can happily take on an environmental science degree:

• a Master of Science in Nature Conservation (online) from Unisa;
• an Environmental Science, African Studies, or Development Studies degree from the University of Cape Town (UCT);
• a BSc/BSc Extended in Life and Environmental Science from the University of Johannesburg (UJ);
• a BSc in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Pretoria (UP);
• an MSc in Environmental Education (coursework) from the University of Pretoria (UP);
• a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN);
• a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Mpumalanga (UMP);
• and
• a Bachelor of Design (specialising in Environmental Design) from Inscape Education Group.

It certainly is. Consider:

• a tailored training programme on environmental education, including the option of on-site training for organisations at the South African Wildlife College (SAWC);
• a course on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Sustainable Agriculture from WESSA Academy;
• a short learning programme in areas such as Risks and Socio-Environmental Sustainability or Environmental Auditing at the University of Johannesburg (UJ);
• a short course in Environmental Law and Management, including Legal Enforcement, from Unisa;
• a short course on Environmental Management Systems from North-West University (NWU’s) Centre for Environmental Management;
• a range of short courses, including those related to Climate change and Development, at the University of Cape Town (UCT);
• basic training for the Environmental Management Inspectorate at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE);
• a National Diploma in Environmental Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT);
• and
• a Certificate of Environmental Studies from Wits Business School (WBS).

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are pivotal in South Africa's environmental landscape. They are known to engage in conservation, advocacy, education, and community development. NGOs such as the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF South Africa), GreenCape, Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), and Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) offer everything from employment opportunities and internships, to volunteer positions. Working with NGOs can provide wannabe environmental specialists/enthusiasts with hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a pathway into longer-term employment within the sector.

The South African government employs environmental professionals across the following four departments/agencies:

• the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), which oversees environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change policy in South Africa;
• the South African National Parks (SANParks), which manages national parks and employs conservation staff;
• the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), which employs water resource managers and environmental engineers;
• and
• the Provincial Departments of Environmental Affairs, each of which implements environmental policies at the provincial level.

For interest, see also government jobs.

Absolutely. Many organisations offer internships, learnerships, and volunteer positions – which are essential for gaining practical experience. Opportunities are readily available through:

• SANParks, which offers internships in conservation, research, and tourism;
• WWF South Africa, which provides environmental internships for graduates;
• WESSA, which offers youth environmental service programmes;
• and
• your local municipality, which from time to time may provide internships in environmental health and management.

After making applicating in a general sense to the organisations mentioned above, also consider applying to a position at the following five prestigious environmental internship programmes:

• WWF South Africa's Environmental Leaders Graduate Internship Programme, which offers year-long placements within WWF South Africa's Environmental Programme and partner organisations, and is aimed at supporting the development of future environmental leaders. Interns work with mentors and contribute to WWF's mission of creating a better world;
• the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE’s) Internship Programme, which offers internship opportunities for unemployed graduates with three-year qualifications, providing work opportunities for them within the environmental sector;
• the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI’s) Student and Intern Programmes, which provides internships – including those at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – for both students and interns in fields such as horticulture and nature conservation;
• the Kupu Internship Programme, which offers a range of environmental internships, both individual and team-based, of varying durations, thereby providing newbies in the field with opportunities to work alongside industry experts;
• and
• a Digital Marketing Internship with Roots Interns, which focuses on digital marketing and communication for an environmental organisation, allowing interns to develop skills in digital fundraising, social media, and content creation while contributing to a range of key environmental programmes.

South Africa faces an extensive and wide range of pressing environmental challenges, which other nations (in Africa and further afield) also face in varying degrees. These include:

• water scarcity, such that there is a demand for water resource managers and hydrologists across the entire nation;
• climate change, such that there is an increased need for climate scientists and policy advisors in South Africa, and the entire sub-Saharan region;
• biodiversity loss, which of course calls for more ecologists and conservationists in Africa at large;
• pollution and waste, which creates an extensive number of jobs in the realm of waste management and environmental health;
• and
• energy transition, which spurs on growth in the renewable energy niche.

These environmental and climate-related challenges continue to create new job opportunities – as both the public and private sectors feel the need to seek sustainable solutions for their organisations of all sizes.

The green economy focuses on sustainable development without degrading the environment. In South Africa, it has led to the emergence of new job roles in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and green construction. Government initiatives such as the Green Fund and the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) have also stimulated job creation.

As the green economy expands, skills in project management, technical engineering, and sustainability assessment are sure to increase in demand.

In addition to the technical and academic expertise you will gain during your studies, employers are also on the lookout for the following soft skills:

• excellent communication, so as to effectively convey complex environmental issues;
• best in class teamwork, because of the need for interdisciplinary collaboration within most projects;
• problem-solving, to help develop innovative solutions to vast environmental challenges;
• adaptability, given the dynamic and varying nature of environmental work;
• and
• leadership, particularly in project coordination and advocacy roles, where tact, extensive knowledge, and a charming approach is considered essential.

The job outlook can be described as cautiously optimistic. While job availability can be affected by economic fluctuations and government funding, the growing urgency of environmental issues is steadily increasing demand in the niche.

Sectors such as renewable energy, water management, and environmental consulting are showing promising growth. Additionally, global trends and commitments, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (United Nation’s SDGs), are influencing local policy – as well as the need for investment in the environmental realm.

Environmental professionals should understand the United Nation’s SDGs so as to be able to align their work with broader global sustainability efforts.

The SDGs are a blueprint for a more sustainable future, encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

Here's why understanding the SDGs is crucial for environmental professionals:

Alignment and collaboration:

• the SDGs provide a framework for environmental work to be seen as part of a larger global effort that is addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change;
• environmental work often intersects with other sectors such as energy, agriculture, and urban development, which are also key to the SDGs;
• and
• understanding the SDGs can help environmental professionals to identify funding and support opportunities, that are aligned with their goals.

Environmental impacts and solutions:

• climate change is a major environmental issue, so professionals should understand its impact on the SDGs and how to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies;
• the SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 15 (life on land) goals focus on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, aligning with the core work of many environmental professionals;
• addressing water scarcity and pollution (as itemised in SDG 5, i.e. clean water and sanitation) is crucial for environmental health and sustainable development, as is understanding its connection to the other important SDGs;
• and
• environmental professionals can promote sustainable practices and reduce waste to contribute to goal SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production).

Policy and advocacy:

• SDG reporting and monitoring provide a framework for measuring progress on environmental issues, and can help to inform critical policy decisions;
• environmental professionals can leverage the SDGs from an advocacy and awareness perspective, to bring about policy changes and raise awareness about environmental issues;
• and
• the SDGs provide a framework for international cooperation on environmental issues, so professionals should be aware of the way in which they relate to relevant international and regional agreements.

Specific examples of SDG-related work:

• environmental professionals can contribute to SDG 3 (good health and well-being) by implementing policies and technologies that aims to reduce air pollution;
• supporting the shift to renewable energy sources is key to SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (climate action);
• and
• promoting sustainable agricultural practices can contribute to SDG 2 (zero hunger) and SDG 15 (life on land).

In essence, understanding the SDGs allows environmental professionals to align their work with the broader global sustainability goals of our times, to connect with the critical work of other sectors, and to effectively contribute to a more sustainable global future.

Job seekers are advised to remain updated on their career niche of choice in five different ways;

• by logging into their favourite job portal on a daily (or at least weekly) basis;
• by keeping tabs on the relevant NGO websites in their niche, as these are likely to post job opening and internship details on a regular basis;
• by remaining in touch with all the universities, colleges, and other institutions that offer environmental degrees and short courses (not just the one where you qualified), as these are sure to provide relevant career listings, networking events, and conference details;
• by joining professional networks and associations, such as the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), as just one pertinent example;
• and
• by following as many environmental science-focused organisations as possible on social media, as well as checking out any pressing hashtags related to environment-focused matters.

Yes, indeed – several individuals and organisations have already made significant impacts.

These include that of Kumi Naidoo, a South African human rights and environmental activist who served as executive director of Greenpeace International; that of Greenpop, a Cape Town-based organisation that combines reforestation with environmental education; and that of Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa, who is known for his leadership in the conservation arena.

These success stories inspire young professionals, and highlight the potential for impactful careers in the environmental sector.

Earth.org has shared an extensive list of highly inspirational movie-watching fodder for those seeking inspiration in their environment-focused careers.

Just a few of these include:

• An Inconvenient Truth (2006) – a concert film recounting former US Vice President Al Gore’s campaign in 2000 to educate people about global warming;
• RiverBlue (2017) – which follows Canadian conservationist, professor, and paddler Mark Angelo’s unprecedented three-year river journey around the world to unveil the irreversible damage that the global fashion industry has inflicted on our water supplies;
• Before the Flood (2016) – a collaboration between actor and Earth Alliance co-founder Leonardo DiCaprio and National Geographic, which features poignant accounts of how different stakeholders are affected by climate change – via deforestation, rising sea levels, and other human activities;
• David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020) – a documentary in which the 94-year-old naturalist traces his career as a natural historian, and outlines how the biodiversity of our planet has degenerated over his lifetime;
• My Octopus Teacher (2020) – a moving documentary released by Netflix, which captures filmmaker and diver Craig Foster’s unique friendship with a wild common octopus. Filmed in an underwater kelp forest in False Bay near Cape Town, South Africa, his once-in-a-lifetime experience includes tracking the octopus’s movements, witnessing how the octopus defends herself against pyjama sharks, and how it eventually dies after mating;
• and
• Food Inc (2006) – which looks into how the fast food model employs harmful practices of corporate farming and agribusiness that degrade the health of people and our planet. The film inspects the industrial production of meat, grains, and vegetables, and wraps up by pointing out the manipulative power of various US multinational corporations – who supply cheap but chemical-ridden food, when humanity really needs more organic options and environmentally conscious eating choices.

For a truly impactful read that stands out in the environmental literature, consider Silent Spring (1962) by Rachel Carson. This book, a landmark in the modern environmental movement, is credited with sparking the public's awareness of the dangers of pesticides and their impact on nature. The book remains highly influential, and is often cited as a foundational text for environmental activism.

It stands out for its historical significance; for its work in launching the modern environmental movement; for its scientific rigor because Rachel (a marine biologist by trade) makes use of pertinent scientific evidence to demonstrate the harmful effects of pesticides; and its compelling narrative because the book's writing style is engaging and accessible such that the scientific concepts in it are made relatable to a broad reader base.

Other options include Vandana Shiva’s Soil Not Oil: Environmental Justice in an Age of Climate Crisis (2007), Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope (2021), and Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees (2015).

Alternatively, read Shreya Ghodawat’s LinkedIn article, “My 10 Favourite Sustainability Books By Black, Indigenous, and Other Women Of Colour”, or Social Palm’s list of “22+ Books On Ecology, Nature And How To Live A More Sustainable, Hopeful Life”.