Skills you’ll develop
While studying Environmental Sciences, you’re learning to use interdisciplinary skills to analyze issues impacting the earth. You’ll develop important scientific skills and perspective to consider how people can live in a more sustainable way.
These skills may include:
- Gain a systematic understanding of environmental issues
- Field sampling
- Data analysis and modeling
- Analysis of contaminants and pollutants
- Observation and interpretation of data experimental design
- Environmental impact assessments and audits
- Technical report writing
- Technical knowledge using geographic information systems (GIS), statistics, and computer programming
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including climate change and sustainability consulting, research, public health outreach, data science, biodiversity, waste management, air and water quality, food production, resource management, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Agrologist
- Agronomist
- Air pollution field technician
- Biologist
- Cartographer
- Conservation officer
- Ecologist
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental education consultant
- Environmental geologist
- Environmental government services manager
- Environmental health officer
- Environmental impact analyst
- Environmental lobbyist
- Environmental planner
- Environmental science manager
- Fish and wildlife officer
- Forester
- Geographic information systems technician
- Landscape architect
- Natural resources policy analyst
- Non-profit manager
- Park naturalist
- Scientific writer
- Soil scientist
- Urban planner
- Water and wastewater technician
Make the most of your specialization
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.
- Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science clubs
Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and programs. - UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability. - UBC Science Co-op
Gain work experience in environmental sciences between study terms. - Register as a Professional Geoscientist or Biologist
Understand the courses you’ll need to become certified. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - UBC Centre for Sustainable Food Systems
Check out educational and community-building events at the UBC Farm. - Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions internships
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world settings through climate change mitigation or adaptation projects.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Air and Waste Management Association
- BC Wildlife Federation
- British Columbia Conservation Foundation
- British Columbia Environment Industry Association
- Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists
- Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication
- Connecting Environmental Professionals Vancouver
- Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada
- Environmental Studies Association of Canada
- Nature Trust British Columbia
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Environmental Sciences graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.