Careers

Save the planet with these Green STEM careers

6 min
February 23, 2021
Save the environment. It’s a slogan that you see everywhere these days. And certainly not without reason. Over the past few decades, our planet has gone through some drastic changes. Since the human race may have inadvertently been responsible for some of these problems, the onus lies on us to find solutions.

Organisations all over the world are stepping up their sustainability game and implementing more measures to make a positive impact on the community and society. From recycling to reducing their carbon footprint, saving the planet is a top priority for them, and this has led to an increased demand for technically qualified people who have the environment at the forefront of their minds.

At Springpod, we believe that a career in STEM is what you need to find the answers. 

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Green Superhero, we’ve got some interesting news for you. What if we said there’s a way to use the passion that you have for nature and environment and blend it with your interest in science, engineering, technology and maths? And that you could build an amazing career from this – one that not just helps you financially secure your future, but also makes a real difference to the world and the community that inhabits it?

Of course, you’d say, ‘Tell me more!’. We knew you were smart. So, take a look at these amazing ‘green-collar’ career paths.

Environmental Consultants 

We know that saving the planet isn’t going to be easy. But it has to start somewhere. And in order to find solutions, we have to find the causes. Environmental Consultants are often at the forefront of digging deep – quite literally at times – into the effects of human and other related activities on the natural environment. They focus heavily on collecting data from an area and analysing this to tackle the issue. Based on these findings, they make recommendations that will facilitate the change.

If you like getting stuck right in and are concerned with solving everyday challenges such as air pollution, for instance, a career as an Environmental Consultant might be right for you.

Trio of Facts

Potential Earnings: £35,880 
Gender Balance: Females (42.8%), Males (57.2%)
Most common subjects studied to get into it: Chemistry and Biology

Discover more insights about a career as an Environmental Consultant.

Agricultural Engineers 

Although the phrases Agriculture and Engineering seem as different as chalk and cheese, together they pave way for a career path that can revolutionise the world we live in. Agricultural Engineers are often tasked with designing machinery and equipment that help improve efficiency in farming, reduce pollution and at times, discover new sources of renewable energy – such as biofuels from agricultural waste.

They are also at the forefront of sustainability engineering that helps design efficient dams and water reservoirs to help minimise the wastage of water. If tackling challenges at the grass-root level interests you, a career in Agriculture Engineering may be your calling.

Trio of Facts

Potential Earnings: £37,440 
Gender Balance: Females (11.3%), Males (88.7%)
Most common subjects studied to get into it: Geography and  Biology; Requires an Engineering background

Discover more insights about a career as an Agricultural Engineer.

Meteorologist 

Meteorology has recently caught the attention of the world because of the growing issues of climate change and global warming. As a meteorologist, you’ll study the earth’s climate by collecting and analysing data from various sources. From ice to air, you’ll be skilled at finding patterns in weather and understand how these patterns affect the planet, and of course, every form of life that inhabits this beautiful planet of ours. 

They’re also sometimes referred to as Atmospheric Scientists – which we think is a pretty cool name for a career.

Trio of Facts

Potential Earnings: £50,960 
Gender Balance: Females (25.9%), Males (74.1%)
Most common subjects studied to get into it: Maths, Geography and Environmental Studies. With a strong base in Computer Science

Discover more insights about a career as a Meteorologist.

Marine Biologist 

We know what you’re thinking – how does a marine biologist help the environment?  Well, they do because our ecosystem is not just formed of trees, soil and animals that live above the water. Typically, marine biologists study all kinds of sea organisms – from the really large ones, right down to the microscopic lifeforms. They then use this understanding of aquatic life and environment to predict changes in ecosystems – often caused by a combination of both manmade and natural disturbances.

Although it is normally a career path that involves outdoor activity, they also do spend a portion of their time in labs analysing the results of the research and using this data to find solutions to restore the balance of the marine ecosystem. Given the volatile nature of our water bodies, there is a high demand for marine biologists for the foreseeable future.

Trio of Facts

Potential Earnings: £43,160 
Gender Balance: Females (38.8%), Males (61.2%)
Most common subjects studied to get into it: Biology, Maths and Chemistry

Discover more insights about a career as a Marine Biologist

Geoscientist

As our planet continues to evolve, its inner workings continue to change too. A Geoscientist is responsible for studying the working of our planet, as well as understanding the nature of all materials – right from the metal to the minerals – that make up the earth. They are also often tasked with investigating natural processes such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods and earthquakes, to help understand the reasons behind these. They use the data to foresee how events and processes of the past might influence the future, and predict future occurrences. 

Geoscience is a vast field, and there are a number of sub-career paths that you could potentially choose, based on your interests. For most paths, field work will form a substantial portion of your every day work.

Trio of Facts

Potential Earnings: £50,960 
Gender Balance: Females (25.9%), Males (74.1%)
Most common subjects studied to get into it: Physics, Maths and Earth Science

Discover more insights about a career as a Geoscientist

Well, there you have it. Five amazing career paths that should certainly tickle that inner green superhero of yours, and help you make a positive impact on this planet. 

So, the next time you hear the phrase STEM, why not imagine an engineer busy designing a new eco-friendly building around existing trees? Or a scuba-diving marine biologist who is helping restore lost balance to the ecosystem? 

Or better yet – why not picture yourself in one of those roles? 

Join us on Springpod, and discover your future career today.

[Information provided by the National Careers Service and LMI for All]

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