Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management
About the Major
The Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management major prepares you for a career in working to protect and sustain the natural resources of land, water and air. The curriculum provides students with the opportunity to develop a specific area of environmental expertise across the environmental sciences and policy spectrum by allowing students to select a specialized track within the major.
Each track has a strong focus on integrating coursework in the areas of environmental policy, management, communication, and law with the applied aspects of social, physical, and biological sciences.
Career Outcomes
Where do students work after graduation?
Where do students work after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Climate and Energy Initiative Coordinator | Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters |
| Crew Member | Student Conservation Association |
| Crew Member | Conservation Corps |
| Ecological Field Technician | Minnesota Native Landscapes |
| Ecological Restoration Technician | Natural Shore Technologies |
| Ecologist | National Park Service |
| Ecosystem Restoration Technician | Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. |
| Environmental Technician | SCS Engineers |
| Environmental Technician | Apex Companies LLC |
| Farm Worker | Longest Harvest |
| Field Assistant | US Geological Survey |
| Field Research Assistant | University of Minnesota |
| Field Service Manager | Lake Resotration Inc |
| Interpretive Guide | Bell Museum of Natural History |
| Junior Laboratory Technician | University of Minnesota |
| Nature Preschool Teacher | Children's Country Day School |
| Outdoor Leader | Wilderness Inquiry |
| Park Ranger | National Park Service |
| Pollution Control Technician - Soils/Wetland | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency |
| Receiving Manager | Fresh Thyme Market |
| Researcher 1 | University of Minnesota |
| Restoration Technician | The Nature Conservancy |
| River Ranger | State of Montana |
| Solar Sales Representative | Solcius Solar |
| Student Researcher | University of Minnesota |
| Tree Inspector | City of St Louis Park |
| Wetland Health Evaluation Program Team Leader | Hennepin County |
Where do students continue education after graduation?
Where do students continue education after graduation?
| Program | School |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Trinity College, Dublin |
| Computer Science | University of Colorado |
| Data Science Specialization Certificate | Johns Hopkins University |
| Energy System | Northwestern University |
| Environmental Education | Eagle Bluff Learning Center |
| Environmental Science | Rutgers University |
| Environmental/Business Law | Seattle University School of Law |
| Geographic Information Systems | University of Maryland |
| Human Rights | University of Minnesota |
| Land & Atmospheric Science | University of Minnesota |
| Land & Atmospheric Science | University of Minnesota |
| Natural Resources Science Management | University of Minnesota |
| Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy | University of Minnesota |
| Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy | University of Minnesota |
| Soil Fertility Science | University of Florida |
| Soil Water Climate | University of Minnesota |
| Sustainability Management | Stevens Institute of Technology |
| Urban and Regional Planning | University of Minnesota |
| Water Resources Science | University of Minnesota |
Where students interned and gained experience during school
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 5 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Activities Concierge | Blackberry Mountain |
| Administrative Assistant | Benike Construction |
| Assistant Coach | Concordia University - St. Paul |
| Assistant Manager | STEMful |
| Assistant Winemaker | North Shore Winery |
| Associate | RMI |
| Biologist | National Park Service |
| Consultant | Guidehouse |
| Customer Experience Banker | Huntington Bank |
| Customer Incentive Analyst | EMC |
| Data Scientist | Darcy Solutions |
| Day & Youth Programs Coordinator | Wilderness Inquiry |
| District Conservationist | USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service |
| EHS Partner | United Natural Foods |
| Electrification & Decarbonization Analyst | EPRI |
| English Teacher | Huaxing Elementary School |
| Environmental Specialist | Two Dot Consulting |
| Facility Coordinator | University of Minnesota - Recreation & Wellness Center |
| Farmer Owner and Operator | Wonka's Harvest |
| Judicial Clerk | U.S. District Courts |
| Junior Director of Operations | IFC National Marketing |
| Lead Extraction Technician | Infinity BiologiX |
| Managed Application Services Consulting Associate | RSM |
| Math Teacher | Katherine Delmar Burke School |
| Operations Supervisor | Bouldering Project |
| Outdoor Environmental Education Program Instructor | YMCA of Greater Seattle |
| Outdoor Recreation Development Specialist | Travel Wisconsin |
| Park Ranger | National Park Service |
| Participant Services Coordinator | Twin Cities Coordinator |
| Program Coordinator | Road Scholar |
| Project Technician | Rice Creek Watershed District |
| Quality Assurance Technician | Adams Pest Contro |
| Recycling Program Assistant | City of Minneapolis |
| Research Assistant | Utah Water Research Lab |
| Researcher | University of Minnesota - CFANS |
| Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability Analyst | Target |
| Senior Lab Technician | Ecolab |
| Soil Scientist | USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service |
| Staff Professional | SCS Engineers |
| Team Member | France 44 Wines & Sprits |
| Technical Support Chemist | SEAL Analytical |
| Transmission Line Engineer | Stantec |
| Transportation Planner | Region Five Development of Commission |
| Water Resource Technician | Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa |
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Assistant Facility Manager | Vertical Endeavors |
| Assistant Professor of Geosciences | Austin Peay State University |
| Associate Manager Customer Support | OATI |
| Business Development Account Representative | Water Quality Association |
| Carrier Sales Representative | Echo Global Logistics |
| Electrical Engineer | Black & Veatch |
| Environmental Resources Coordinator | City of Woodbury |
| Environmental Scientist | Stantec Consulting |
| Executive Team Leader | Target |
| Filter Analyst | Ziegler Caterpillar |
| Footwear Developer | Reebok |
| Garden Maintenance Manager | Blue Earth Gardening |
| Grants Management | FEMA |
| Ground Freight Platform Owner | A.P. Moller |
| Human Resources Assistant | U.S. Department of Agriculture |
| Hydrologist | Fox Canyon GMA |
| Hydrologist | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
| Industrial Hygienist | 3M |
| Judicial Law Clerk | Minnesota Court of Appeals |
| Laboratory Manager | University of Minnesota - Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics |
| Landscape Designer | Design Office |
| Lead Environmental Educator | Minglewood Farm & Nature Preserve |
| Lead Portfolio Manager | Target |
| Optician | Punto Ottico Human Eyes |
| Parks & Environmental Commissioner | City of St. Anthony Village |
| Program Officer | McKnight Foundation |
| Quality Assurance Engineer | Paradromics |
| Recreation Instructor | Denver Parks and Recreation |
| Registered Nurse | Samaritan Health Services |
| Regulatory Affairs Associate | 3M |
| Researcher III | University of Minnesota - Department of Soil Water and Climate |
| Retail Sales Director | Anheuser-Busch |
| Senior Account Program Manager | National Grid |
| Senior Associate | KPMG US |
| Senior Environmental Scientist | California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection |
| Senior Environmental Specialist | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency |
| Senior Hydrologist | National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration |
| Senior Planner | Bolton & Menk |
| Social Scientist | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Software Engineer | Best Buy |
| Sustainability Analyst | Grain Millers |
| Vendor Coordinator | SUPPLY Showroom |
| Vice President of Product Development | Laros Technologies Inc. |
| Watershed Data Analyst | Capitol Region Watershed District |
| Wilderness Therapy Guide | Aspiro Adventure Therapy |
Full outcomes report including salary, locations, satisfaction, and more
Alumni Job Titles by Track
Conservation Resource Management
Sampling of job titles and employers from the Conservation Resource Management track
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Soil Scientist | NRCS |
| Sustainability Outreach Coordinator | Salt Lake City Corporation |
| Lead Field Research Technician | University of Minnesota |
| Project Scientist | ATC Group Services |
| Assistant Manager | K-Ler Cattle Company |
| EHS Specialist | Pace Analytical |
| Environmental Scientist | Westwood Professional Services |
| Experimental Biology Aide | Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife |
| Forestry Assistant | City of Wheat Ridge CO |
| Habitat Technician | McHenry County Conservation District |
| Lands Conservation Technician | Sequoia Riverlands Trust |
| Natural Resource Technician | City of Saint Paul |
| Scuba Dive Training Instructor | Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute |
| Environment Field Chemist | Clean Harbors |
| Public Program Coordinator | River Bend Nature Center |
Environmental Education and Communications
Sampling of job titles and employers from the Environmental Education and Communications track
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Environmental Specialist | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency |
| Safety Leader | APi Groups, Inc |
| Youth Leadership Mentor | Climate Generation |
| Naturalist | Camp Fire Minnesota |
| Facilities Administrative Assistant | Hubbard Broadcasting |
| Environmental Review Program Intern | Minnesota Environmental Quality Board |
| Director of Community Engagement | North American Students of Cooperation |
| Naturalist Intern | Audubon Center of the North Woods |
| Naturalist | Dodge Nature Center |
| Action Educator | Spark-Y Youth Action Labs |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Education | Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board |
| Special Event Coordinator | Saint Paul Parks and Recreation |
Environmental Science
Sampling of job titles and employers from the Environmental Science track
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Surface Water Monitor Technician | Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality |
| Associate Environmental Professional | Vieau Associates |
| Environmental Scientist | Young Environmental Consulting Group |
| Parks & Trails Associate | Department of Natural Resources |
| Contractor | U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) |
| Staff Scientist | Environmental Resource Management (ERM) |
| Geo Technical Lab Tech | American Engineering Testing |
| Environmental Specialist | Mortenson |
| Field Technician | Natural Shore Technologies |
| Research Associate | Hmong American Farmers Association |
| Senior Lab Technician | University of Minnesota |
| Water Resource Technician | Capitol Region Watershed District |
| Project Manager | Pace Analytical |
| Junior Permitting Specialist | Geronimo Energy |
| Environmental Specialist | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency |
Policy, Planning, Law and Society
Sampling of job titles and employers from the Policy, Planning, Law and Society track
| Job Title | Employer |
|---|---|
| Community Development Intern | City of Lino Lakes |
| Digital Communications Manager | MN House DFL Caucus |
| Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist | 3M |
| Environmental Engineer | WestRock Company |
| Regulatory Data Specialist | Pace Analytical |
| Legal Assistant | Briol and Benson PLLC |
| Wilderness Ranger/Trail Crew Member | US Forest Service |
| Research Technologist | Johns Hopkins University |
| Educator | San Diego Zoo |
| Elections Assistant/Administrative Assistant | Ramsey County/MN House of Representatives |
| District Inspector | Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District |
| Transportation Program Associate | Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations |
| Electricity Policy Analyst | Great Plains Institute |
Common Entry-Level Job Titles
- Environmental Outreach Professional
- Environmental Policy Analyst Assistant
- Environmental Protection Technician
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Technician
- Park Naturalist
- Parks & Trails Associate
- Pollution Control Specialist
- Research Assistant
- Water Resource Technician
- Wetland Soils Specialist
Top Employers
- Conservation Corps
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- National Park Service
- Natural Shore Technologies
- Pace Analytical
- Rainbow Treecare
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- University of Minnesota
Possible Jobs with Experience or Advanced Degree
- Environmental Health and Safety Director
- Environmental Lawyer
- Environmental Planner
- Environmental Program Coordinator
- Environmental Scientist
- Hydrologist
- Policy Analyst
- Public Education/Volunteer Program Coordinator
- Soil Scientist
- Sustainability Director
Types of Employers
- City, county, state and federal governments
- Colleges, universities and research institutes
- Energy, engineering, construction, scientific testing companies
- Environmental advocacy organizations
- Environmental consulting firms
- Nature centers
- Nonprofit organizations
- Soil/water conservation districts
- Waste management/recycling companies
Meet Your Career Consultant
Maddie (she/her) can assist you with
- Major and career exploration
- Internship planning
- Job searching
- Interview prep and practice
- Grad school planning and more...
Top Career Resources
- ESPM Job Postings in Handshake
- Internships & Programs Promoting Diversity in Natural Resources & STEM
- State of MN including MN Pollution Control, MN DNR, MN Dept of Ag, Explore Minn…
- USA Jobs including Pathways Program, National Park Service, Environmental Prote…
- Government Job & Internship Search
- Student Conservation Association
- Conservation Corps
- Bell Museum
- Science Museum of Minnesota
- Environmental Consulting Career Info
- Policy, Planning and Law Internship & Job Resources
- Required Field Experiences and Internship for ESPM
Additional Resources
In addition to these resources we recommend the following strategies to locate more information about careers related to your major:
- O*NET and Careerwise. These tools provide comprehensive information about a wide range of careers including typical duties, salaries, employment outlook, skills and interests.
- Locate professional associations related to your major or career interests by conducting a Google Search on “(Name of major/career area/industry) professional associations.” Try these keywords: environmental policy (or advocacy/justice), environmental science, natural resource conservation, hydrology, soil science, air/water pollution, naturalist, environmental education.
- Get involved in one of the many industry-related student groups on campus. These groups provide links to experiences, guest speakers, and discussion with like-minded students.
- Study Abroad Information for Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management