Applying for Environmental Jobs
See Also: Job Descriptions and Job Search Page. This page is part of a multi-page presentation on applying for environmental jobs. Follow the navigation links at the bottom to see the other pages or you can Start Over.	Photo Source: EPA

When I worked as an environmental consultant, one of my jobs was screening resumes. My boss had two separate file folders for resumes:

1. Clue
2. No Clue

In this context "Clue" means that the person had a defnite idea about the exact job that they wanted to do and / or had education, training or experience which could be related directly to that job. It is important to know what you want to do when you are applying for a job and to demonstrate that in the letter and the interview.

Writing a cover letter that sets you apart can be as simple as just mentioning what type of job you want to apply for in the cover letter. Most environmental firms have a specialty. If you want to make the person reading your cover letter roll their eyes and shove it straight into the file cabinet tell them you are "looking for an entry level job in the environmental field" and then stop there. No, no, no! This can be a killer. Find out what it is they do and apply for a job doing that. Here are some examples:

• ABC Environmental specializes in air emissions consulting, including point source emissions. So, you might write in your letter: "I am looking for an entry-level position as a stack tester and air permit writer...".
  
  
• In the "Yellow Pages" it says Smith Environmental specializes in ground water remediation and Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). So you would write: "I am looking for a position as a field technician collecting data for ESAs, sampling ground water monitoring wells etc. "

Be more or less specific depending on how specific you want your job description to be, but you should at least try to include some sort of a job title like "Environmental Technician", or "Wildlife Officer". You are not limiting yourself as you might think. Most of the time, if they have a position open that is close to what you applied for, they will give you a call and offer it.

The key is to show them that you know what you're doing. You can apply these same principles to any of the jobs listed on the environmental job description page. If you have any relevent experience and training including an internship, and you are fairly confident about your skills, I would avoid using the term "entry level", If you do use the term "entry-level", again, make sure there is a job title after it and/or a description of the job and/or your applicable skills. For example: "I am seeking an entry-level position as a field technician in water quality. I am capable of sample collection, report writing, and knowledgeable in microbiology and chemistry." etc.

Applying for government jobs is a little different than applying to private industry. Continue reading to find out more.

Continue your Environmental Jobs Search

If you want to look for JOBS in the environmental field, you need to check out the UBIQUITY:

1. Environmental Jobs Main Menu
2. Environmental Job Desrciptions Page
3. Environmental Jobs Search Page
4. Evironmental Interships Page