EXPLORING ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CAREERS

A wide-angled survey of green careers.

In this concise work that’s divided into five main sections, Howard begins by filling in some historical background about the modern environmental movement, including the impact of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring and George Washington Carver’s influence on agricultural conservation (she also frankly notes that in terms of both race and gender, environmental science fields are still some of the least diverse). Taking as her purview a range of career fields broad enough to involve “most skill sets and interests,” she offers a mix of typical job descriptions with average salary ranges and canny advice, beginning with self-analysis of one’s strengths and interests. She also covers suggested coursework, military and civilian training programs, and higher education requirements. The careers include some that readers may already have considered, such as park ranger, but so many scientific and industrial occupations have environmental aspects—from public health and civil engineering to wind turbine maintenance—that they will learn about many others that are sure to be new. In Chapter 5, “The Future,” Howard discusses the impact of climate change, growth in clean energy, and AI on environmentally related careers. The book’s bright design and conversational tone add to its appeal. The stock photos include images of racially diverse people.

An accessible work that’s rich in both helpful tips and possibilities.