An increase in public awareness of environmental risks and sustainability, as well as a significant increase in population, are anticipated to contribute to the increased need for environmental managers with the specialized knowledge and abilities to lead the pack. This explains the increasing number of people seeking environmentalist jobs in South Africa.
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Have you always been fascinated by science? Have you always been concerned about the environment and wished to aid it in any way possible? A profession in environmental management is the ideal blend of the two. Furthermore, with so many options for whatever industry you might work in, there are numerous ways you can make a difference in the world.
However, there are a few things you should know about environmental jobs before you plunge into this sector. Below, you can learn a lot about the opportunities available in this industry in South Africa and important information about environmentalist jobs to boost your career development.
FAQs on Environmentalist Jobs
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You can get a broader and more in-depth picture of roles in the industry by reading the answers to the most frequently asked questions about environmentalist jobs below.
1. Is a degree in environmental studies worth it?
Globally, the human population is growing at a greater rate than ever before, mainly to advances in technology and medicine. However, this quick expansion has resulted in challenges that we had not anticipated (and some that we did.)
The earth’s average temperature is expected to rise.
Warmer weather boosted evaporation and precipitation, resulting in floods and droughts in some locations.
As glaciers and other ice disappear, sea levels will rise.
Crops that respond well to elevated CO2 will prosper, while others will struggle to yield.
In other words, humans are affecting the world in ways that may have disastrous effects. Environmental sciences aid in the understanding of changes and the development of remedies.
With that knowledge, we believe it is evident that environmental science is a fantastic major. Earning a degree with an environmental focus demonstrates your commitment to making a difference and assisting others, especially those yet to be born.
People who can gather facts, communicate knowledge, and assist others down the right path are needed in the world. Environmental science majors are in high demand across a wide range of fields.
Individuals with a thorough understanding of environmental sciences are needed in government roles, enterprises, and societal repercussions, among other things.
2. What jobs can you get with environmental studies?
Environmental sciences graduates, like graduates of any other field, have prospects in management and executive leadership. Hence, whatever title you hold, you can collaborate with others to realign practices in a way that benefits the environment and our future.
Environmentalist jobs in South Africa directly related include:
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental engineer
- Recycling officer
- Environmental education officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Environmental manager
Careers involving environmental science include:
- Environmental scientist
- Conservation scientist
- Environmental lawyer
- Hydrologist
- Environmental engineer
- Geologist
- Environmental health practitioner
- Meteorologist
Of course, these aren’t the only alternatives; they’re simply a sample of what you can do with an environmental science degree. All in all, you’ll be an outstanding candidate for most environmentalist jobs in South Africa if you have the flexibility and a general understanding of the sciences.
3. Are environmental jobs in demand?
Air pollution, climate change, land use management, and urbanization have all raised the demand for environmental specialists.
Sustainability consultants and those in related fields are in great demand as more firms and governments become interested in sustainability. Conversely, as the world’s population grows, organizations are hiring environmental scientists to investigate the effects of this raise on the globe.
For instance, water conservation experts and hydrologists are needed in some parts of the world to supply ideas for access to clean water, while food scientists can work to offer nutritional food for the world’s rising population.
4. Do environmentalists make money?
For the short answer: Yes, they do!
Environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual income of USD73,230 or R1,006,085 in May 2020. Half of the workers in a given occupation earned more than that amount, while the other half earned less. The bottom 10% of earners made less than USD42,960 or R590,214.55, while the top 10% earned more than USD129,450 or R1,778,474.72.
5. What are the highest paying environmental jobs?
Leadership positions and speciality expertise are common in high-paying environmentalist jobs in South Africa.
Because they focus on preserving ecosystems, managing renewable energy sources, developing green constructions, and assuring the quality of food and water sources, these vocations often pay well.
The following are examples of the 15 highest-paying environmentalist jobs in South Africa:
- Urban Planner
- Environmental Scientist
- Geologist
- Agriculture Specialist
- Climbing Arborist
- Environmental Planner
- Environmental Manager
- Sustainability Manager
- Environmental Health Officer
- Environmental Engineer
- Water Project Manager
- Energy Manager
- Sustainability Engineer
- Hydraulic Engineer
- Solar Energy Consultant
6. How do I become an environmentalist?
To become an environmentalist, you typically require a bachelor’s degree in economics, political science, psychology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
A bachelor’s degree will take you four years, and a master’s degree will take you two more years.
Make sure your degree is relevant to the type of work you intend to do in the future. For example, lobbyists should get a master’s degree in political science.
Furthermore, aspiring environmentalists can look for seasonal and volunteer employment to gain on-the-job experience; you can find internships that last one season or a year.
A full-time position in the company may be provided to an intern or volunteer, so take advantage of every chance.
Companies in South Africa that Offer Environmentalist Jobs
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Now that you know better about the sector, it is time for you to find out more about the companies in South Africa that can offer you environmentalist jobs. Check out the list of available opportunities below.
1. ENVASS
Environmental Assurance (Pty) Ltd (ENVASS) is a customer and solutions-driven consultancy firm with established environmental divisions, serviced by highly qualified and experienced specialists and consultants. This division has been providing services to various clients since 2004.
As a company, ENVASS delivers state-of-the-art expertise in Environmental Management throughout the project life cycle from project planning through to feasibility studies, procurement and management.
Moreover, it provides sustainable environmental solutions to the customers across several different industries, freeing them to concentrate on the business of running their daily operations.
2. Nsovo Environmental Consulting
Established in December 2007, Nsovo is a multi-disciplined environmental consulting firm with clients in corporate, mining, industry, private, government and emerging renewable energy companies.
The company utilises the qualifications, experience and expertise of its team members across multiple disciplines to develop financially and environmentally beneficial relationships with its clients through the identification and provision of sound environmental solutions.
Nsovo seeks to be a leading role-player in ensuring sustainable development in South Africa and the African continent at large.
3. Environmental Impact Management Services (EIMS)
EIMS was incorporated in 1993 and born out of the need for specialised environmental services to support and manage the environmental risks associated with Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Development Project, including Katse Dam and the associated infrastructure.
On the basis of this project and driven by the growing awareness of environmental issues and risks, coupled with EIMS’s reputation for delivering quality and reliable advice, the company grew and diversified to the multi-disciplinary team we are comprised of today.
It is a South African company, proud to have expanded into virtually every aspect of the environmental management consulting sector’s spectrum of services, to the point where it currently has a portfolio of diverse experience which competes with international leaders in the field.
4. Myezo Environmental Management Services
Myezo, founded in 2005 by Babalwa Fatyi (a registered Professional Natural Scientist), is an environmental consulting company that provides a wide range of environmental services, cutting across various sectors, specialising in mining.
Myezo Environmental Management Services (PTY) Ltd. was founded on characteristics of value-adding, cost-effectiveness, wisdom and respect for natural resources, as well as the needs of our clients.
The company prides itself on providing diagnosis and in offering an effective and reliable course of action. It also strives for continuous improvement and can provide clients with proactive recommendations to solve their environmental challenges and improve their environmental stewardship.
5. Gasmet Technologies
Gasmet is a technology group from Finland founded in 1990 consisting of the parent company and five subsidiaries located abroad. In total, the company consists of over 120 personnel and has delivered over 5,000 FTIR analyzers worldwide.
Gasmet designs and manufactures world-class gas analysis systems and emission monitoring solutions to measure gaseous emissions from industrial processes, gases released from natural sources into the atmosphere, and gases present in working environments.
Most importantly, it contributes to keeping people safe and the environment clean by providing reliable and accurate cutting-edge measurement technologies.