The knowledge gained from a major in Geography in the Water, Environment, and Society concentration of human and physical geography, computer based and statistical research methods, land use, resource assessment, politics, and planning, as applied to issues surrounding water and natural resources management, provides a strong career foundation. Graduates might work as field or lab researchers or consultants studying pollution, weather, or climate; as water resource analysts and managers; or as environmental policy advisers or conservation advocates. This concentration is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in geography, hydrology, or arid lands resource science. Some of the job titles listed below may require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Research
- Planning
- Consulting
- Policy
- Advocacy
- Resource management
- Science writing
Sample Employers:
- Research stations and institutes
- Nonprofit organizations
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Water treatment facilities
- Development firms
- Land management bureaus
- Government agencies
- Farms
- Colleges and universities
- Park and forest services
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Watershed Program Manager
|
$36,000 - $59,300
|
|
Natural Resource Officer
|
$31,100 - $49,700
|
|
Conservation Warden
|
$30,400 - $48,930
|
|
Wetland Scientist
|
$31,366 - $94,460
|
|
National Park Service Employee
|
$27,431 - $33,979
|
|
Range Manager
|
$27,950 - $78,470
|
|
Water Resources Manager
|
$67,300 - $116,000
|
|
Soil/Water Conservationist
|
$36,000 - $59,300
|
|
Environmental Protection Technician
|
$26,600 - $41,400
|
|
Geographic Research Coordinator
|
$42,500 - $72,800
|
|
Regional Planning Aide
|
$21,400 - $37,200
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).