Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management

Students at Outdoor StreamLab

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.

Study ESPM

Career Outcomes

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Where do students work after graduation?

Where do students work after graduation?

Job titles and employers for graduates reported within 6 months of 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?

Programs and schools students enrolled in 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?

Sampling of job titles and employers 5 years after graduation
Job Title Employer
Assistant Professor of Geosciences Austin Peay State University
EHS Specialist Pace Analytical
Engineering Technician II Osmose Utilities Services, Inc.
Environmental Resources Specialists City of Woodbury
Environmental Scientist Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
Environmental Scientist State Water Resources Control Board
Global Supply Chain Capabilities Lead General Mills
Horticulturist Blue Earth Gardening
Human Resources Assistant U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Hydrologist Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Laboratory Manager University of Minnesota
Lead Aquatics Engineer Destination Hotels - Two Roads Hospitality
Lead Field Technician NEON Program
Lead Scientist Claros Technologies Inc.
Legislative Associate Conservation Minnesota
Lighting Project Manager En-Power Group
Planner/ Economic Development Specialist City of Jordan
Policy & Market Analyst Impact Power Solytions
Product Coordinator Boa Technology
Projects & Operations Specialist The Nature Conservancy
Recreation Instructor Denver Parks and Recreation
Regulatory Affairs Administrator 3M
Research Technician University of Minnesota
Senior Administrative Assistant Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute
Solar Installer/Electrical Apprentice Sundial Energy
Statewide Forestry Invasive Species Prevention Specialist Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Water Resources Hydrogeologist Mojave Water Agency

Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?

Where are alumni 10 years after graduation?

Sampling of job titles and employers 10 years after graduation
Job Title Employer
Antibody Development Research Technician Fred Hutch
Chemist Xcel Energy
Chief Operating Officer Optimal Beginnings, LLC
Construction Technician Integrated Lakes Management
Director of Sales & Marketing All Energy Solar
Environmental Health Specialist City of Milwaukee Health Department
Environmental Professional MCW Environmental
Environmental Scientist State Water Resources Control Board
Environmental Specialist Stantec
Executive Director Monarch Joint Venture
Federal Government Relations Lockridge Grindal Nauen
Forester USDA Forest Service
Founder North Naturals
Investor Breakthrough Energy Ventures
Postdoctoral Researcher Appalachian State University
Program Coordinator: Environmental Observation and Informatics Professional M.S. UW-Madison
Safety Coordinator NAC Mechanical & Electrical Services
Senior Energy Analyst Kohl's
Senior Technical Writer and Editor NASA
Small Business Owner Wild Nourish Pet
Small Business Owner Blossom!
Sr Manufacturing Engineer Boston Scientific
Twin Cities Supervisor- Local Experiences REI
VP, Sales, North America 3radical

Full outcomes report including salary, locations, satisfaction, and more

Alumni Job Titles by Track

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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

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