If you did a quick search for environmental resource manager (ERM) jobs in California, you’d likely notice that hundreds of results appear. ERM jobs are en vogue at the moment, and will likely remain in demand for years to come.
With that said, there’s a noticeable need for ERMs in California. In this post, we’ll take a look at why the Golden State needs more environmental resource managers and what job opportunities are available.
A State Of Environmental Emergency Needs ERMs
Given the environmental health of California, the need for ERMs on the frontlines has never been more essential. We use the word “frontlines” because Californians are feeling the effects of nature’s onslaught.
It comes as no surprise that headlines related to climate change have increased. However, what’s more, is the fact that Californians are linking extreme climate events to environmental damage more than ever before.
Californian’s Thoughts On Human-Related Climate Change
- 63% say water supply is a big problem in their part of the state
- 78% say climate change is contributing to California’s recent wildfires, up from 63% in 2019
- 80% of the state thinks that climate change has contributed to our current drought, a marked increase from 64% in 2015
Californians think the fires and droughts that have made life somewhat miserable over the past few years come from climate change. With events like 2020’s catastrophic fires that burned 4.2 million acres, California residents are more receptive to environmental policy changes than ever before. However, they’re not just sitting back and accepting the facts. They’re in favor of their government taking action.
74% of Californians support the 2030 target of reducing emissions to 40% below levels measured in 1990. This means they inherently support what environmental resource managers do.
Of course, fighting back against climate change needs to occur on multiple fronts – ERMs can’t do it by themselves. However, environmental resource managers play a pivotal role in helping corporations and institutions in different sectors make the changes.
Areas Of Interest For Environmental Resource Managers
The fields for those looking to work in environmental resource management are ripe with opportunities. Almost every form of business or infrastructure takes a toll on the environment in some way, shape, or form.
Whether it’s the erosion from building bridges or the deforestation from building movie sets, human activity affects the planet. This makes environmental resource management even more vital. But where can you expect to work?
Potential Offices For Environmental Resource Management Pros
- Federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal government departments
- Land-use and conservation agencies
- Environmental consulting companies
- Industry, including manufacturing, forestry, oil and gas, and mining
- Not-for-profit and non-governmental organizations
Here in California, that can also mean working with:
- The management of resources in California state parks
- The preservation of animal habitats and migration routes in California state parks
- The restoration of damaged ecosystems to bring them back to their original diversity and function
- The removal or control of exotic species that can threaten native species and habitats
- The removal of infrastructure and the reconstruction of landforms to prevent the premature erosion of soil
- The restoration of natural burn cycles to prevent human-derived forest fires
- The monitoring of state parks and natural habitats to identify risks and trends that may indicate future damage
All of these jobs are opportunities for environmental resource management workers in California since they’re all issues of concern for the state.
Openings For ERM Workers
Of course, this article would be incomplete without mentioning real job opportunities for environmental resource management workers in California. Listing every job post here is not practical, but we’ll provide you with some possibilities for you as an ERM.
With that said, here’s a look at our sectors and staffing capabilities.
Environmental Services
- Environmental Remediation
- Construction Monitoring
- Fire Clean-up and Debris Removal
- High-Speed Rail & Land Development
- Industrial Hygiene & EHS
- Water Resources & Wastewater Treatment
- Compliance & Monitoring
- Toxicology and Risk Assessments
- Habit Restoration Planning
- Air Quality / Noise Assessments
- Hazardous Materials & Sustainability
Field Service Capabilities
- Program & Project Managers
- Biologists & Geologists
- Geotechnical Engineers
- Environmental Scientists
- Archeologists & Cultural Monitors
- Arborists and Foresters (RPF)
- Civil & Field Engineers
- Chemists & Hydrogeologists
- Health & Safety Personnel
- Air Quality Specialists
- SWPPPs, QSDs, and QSPs
- CAC’s, CSST’s, & Land Surveyors
- Environmental & Field Technicians
- Certified HAZWOPER / OSHA
- Field Samplers and Technicians
- Inspectors (ICBO & ICC Certified)
- Data Analysts & GIS Specialists
The Future Of Our State’s Environment Is In Your Hands
You’ve probably heard or seen news headlines saying things that we are at a turning point in the fight against climate change and environmental damage. The warning cries have intensified over the years and have been somewhat rendered inaudible by COVID-19 related headlines.
As we mentioned before, preserving the environment will take efforts from members of all levels of society, but ERMs can and will play a crucial role. If you want to be at the forefront of these initiatives, then finding your place in environmental resource management may be your calling.
Your work may one day get recognized for helping California reach its climate/environment objectives.
