Beyond the Degree: How Students Can Build Real Careers in Environmental & Sustainability Work

How do we engage and mentor the upcoming students and recent college graduates who are looking to break into the field of environmental and sustainability?

A lot of students entering the environmental and sustainability field with a degree in environmental science and sustainability cannot find a job. They focus on consulting roles, or are looking for policy roles, but there’s so much more out there. Whether it's construction environmental management, corporate environmental compliance, hazardous waste management, corporate sustainability, or even research, the opportunities are vast.

The uncertainty about job requirements and necessary skills is definitely common, because the field is still growing and diversifying. Unlike traditional careers where job paths are more clearly defined, environmental and sustainability roles can vary dramatically depending on industry, organization, or geography. After spending now almost 30 years in the field, I do wonder this myself what is a good path for those new to the field. I keep going back to the basics of environmental compliance and pollution control as the fundamentals of where I see the job opportunities.

So, the core question is: How do we help new professionals navigate this space?

EPA training resources are invaluable for anyone looking to break into the environmental field, especially in compliance-related roles. Certifications and training not only provide foundational knowledge but also make candidates more competitive in the job market. Here’s why these certifications and trainings are so critical, along with some additional certifications and skills that can be very useful:

Why Certifications and Training Matter:

1. Increased Job Market Competitiveness:

• Many compliance-related roles in environmental and sustainability sectors prioritize candidates who are already familiar with relevant regulations. Certifications like those from the EPA demonstrate that an individual has specialized knowledge and can contribute to the organization from day one.

• Stormwater, air permitting, hazardous waste management, these are all areas that many employers actively seek experts in to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Getting trained in these areas immediately makes candidates more marketable.

2. Specialization and Technical Skills:

• In the environmental field there is a growing emphasis on technical expertise in specific regulatory areas. For example, training on stormwater inspections or air quality monitoring makes someone uniquely qualified for roles in environmental compliance, environmental health and safety (EHS), or even environmental consulting.

Watershed Academy (EPA)

• What It Covers: Watershed management basics, Clean Water Act, watershed ecology, best management practices, and stormwater management. This is key for roles in water quality, stormwater management, or any field that involves land or water conservation.

• Why It’s Important: Many compliance and consulting roles in water quality or stormwater management (such as in manufacturing or construction) will require knowledge of watershed management. The certification also helps with positions in municipal or state-level agencies involved in water quality monitoring. https://www.epa.gov/watershedacademy

2. AirKnowledge (EPA)

• What It Covers: Ambient air quality planning, stationary source emissions control, and Clean Air Act program areas.

• Why It’s Important: Air quality monitoring and compliance are huge in many industries, including manufacturing, energy production, and urban planning. This certification can open doors to roles in environmental compliance, air permitting, and policy advocacy in air quality. Many state or local agencies look for professionals with this kind of specialized air quality knowledge. https://airknowledge.gov/index.html

3. Hazardous Waste Certification (EPA)

• What It Covers: Hazardous waste management and annual certification for workers under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

• Why It’s Important: Compliance-related jobs in hazardous waste management are plentiful, especially in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, chemical production, waste management to name a few. This certification is required to manage, track, or dispose of hazardous waste, and it can be a prerequisite for many EHS roles in these industries. https://www.epa.gov/rcra/resource-conservation-and-recovery-act-rcra-training-modules

Yes, I Jumped in Dumpsters—And Other Lessons on How I Built a Career in Sustainability

Over the years, I’ve been asked one question more than almost any other—from students, professionals, even strangers at conferences:

“How did you get into this field?”
“…And wait, did you really dive into dumpsters?”

Let me clear that up: I didn’t just dive—I jumped.

If you’re wondering how to become a circularity expert, waste guru, or full-on sustainability badass, I won’t pretend there’s one path. But I can tell you what worked for me—and what I looked for when I was hiring.

First, a Little Street Cred

When I say I know waste and circularity, I mean all of it. Solid waste. Hazardous waste. Construction debris. Chemical compliance. You name it—I’ve probably dug through it.

I’ve spent 27 years in this field, and let me tell you—Eric B. and Rakim said it best:
“I ain’t no joke.”

What Helped Me Succeed?

Let’s rewind a bit. Back in the day, I took courses in:

• Chemistry

• Biology

• Environmental regulations

That foundation helped me speak the language of sustainability: terms, definitions, frameworks. I could navigate RCRA, understand EU by-product regs, infrastructure and wrap my head around reporting requirements. Not sexy—but absolutely essential.

But here’s the truth: degrees alone didn’t get me where I am.

Getting My Hands Dirty (Literally)

Success came from saying “yes” to the work others avoided:

• Taking meeting minutes

• Walking job sites in 110° Arizona heat

• Sampling wastewater from 35 feet underground

• Showing up on the night shift with pizza to talk with operators and walk the rounds with them

I didn’t just sit at a desk—I walked the site and waste streams. From point of generation to disposal, I wanted to see it all: how it moved, who touched it, where it ended up.

What I Looked for When Hiring

If you want to thrive in this space, ask yourself:

• Do you actually understand the regulations?

• Can you apply science and engineering to solve messy, real-world problems?

• Are you willing to get out in the field—climb a dumpster, pull a night shift, lend a hand when it’s inconvenient?

• Can you collaborate, laugh, and fit with a team?

Technical knowledge matters. But so does attitude. I wanted people who were curious, humble, and ready to roll up their sleeves. People that can get along with people.

Field First, Desk Second

If you’re just starting out, here’s one of the best pieces of advice I can give:

Get out of the office.

Seriously. Go into the field. Watch, listen, walk the line, talk to the people doing the work. That’s how you develop real insight—and credibility.

You don’t need to know everything. You do need to be willing to ask questions, learn from others, and admit when you’re out of your depth.

Final Thought

Humility, curiosity, and a little grit will take you a long way in environmental work. I’ve never claimed to be the smartest person in the room—but I’ve learned from a lot of people who are.  As Operation Ivy once said: “All I know is that I don't know nothing.”

So yeah, I jumped in dumpsters. But more importantly, I learned a lot. That’s what made the difference.