Getting a Job in Environmental Education

Posted by Susan Caplan Sep 21, 2009

Someone recently emailed me through Suite101.com asking me how I got started in Environmental Education and how they could switch from their current profession into EE. This made me realize that I got started on a life-transforming path without giving it any forethought. I didn't have a background in Environmental Education when I started working for the Massachusetts Audubon Society as a teacher - I had worked in retail, in the art department for technical magazines, and as an English teacher (I was an English major in college). I had been downsized from my teaching job when I saw a press release in a local paper in which a wildlife sanctuary was looking for teachers to lead field trips - training provided. I loved the week of training! I started reading everything I could about nature. I also started taking classes at that and other nature centers.

Going for a Career Change

I taught school field trips whenever the sanctuary was looking for teachers. When they needed someone to teach school vacation camps, work the reception desk on weekends, scrub toilets, lead scout programs, do data entry, coordinate programs, etc., I grabbed at the opportunity. Some weeks I worked 50+ hours a week while still not being recognized as a full staff member. Five years passed before I became a part-time staff person at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary.

Volunteer as a Way of Learning

If you're interested in a career change, I would suggest looking for volunteer opportunities around your area. These opportunities will give you a look at how different environmental organizations are run and how their focuses are different. Working at the reception desk a couple of hours a week or even stuffing envelopes gives you a chance to talk to local people who do the job you would like to have someday.

Volunteer at your children's school, offering to lead schoolyard nature explorations or walks in the area. I honestly don't believe that your current profession should hinder your interest in changing your career. It likely will not be an easy switch but you can still do things that will show potential employers what you are doing for your new field of interest.

Learn about the Profession through Classes and Books

Take classes (alone or with your children) at parks, museums, and other nature centers (this also introduces you to people in EE whom you can talk to about volunteer and employment opportunities). Read books not only about nature but about people in nature or teaching in nature - David Sobel has a few books about children learning about math, history, and literature through nature. Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods offers insights into the challenges of getting kids outdoors.

Join environmental organizations that offer classes, workshops, or conferences - use the membership, don't just donate money.

Recreating your professional self is part luck in being at the right place at the right time to meet an available opportunity and preparing yourself for that "luck." Don't forget that your enthusiasm for sharing a love of nature with others is a key factor.

Thank you Elanor for asking the question that got me thinking about all the things that I did and that others can do.