How to Become an Environmental Planner

Environmental planners take the knowledge discovered by environmental scientists and use it to formulate ecologically sustainable land development policies. They help to manage natural resources, ensure the safety of food and drinking water, and develop work procedures that are less hazardous to man and nature, balancing the needs of man with his environment. As "thinking green" becomes more popular, the need for environmental planners will increase; if you're considering this career, here are the steps to follow to become an environmental planner.

Steps

1. Take all the science classes you can in high school. Biology and chemistry are most important, but a class in physics may serve to round out your science education.
2. Get your bachelor's degree. You can major in one of the biological sciences (biology, botany, ecology, forestry, environmental science) or in environmental planning or environmental policy. You'll also need classes in geography, landscape architecture, computer science (notably computer modeling), mathematics (algebra and statistics), law and English (particularly technical writing for reports).
3. Get some field experience. Getting an entry-level job as an environmental planning assistant or environmental engineer and doing well in it for 2 years or more will get you the field experience that many environmental planner positions require. Look for positions that will give you experience with local, state and federal environmental laws.
4. Consider getting a master's degree. A master's degree may be required for some higher-level environmental planner jobs, such as land use planner or senior environmental planner. A master's degree also provides an opportunity to specialize in a particular area of environmental planning, such as urban planning.
5. Get certified as an environmental planner. Although not mandatory, getting certified as an environmental planner can boost your career. Certification is available through such organizations as the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals, the American Institute of Certified Planners or the National Association of Environmental Professionals. Those that are member-based organizations also provide networking opportunities to help you further your career.
   
   • Presently, most states don't require environmental planners to be licensed, although a few states may have licensing requirements and others may in the future.

Tips

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about two thirds of environmental planners work for local governments, but you may also work as an environmental planner for a college, a corporation or non-profit as either an employee or a consultant.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Become an Environmental Planner. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

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