Environmental trainee positions are frequently available to those who are nearing completion of an environmental degree or have recently graduated. They typically offer stable, full-time employment at a lower pay scale than more senior positions, but they also provide excellent experience and advancement opportunities. For those who qualify, there are a variety of environmental trainee jobs available in a variety of fields, ranging from science to policy or land management. Environmental trainee positions in the government, such as agencies charged with monitoring and enforcing environmental laws and policies, are the most common in some parts of the world; in others, private companies or non-profits may take the lead.
Environmental trainee jobs, like internships, allow qualified individuals to gain experience and skills while also earning money and planning their future careers in the environmental field. Because there is so much to learn and also because of the nature of the work, environmental and conservation work offers many different opportunities for trainee jobs. For example, research and analysis frequently necessitate a large number of man hours, which an environmental trainee is ideal for. Furthermore, thousands of environmental organizations, ranging from non-profits to government agencies, are often more than willing to train people who are eager to learn.
Government agencies are one of the most common sources of environmental trainee jobs in many parts of the world. Individuals who are capable of passing a test to assess their skills, usually based on their college education, may be offered these positions. Depending on the needs of the agency, the trainee may then work in the entry-level position for six months or a year before being promoted to a more advanced position. Government jobs are often advantageous because they frequently pair trainees with experienced employees; for example, a forestry technician in training might work with an experienced forester on a daily basis to expand his or her knowledge.
Other environmental trainee positions can be found with non-profit organizations or companies that work in the field. Larger companies may be less likely to hire trainees, but nonprofits often find that the investment is well worth it because trainees are not paid well. However, there are few better options for those looking to gain experience than nonprofit organizations. There are nonprofits for almost every type of environmental issue, including ongoing scientific research and analysis, wildlife conservation, environmental advocacy, natural resource management, and land-use planning.