Environmental Manager
Considered one of the most important jobs in the modern oil and gas industry, an environmental manager is responsible for making sure the company is in full compliance of all local, state, and federal regulations. In addition, they are responsible for planning operations as well as business development and client relations. Requiring a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Engineering, it’s a job that lets people who have both technical and business knowledge have the best of both worlds.
Hazmat Technician
As companies have become more aware of the potential damage many materials can cause the environment, the need to dispose of hazardous materials properly has become extremely important. Due to this, companies throughout the world are always in need of qualified hazmat technicians to perform these duties. In this job, technicians are responsible for cleaning and decontaminating materials that have been involved in spills and other accidents. Along with this, they evaluate the environmental damage resulting from the accident and use various cleanup methods to limit the damage to as small an area as possible. The job can be very demanding, with long and erratic hours as well as travel to remote locations on short notice a possibility. While some college is preferred, many companies choose to offer on-the-job training to qualified employees.
Environmental Scientist
For college graduates who have degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, or Environmental Science, a job as an Environmental Scientist can be a very interesting career. In this position, they perform studies on potential sites for wells and pipelines, ensuring the environment is adequate for the planned project. They perform environmental impact studies as well as how any projects will impact the wildlife in the area, and are usually required to have a thorough understanding of rare and endangered species of wildlife and plants. The job usually combines working in an office with time spent in the field, and can involve working in very difficult terrain in adverse weather conditions. Scientists also work on multiple projects at a time, so being able to manage many people and details simultaneously is a must.
Whether working to help clean up a spill as a hazmat technician or studying how a potential pipeline project will affect the wildlife in an area, environmental jobs in the oil and gas industry are fast becoming more and more important. As the need to find additional sources of oil and gas grows, there is little doubt that the demand for these and many other environmental jobs will grow as well.