Environmental Educators

Environmental educators can be found in almost every area of the environmental industry. Some teach in schools or universities, while others work as camp counselors, outreach coordinators for nonprofits, communications directors and public relations personnel for organizations ranging from small grassroots groups to large corporations. Environmental educators may be hired by a nonprofit to teach the public about a new initiative, meet with land use officials, or give talks to schoolchildren. Some give speeches and presentations to gather support for a specific cause, while others may be hired to teach hands-on practices, such as recycling and composting. Most national parks and forests, such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, have field educators who lead walks and hikes in the park and who educate the public about preservation and conservation. Many local parks and recreations departments also have educators who run programs to educate the public about wildlife and the ecosystem.

Environmental educators are also employed by natural history museums, aquariums, zoos and other education centers, such as the Driftwood Education Center in Georgia. Most outdoor education schools hire trip leaders who have experience in environmental education to give students a sense of stewardship for the earth and its natural resources. Environmental educators who work for large nonprofits often serve as lobbyists as well, preparing statements for U.S. legislators in which they provide background and information relevant to proposed legislation.