1.
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What is the purpose of the program?
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The Environmental Science Technology program is intended to teach students real world skills that are necessary to obtain a position in the wide-ranging environmental field. This is not a theoretical program, but instead is one that is very practical and tailored to local needs and current desired skill sets.
Program Highlights include:
* State-of-the-art laboratories and newly built Bioscience Technology Complex, located on the Palm Beach Gardens Campus
* Hands-on, skill based training
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2.
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What is the job outlook?
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The job outlook is GOOD. There are many opportunities for employment in our area, especially as we see a growing trend for businesses to "go green", for the need to work on restoration and environmental preservation as a foundation for strengthening our economy now and into the future, and for the necessity of dealing with global warming and the direct impact it will have on our low lying state.
Several occupations have been highlighted as potential career paths for our students. Information specific to our county including job title, starting salary, and the average salary was provided from the Employ Florida Marketplace.
For additional information on strong job growth in "Florida's Clean Environmental Economy", please view the Brookings Institute report at the link below;
Sizing the Clean Economy
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3.
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What types of organizations employ graduates?
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Below is a link to a spreadsheet outlining specific categories of environmental employment, followed by job titles associated with those areas and then public and private agencies that hire for those types of positions. In general, graduates may secure entry-level positions with environmental consulting firms, industry or nonprofit organizations, utilities, as well as federal, state, and local governmental agencies.
Green Occupation Comparison
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4.
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What can I expect as an entry level salary?
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Salaries vary widely depending on skills, experience, environmental focus/area, and type of business. You can expect a salary range from $23,000 to $45,000.
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5.
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Can this program be completed on a part-time basis? In the evening?
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Yes, you can complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis. The majority of the classes are offered in the evening on the Palm Beach Gardens campus. Assessments are currently being done to determine if additional daytime offerings will be scheduled. Most classes are offered one night per week. Lastly, you can begin taking courses during any semester. |
6.
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What special skills or qualifications are needed for this program?
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Students entering the program should enjoy working outside, and feel comfortable with basic math, writing, and communication skills as these will be critical for most environmental positions.
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7.
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What are some suggestions to increase my success in this program and in my future career?
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I encourage you to volunteer or hold an internship position throughout the program to expose you to the field, introduce you to the types of work you can expect, and to begin to get yourself networked in the environmental community. I am actively involved in forwarding environmental event information to my students including speaking engagements, beach/natural area cleanups, and special events and encourage my students to get familiar with local environmental agencies, employers, and sites. Depending on your final goal, it may be helpful to obtain additional certificates such as HazWoper (hazardous materials certification), prescribed burning certificate, asbestos certificate, etc. to make you more employable upon completion of the courses (note: these are usually offered through the Continuing Workforce Education (CWE) department and are in addition to the 64 credit hours required for an A.S. degree. CWE welcomes course suggestions if you know if one needed for a desired position). Create a strong resume and have it prepared to present to employers or for job opportunities that become available. Also, meet with the Palm Beach State College Career Center so that all announcements can be forwarded to you and they can further assist you in writing your resume and preparing you for interviews.
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8.
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What are the trends in the field?
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People working in this field often do so because they are passionate about the environment and/or perhaps want to make for a more sustainable future. Be prepared to enjoy what you do and to work with others who share your enthusiasm. You may also become aware that people do this work because they love it, thus there is greater competition and demand for open positions. That high level of demand for a limited selection of jobs means that initial salaries may not always be as high as you may want, but be aware that once your foot is in the door, advancement opportunities are usually plentiful.
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9.
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What do I say, when people ask me, "what does an environmental science technician do?"
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Explain that environmental impact is an issue of critical concern today, and environmental scientists respond to issues ranging from pollution detection and abatement to the protection of endangered species. Technicians can be found working in the field collecting water, soil, air, and biological samples for regulatory compliance activities or to assist in managing the health and quantity of important resources. Technicians may also be found in a laboratory, processing samples and helping to analyze the habitat characteristics or sources of impact to the environment. Graduates may also be involved in projects aiming to identify and quantify organisms, to maintain field equipment, establish and monitor sampling areas, and prepare reports such as Environmental Impact Statements. Environmental technicians are a critical component of a growing workforce dedicated to the sustainability of our local resources. |
