Are there environmental jobs in the military?

I’m really passionate about the environment and wondering if the military offers any roles focused on environmental protection or sustainability. What's available for someone with that interest?

Of course, there are indeed jobs in the military that focus on environmental protection and sustainability. Your interest merges two critical areas in a very unique way, and the military could use passionate individuals like you!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), for instance, has Environmental Engineers and Environmental Specialists. Their work involves ensuring military operations and facilities comply with environmental laws and regulations. They might work on waste management, pollution prevention, conservation efforts, and environmental impact assessments for military operations.

The Air Force also hires Bioenvironmental Engineers, who concentrate on reducing environmental risks to personnel and managing hazardous materials.

The Navy's Environmental Health Officers engage in a similar way, focusing on providing safe and healthy environments for sailors and marines.

In addition to these, all branches of the military also work on energy efficiency and renewable energy projects as part of their sustainability initiatives. So, if you have an interest in those areas, you could pursue roles related to managing or implementing such projects.

While these jobs might not be as "hands-on" with the environment as, say, a park ranger or a wildlife biologist, they're essential for minimizing the environmental impact of military operations and for protecting the health and safety of military personnel. It's also worth noting that these jobs typically require relevant civilian education, such as a degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field, so pursuing such a degree could be a good first step.