Understanding: environmental sciences, ethics and psychology, socio-economic conditions, social needs of the public
Skills: communication, creativity, innovation, adaptability, trend recognition, time-management, critical thinking, research, organization
Relationships: You will likely work in a small organization, dealing with different clients and partner organizations.
Atmosphere: You will generally be working in an office, though some travel may be required.
Understanding: varies with the goals of the NGO
Skills: problem solving, decision making, organization, management, report writing, communication, attention to detail, English, and creativity
Relationships: As part of an NGO, you will be communicating with a number of different people and organizations. These may include funders, other NGOs, government agencies, and businesses.
Atmosphere: NGO work can take you many places. Your work will often take place in an office, but you may need to travel to conferences, meetings, and even overseas, depending on the goals and mandate of your NGO.
Understanding: alternative energy sources, conservation, climate change issues, sustainability, ecology.
Skills: public speaking, leadership, creativity, innovation, communication, organization, adaptability.
Relationships: You will have frequent interactions with other staff/volunteers and the general public (all age groups). At times, you may be required to work alone or in a team.
Atmosphere: You may find yourself in a classroom, at a national or provincial park, or at an outdoor field centre. As some activities will be outdoors, you must be able to work in a variety of different conditions.
Understanding: variety of environmental issues as determined by organization, familiarity with environmental public policy.
Skills: public speaking, decision-making, problem solving, critical thinking, organization, research, report writing, communication, attention to detail, analysis, project management.
Relationships: As you will be interacting with a variety of people, you must be adaptable to each situation. You may be presenting to government officials, other NGOs, businesses, citizens, or other members of your organization. You may also be responsible for a team of volunteers or other co-workers.
Atmosphere: Time will likely be split between office work and travel to different communities or conferences.
Understanding: broad awareness of alternative energy sources and applicability in an urban community setting, understanding of municipal policy, and familiarity with the political and social challenges of a particular community
Skills: networking, communication, public speaking, outreach, research, report-writing, creativity, leadership, strategic planning, and community planning; additional languages would be an asset
Relationships: You will primarily be working with members of a community. You will be responsible for establishing and facilitating connections between various groups and may be working independently at times.
Atmosphere: Your work will be split between working within the community and time in the office. You will likely be employed by a charitable or non-governmental organization (NGO).
Your responsibilities will vary depending on what type of organization you work for. You could be promoting environmental aspects of the business, or engaging the public to act on a particular issue. Regardless, you will likely work with various media channels to get your message across. Your duties may include preparing promotional material, organizing events, and coordinating public outreach campaigns.
Relationships: You may be reporting to a manager, supervising a small team, and/or providing support to other departments and partners. The position will likely require networking with different media partners and other key supporters.
Atmosphere: You will work primarily in an office, though some travel may be necessary. Communications Officers are often employed by governments, non-governmental organizations, corporations, private and public organizations.
Understanding: energy efficiency and renewable energy principles, knowledge of local climate and weather patterns
Skills: communication, organization, attention to detail, critical thinking, English
Relationships: Creating and maintaining relationships with clients will be key, as a large part of your success will depend on your ability to sway the general public. You may also be required to meet sales quotas and encourage referrals.
Atmosphere: Depending on the nature of the position and the company, you may be required to travel frequently if you are responsible for a territory. You may also find yourself in a retail outlet that specializes in renewable energy sources.
Understanding: various environmental issues as determined by organization's agenda and goals
Skills: English, writing, communication, research, organization, analysis, problem solving, decision making, critical thinking.
Relationships: As you will be interacting with a variety of people, you must be adaptable to each situation. You may be applying to government agencies, foundations, or businesses. It is very important to maintain good working relationships with potential donors and grant providers, so having a solid professional attitude will be key.
Atmosphere: Most of the time, you will be in an office, though some travel may be required for meetings and presentations.
Understanding: energy efficiency principles, energy-saving technology, energy markets, and time-of-use pricing
Skills: critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, organization, communication, English, accounting, program management, research, writing
Relationships: As manager, you are responsible for a number of other employees. You may find yourself in meetings with government officials, other managers, and corporate officers.
Atmosphere: Your time is largely spent in an office, though some travel may be required if you are acting as a consultant or for policy recommendations.
Policy advocate, compliance specialist, environmental consultant, policy analyst, policy maker, environmental officer, environmental economist
Understanding: variety of environmental policies and trends, socio-economics
Skills: communication, persistence, negotiation, writing, interpersonal
Relationships: You will be working with government officials, other policy advocates, special interest groups, non-governmental organizations, media.
Atmosphere: Often in an office, though national travel will likely be necessary.
Understanding: broad understanding of environmental issues, though specializing in one area may be beneficial
Skills: communication, critical thinking, research, writing, and statistical analysis
Relationships: You will be required to develop many different types of relationships, with government officials, businesses, NGOs, and members of the public, among others.
Atmosphere: You may find yourself working at any level of government, for a private company, or a non-governmental organization.
Understanding: energy efficiency and pollution prevention principles, environmental law, and broad knowledge of environmental issues.
Skills: problem solving, critical thinking, organization, research, English (both official languages an asset), report writing, communication, attention to detail, analysis.
Relationships: You will be working with other members of government as well as sector councils and companies to develop compliance strategies.
Atmosphere: Your time will be split between being on site and in the office, travel to conferences or meetings may be required.
Environmental impact assessor, environmental consultant, engineer/project manager, energy auditor, policy advocate, policy analyst, environmental lawyer
Understanding: broad understanding of environmental laws and issues, though specialization in a specific area is beneficial.
Skills: problem solving, public speaking, critical thinking, organization, research, negotiation, report writing.
Relationships: Connections will be made with a number of other lawyers, government agencies, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), and businesses.
Atmosphere: Work will be in an office, in a courtroom, in a boardroom negotiating settlements, in the field interviewing witnesses, and visiting sites. Lawyers are often required to work very long hours.
Policy advocate, policy analyst, policy maker, green business adviser/consultant
Understanding: broad knowledge of environmental policies and heath and safety regulations, with specific expertise in areas that include biology, waste and water management, pollution, energy efficiency, ecosystem and habitat assessment.
Skills: critical thinking, analysis, organization, communication, decision-making, attention to detail, report writing.
Relationships: You will constantly be working for new clients, but may also spend time working alone or with a small team.
Atmosphere: As a consultant, you may work from home or in a small office, with frequent trips on-site.
