BSc offered by the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change
Are you passionate about creating a sustainable future for our planet? Imagine uncovering the secrets of ecosystems, analyzing environmental changes, and driving innovative solutions for global challenges. With York’s Environmental Science program, you’ll embark on an immersive journey blending biology, chemistry, physics, and geography to address the most pressing environmental and urban issues of our time. Gain hands-on experience through internships, fieldwork at The Frost Centre in Algonquin Park, and global learning opportunities at York’s Las Nubes EcoCampus in Costa Rica. Shape the future by turning your curiosity into action and becoming a trailblazer in environmental stewardship and scientific innovation.
Career Options in Environmental Science
This list provides an idea of just some of the career options you have with this degree, and the occupations graduates have gone on to hold. Since all degrees provide essential transferable skills, and many jobs can be obtained with any degree, some options are more directly associated with this degree than others. Please check Canada’s Job Bank for requirements in your region.
- Agroecologist
- Agroecologist
- Air Quality Specialist
- Biologist
- Climate Change Analyst
- Conservation Scientist
- Ecologist
- Energy Policy Analyst
- Environmental Chemist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Economist
- Environmental Educator
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
- Environmental Lawyer
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Technician
- Field Researcher
- Fisheries Manager
- Forest Conservation Specialist
- GIS Specialist
- Green Technology Consultant
- Habitat Restoration Specialist
- Hydrologist
- Industrial Hygienist
- Marine Biologist
- Natural Resource Manager
- Oceanographer
- Outdoor Education Specialist
- Pollution Control Technician
- Renewable Energy Consultant
- Soil Scientist
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Toxicologist
- Urban Planner
- Water Resource Manager
- Wildlife Biologist
- Wildlife Conservation Officer
- Zoologist
Some of the above career choices will require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. Please check Canada’s Job Bank for a more detailed description of the careers, along with their specific requirements.
Entry-Level Positions in Environmental Science
An undergraduate degree is often sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For information specific to your city or region, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
- Agricultural Technician
- Air Quality Technician
- Aquatic Resource Technician
- Climate Data Analyst (Junior)
- Community Outreach Coordinator (Environmental Projects)
- Conservation Assistant
- Corporate Sustainability Assistant
- Data Analyst (Environmental Science)
- Ecological Technician
- Energy Efficiency Technician
- Environmental Advocacy Assistant
- Environmental Field Technician
- Environmental Health Technician
- Environmental Monitoring Assistant
- Environmental Policy Assistant
- Environmental Research Assistant
- Environmental Technician
- Field Sampling Technician
- GIS Analyst (Junior)
- Greenhouse Technician
- Habitat Technician
- Laboratory Technician
- Natural Resources Technician
- Park Ranger
- Pollution Control Technician
- Project Assistant (Environmental Projects)
- Public Health Technician (Environmental Focus)
- Recycling Coordinator
- Renewable Energy Technician
- Research Assistant
- Soil Testing Technician
- Sustainability Analyst
- Urban Forestry Technician
- Water Quality Technician
- Wetland Technician
- Wildlife Field Technician
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant
For career descriptions, visit Canada’s Job Bank. Some occupations may also be found on Career Cruising; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in Experience York.
Skills Developed through a Degree in Environmental Science
Core Skills
- Environmental Research & Analysis: Proficiency in conducting fieldwork, collecting samples and analyzing diverse datasets, and synthesizing findings to address environmental issues
- GIS & Spatial Analysis: Experience with Mastery of Geographic Information Systems to map, model, and analyze spatial environmental data.
- Sustainability Planning: Developing strategies to promote sustainable practices in urban, industrial, and natural environments.
- Environmental Monitoring & Sampling: Techniques for air, water, and soil quality testing to assess and mitigate environmental impacts.
- Scientific Communication: Ability to present complex environmental data and research findings effectively to diverse audiences.
- Climate Modeling & Analysis: Skills in using predictive models to assess climate change impacts and propose mitigation strategies.
Communication, Data Gathering, and Organizational Skills
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working across the natural sciences to address multifaceted environmental challenges.
- Policy Development & Advocacy: Understanding how to influence and craft environmental policies based on scientific evidence.
- Data Interpretation: Collecting, interpreting, and presenting environmental data to inform decision-making.
- Community Engagement: Building awareness and support for environmental initiatives through outreach and education.
- Project Management: Planning, executing, and evaluating environmental projects within specified timelines and budgets.
- Grant Writing: Developing compelling proposals to secure funding for environmental research and initiatives.
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Leadership in Fieldwork: Coordinating teams in diverse environments to ensure effective data collection and analysis.
- Conflict Resolution: Navigating and resolving stakeholder conflicts in environmental projects.
- Resource Allocation: Managing limited resources for maximum environmental benefit.
- Strategic Planning: Setting and achieving goals in long-term environmental and sustainability projects.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Building partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and private sector entities.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating environmental risks in various contexts.
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights on qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources.
- Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada): Supports environmental professionals through certification, training, and job resources.
- Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP): Supports planners with interests in urban development and environmental sustainability.
- Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences (SCAS): Mandates of sharing, Integrating, and advancing knowledge of fisheries, limnology, and aquatic sciences in Canada
- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC): Advances environmental science, particularly in toxicology and chemistry.
- Water Environment Federation (WEF): Focuses on water quality and sustainable water management practices.
- Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS): Supports studies focused on northern ecosystems and communities.
- Ontario Association for Impact Assessment (OAIA): Provides resources and forums for professionals conducting environmental impact assessments.