What Is an Environmental Program Manager and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An environmental program manager works with private companies at environmental sites or facilities to plan and develop construction and ensure compliance with environmental regulations in terms of air quality, clean water, pollution, and waste management. In this role, you need to have strong leadership skills and be able to work on projects both alone and with others. Job duties can include obtaining permits and necessary documents to follow federal and state laws, implementing action plans, negotiating costs of supplies, and overseeing employees. Qualifications for this career include at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field as well as experience in computer modeling technology.

The qualifications that you need to become an environmental program manager include a degree and planning and management skills. You can prepare for this career by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental studies, or environmental engineering. Depending on the nature of your work, you can also pursue a degree in a subject like geology or natural science. However, this may limit your job prospects. Some employers prefer applicants with a graduate degree in a specific field, such as sustainability. Because your job duties involve planning all aspects of projects and initiatives, you need to understand federal, state, and local regulations.