Additional Information
You'll have a better shot at getting a higher starting salary if you have
experience as well as a college or university degree.
"I started out as a student volunteer with my school's recycling program
because of my own desire to help the environment," explains waste reduction
coordinator Alec Cooley.
"After graduating, I was able to find an entry-level job easily and have
not looked back. It is a rewarding field to work in because you go home each
night knowing that you are making a difference and contributing to society."
Those interested in pursuing this career should "get a good knowledge base
of the industry as a whole," says waste reduction coordinator Kim A. Kidd
Kitagawa.
She suggests you become involved by volunteering on environmentally related
committees. Such experience will benefit you when you graduate and begin looking
for a job.
"Because this is a rapidly expanding field, employers are looking for people
who know what they are doing. They are more apt to hire the person with related
experience, even if others have more general job experience," says Cooley.
A background in environmental studies is required. At the very least, you'll
need a bachelor's degree in business administration plus experience and a
strong interest in the environment.
As municipalities continue to set up recycling programs, more universities
may set up major courses of study specifically in waste reduction. A few universities
are now developing minor concentrations in integrated waste management.
"A waste reduction coordinator is typically a professional position and
thus requires a college degree," says Cooley.
"Either a bachelor's degree in natural resources or environmental engineering
is appropriate. Some schools are beginning to develop solid waste management
majors."