The environmental field is extremely diverse and can accommodate a wide variety of interests and skills. A background in geography with a specialization in environmental coursework can lead to jobs in resource conservation and environmental management, planning, law, regulation and enforcement, monitoring, advocacy, or education. Specializations include wildlife management, energy conservation, air and water quality management, solid waste management, conservation of biotic diversity, soil conservation, and disaster planning. Cartography and GIS skills also enhance employability. Environmental specialists work in federal, state and local governmental agencies, non-government conservation organizations, industries, and private consulting firms.
Map making today is done mostly by computer.
Agencies and companies hiring cartographers include the US Geological Survey, Defense Mapping Agency, the Bureau of the Census, planning departments and agencies, utility companies, and producers of road maps such as the American Automobile Association. GIS is widely used by municipalities, utilities, developers, businesses, and conservation organizations. Planners guide the development of cities, towns and rural communities while promoting wise use of resources, economic sustainability, environmental quality, and efficiency in the delivery of public services. Specialization may be in urban planning, rural planning, environmental planning, transportation planning, solid-waste disposal systems, emergency services, social services, and so forth. In addition to geography, planners need to understand public administration and finance, government, economics, and factors that influence the value of land and real estate.