UGA Specific Information for Water and Soil Resources

Environmental soil scientists are in demand by governmental agencies, private industry, consulting firms and institutions. Opportunities for employment exist in various specialized programs within public agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, in such areas as land disposal of hazardous and other industrial and agricultural wastes, water pollution control, and soil conservation. The need for environmental scientists in Georgia and the nation is increasing rapidly with a proportional increase in employment, promotional, and professional opportunities for academically qualified personnel.

Business and industry: International seed and agricultural chemical companies employ environmental soil scientists as technical, research, and information specialists. Regional and local agricultural firms also employ many environmental soil scientists as land use experts, quality control specialists, and information and computer analysts. Environmental consulting firms employ environmental soil scientists to assess environmental conditions, monitor soil and water pollutants, reclaim disturbed lands, and prepare environmental policy.

Public service: Federal, state, and local agencies employ environmental soil scientists in numerous technical, information, and regulatory agencies such as the Agricultural Extension Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Environmental Protection Agency, State Environmental Agencies, Public Health Service, Forest Service, Agricultural Statistics Service, Peace Corps and the Foreign Agriculture Service. Environmental soil scientists also are employed as teachers and researchers in community colleges and universities.

Self-employment: Many environmental soil scientists are self-employed as consultants for soil and plant uses, and to assess environmental conditions, monitor soil and water pollutants, reclaim disturbed lands, and prepare environmental policy.



Class of 2021 Career Outcomes for Water and Soil Resources*

** Includes Self-Employed


Campus Resources

To find additional clubs and organizations, go to the Center for Student Organizations

Connect with your Career Consultant for guidance and support.


Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations/Considerations

Through appropriate choice of electives, students can meet the educational requirements for Certified Soil Scientist (by the Soil Science Society of America) and/or prepare for the certified hydrologist exam offered by the American Institute of Hydrologists.

If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, check out our website for assistance with this process

Supplemental Career Research Dashboard

Additional Career Research Resources

  • O*NET  (click on Find Occupations)
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook  (type in general term for career of interest)
  • Georgia Career Information Center  (accessible only on campus computers)
  • Firsthand (Explore a library of guides, articles, and other resources to help you explore careers, plan your job search, and learn about different work environments. Create a free account with your UGA email.)
  • Candid Career (Watch recorded informational interviews of professionals in specific careers. Filter videos by career title, college major, industry, and more.)

Employment Websites


Professional Associations/Resources

Tip: Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. Need help finding groups? Check out the Groups You May Like link under the Interests/Groups tab. Review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well. 

Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2021 Water and Soil Resources majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2021 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Employer Position Title(s)
US Geological Survey Hydrologic Technician
* denotes no responses received.
*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2021 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2021 Water and Soil Resources majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2020 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.

Graduate School Program(s)
* denotes no responses received.