Conservation Career Fields Guide to Conservation Careers in Maryland
Once you have found a job opening you want to apply for, there are several steps to keep in mind during the application process. Read on for tips and resources for the application process.
Once you have found a job opening you want to apply for, there are several steps to keep in mind during the application process. First, is researching the organization and job requirements. Knowing and incorporating information such as the professional background of the hiring manager, the value/goals driving the employers, and the modus operandi of the organization will help you stand out and heighten your credibility as an applicant.
Don’t be afraid to call the hiring manager in the early stages of the application process. This communication can help you better gauge the position, what type of candidate they are looking for, and what will be expected of you. Additionally, it could be beneficial to ask more practical questions about the hiring process. Inquiring in regard to proper interview attire or even where to park for the interview may help reduce preparation stress. With the possibility of dozens or even hundreds of other applicants, calling the hiring manager with thoughtful concerns may grant additional name recognition once the application reviewing stage begins, however, do not simply call without a specific intent.
Ensuring that you feel comfortable in your potential work environment is equally as important as the job itself. Researching the composition of the board and leadership of the employers as well as whether they have an explicit equity statement are quick ways to gauge whether they are committed to ensuring inclusive working conditions. On the job listing itself, having a clear salary for the position is an easy way to determine whether you believe the work would be worth your time and effort. Additional means of verifying the employer’s commitment to an inclusive work environment can include recognition/participation in culturally relevant events and holidays, providing resources for professional development, collaborating with local community programs and leaders, whether they maintain citizenship requirements, and (if possible to research) whether your potential coworkers reflect a diverse and safe work environment.
Following your preparation and research about the employers, it is time to start on the application. Most applications will require both a resume and a cover letter. Both Glassdoor and Indeed have appropriate resume examples and templates that you can use.
In lieu of interviewing every single applicant, cover letters serve as a barometer of your interests and personality for the hiring manager. The cover letter is likely the most important part of your application, so it will pay to take your time with it. For a do’s and don’ts list for cover letters, look up the Harvard Business Review’s guide to cover letters. Make sure to imbue your personality into your cover letter. This document is meant to bring the ‘human’ element of your application. Don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm for the environment and the position shine through.
When gearing up to submit your application, double and triple check all your information to ensure it is correct and that you have included all the required information. It also doesn’t hurt to check your voicemail and rerecord if it’s less than professional. Ideally, you should hear back from the hiring manager within two weeks of submitting your application. If you haven’t, you can always follow up with an email or call to check on your application’s status.
If you are selected for an interview there are several things you can do to prepare. Refamiliarizing yourself with the organization's goals and track record can aid you in answering questions about why you applied or what you bring to them. Practicing with a friend or family member can help you be more precise in your answering and bring additional confidence to the interview. It may also be worthwhile to think of questions to ask the hiring manager for after the interview. The best questions to ask are ones that a) you are genuinely curious about and b) illustrate a clear professional and developmental interest in the organization. Topics such as opportunities for leadership development, training, workplace culture, and inter-department collaborations can demonstrate initiative and a personal investment in their work.
Places to Find Opportunities
LinkedIn can be a valuable resource to network with people in the environmental field and find relevant jobs, however, try not to apply for the positions directly through LinkedIn. Instead, look up the job opening on the employer’s website, as there are sometimes formatting and notification issues when using LinkedIn’s platform. The tables below offer more specialized resources that can help you find career and networking opportunities in your field of interest.
Organization/Resource
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Description |
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Association for Women in Communications | The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) is the premier organization for empowering women like you with the strength, support, and tools for elevating your career, personal growth and becoming an agent of change. We are a diverse network of professional women who are genuinely invested in helping each other –
and you – to reach full potential. |
Chesapeake Network Youth Portal | The Chesapeake Network is a site for sharing resources, webinars, events, jobs, and more, hosted by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. |
CJB Network for Graduate programs | CJB Network is a mission-based business. Our mission is to improve career development in environmental fields by making it easier for environmental professionals and aspiring professionals to discover and learn about educational opportunities that support their interests. CJB Network lists over 1,000 environmental graduate and training programs in the United States |
Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) Rising TIDES Program | CERF is dedicated to broadening participation in coastal and estuarine science and management. Rising TIDES (Toward an Inclusive, Diverse, and Enriched Society) is a comprehensive program for enhancing the diversity and inclusion of our scientific society and CERF conferences. The overall goals of this program are to promote opportunities for individuals from groups underrepresented in CERF disciplines and professions while cultivating a culture that actively engages and leverages diversity throughout our organization. |
Ecological Society of America (ESA) SEEDS Program | The Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability program (SEEDS) is the flagship award-winning education program of the Ecological Society of America. Its mission is to diversify and advance the ecology profession through opportunities that stimulate and nurture the interest of underrepresented students to participate, and to lead in ecology.The core SEEDS program components offer hands-on, engaging experiences with ecology that exhibit the relevance and applications of science. |
EcologyPlus | EcologyPlus aims to connect diverse college students and early career scientists with timely and relevant career opportunities and a community of peers and professionals in ecology and related careers across all sectors. |
Green Latinos | GreenLatinos is a national nonprofit that convenes a broad coalition of Latino leaders committed to addressing national, regional and local environmental, natural resources and conservation issues that significantly affect the health and welfare of the U.S. Latino community. |
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities | The HACU National Internship Program (HNIP) has placed over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students in challenging paid internship assignments within federal agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations in Washington, DC, and nationwide. We place over 450 students on average annually. |
In Solidarity Community | The In Solidarity community directory is your go-to resource for connecting with members actively engaged in DEI work within the outdoor industry. This directory is comprised of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge’s Steering Committee members, community leaders, and DEI advocates from around the country who are committed to building a more inclusive outdoor industry. |
National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications | Become a member of the premier organization fostering multi-ethnic diversity in the cable and communications industry. When you invest in NAMIC, you invest in yourself. Whether you're new to the communications industry, a seasoned executive or a company looking for highly qualified, diverse employees, NAMIC can help you. |
SEAS Islands Alliance | The SEAS Islands Alliance works to broaden participation and possibilities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, inclusion of nuanced cultural expertise from diverse underrepresented minority (URM) and underserved populations in U.S. territories and U.S.-affiliated islands. Island regions are strongly connected to the oceans that surround them and are among the country’s most diverse communities. The Alliance works to collaborate with these communities to broaden participation of the STEM workforce. |
Seven Seas MediaOcean Jobs | SEVENSEAS Media publishes ocean conservation news, professional development resources, sustainable tourism opportunities, and engages in direct action to protect and restore our marine, polar and coastal ecosystems. The organization has quickly grown into a respected international platform, elevating the ocean conservation community by providing a grassroots outlet for individuals to network, tell stories, share career opportunities, and take part in networking events and beach cleanups. |
Society for Conservation Biology | The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to facilitating, promoting, and advancing the scientific study and conservation of biological diversity. While our historical roots were founded in the field of biology, we recognize that conservation in today’s complex world requires a globalized approach that maximizes collaboration amongst professionals from all fields. |
The Nature Conservancy | The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. |
Organizations that Support Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Networking and Environmental Engagement
National Groups
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Organization/Resource |
Social Media Links |
Description
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BlackAFinSTEM |
TwitterInstagram | The BlackAFinSTEM Collective seeks to support, uplift, and amplify Black STEM professionals in natural resources and the environment through professional development, career connection, and community engagement. We aim to inspire new audiences to engage in nature and share the stories of Black conservationists from across the country. |
Corazón Latino |
Facebook
Instagram | Corazón Latino is a national non-profit organization that seeks to generate social, environmental, and conservation initiatives that foster natural resource stewardship. Corazón Latino mobilizes the passion, love, unity, solidarity, and resources of individuals, communities, organizations, and government entities to advance the common good. |
Diversity Outdoors |
Instagram | Diversity outdoors is a coalition of social media influencers – bloggers, athletes, activists, and entrepreneurs – who share the goal of promoting diversity in outdoor spaces where people of color, 2SLGBTQ+, and other diverse identities have historically been underrepresented. |
Green 2.0 |
Facebook | People of color are the most impacted by environmental problems and the least represented in positions of power. We believe that in the 21st century, the success of environmental causes will be based on our ability to transform them into more just, inclusive, and relevant organizations and movements. |
Green For All (Dream Corps) |
Facebookinstagram | Dream Corps believes that together we can lead our country to reach its fullest potential. Together we can create a place where “we the people” means all of us. We believe that freedom and dignity for all communities is possible, where everyone has their basic needs met and we are free and able to pursue our dreams. We envision a future where everyone has the freedom to thrive on a healthy planet. We know this must be done together, and not apart. |
Greening Youth Foundation |
FacebookInstagram | The Greening Youth Foundation’s (GYF) mission is to engage under-represented youth and young adults, while connecting them to the outdoors and careers in conservation. GYF’s cultural based environmental education programing engages children from local communities and exposes them to healthy lifestyle choices in order to create an overall healthy community. |
Latino Outdoors |
FacebookTwitterInstagram | Latino Outdoors is a unique, Latinx-led organization working in support of a national community of leaders in outdoor recreation, conservation and environmental education. As part of this work, we focus on expanding and amplifying the Latinx experience in the outdoors. We provide leadership, mentorship, and professional opportunities and serve as a platform for sharing oft-overlooked cultural connections and narratives that will bolster the collective outdoor movement. |
Outdoor Afro |
FacebookTwitterInstagram | Outdoor Afro has become the nation’s leading, cutting edge network that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. We are a national not for profit organization with leadership networks around the country. With more than 100 leaders in 56 cities around the country, we connect thousands of people to nature experiences, who are changing the face of conservation. So come out in nature with us, or be a partner to help us grow our work so that we can help lead the way for inclusion in outdoor recreation, nature, and conservation for all! |
People of the Global Majority in the Outdoors, Nature, and Environment |
InstagramFacebook | PGM ONE envisions a world that centers, values, uplifts, and empowers those who are most impacted by environmental harm and climate change—and in particular black, indigenous, and people of color/of the global majority—to lead the way toward environmental justice and collective liberation. |
The Black Outdoors |
FacebookTwitterInstagram | The mission of TheBlackOutdoors is simple - increase awareness of and participation in outdoor recreational activity amongst black people and other underrepresented groups. Exposure is KEY in helping others to develop interest in the natural world and all that it has to offer. By sharing our stories and highlighting yours, we hope to inspire your next (or first!) lazy Saturday hike or cross-country adventure. |
Tree Equity (American Forests Program) |
InstagramFacebook | Trees are vital to our health and wealth. But a map of tree cover in cities is too often a map of income and race; trees are sparse in low-income neighborhoods and some neighborhoods of color. Our Tree Equity program strives to create Tree Equity — trees where they are needed most. |
WeGotNext |
Facebook
Instagram | WeGotNext amplifies individual stories of adventure and activism from communities that have been underrepresented in outdoor, conservation and environmental spaces. |
Local Groups
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Organization/Resource |
Social Media Links |
Description
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|---|
Backyard Basecamp |
FacebookTwitterInstagram | Backyard Basecamp works at (Re)connecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to land and nature in Baltimore City by educating on urban environmental issues and providing health and wellness programs |
Baltimore Green Space |
FacebookTwitter | Baltimore Green Space is Baltimore’s environmental land trust. We promote vibrant neighborhoods and a healthy environment through land preservation, research, and community advocacy.Our vision is to be a leader and partner in ensuring that communities’ open spaces and forest patches are considered priority assets in the growth and redevelopment of Baltimore. We |
Baltimore Racial Justice Action (Consultant for Organizations) |
Facebook | BRJA organizes a free monthly event series & provides informational resources to the broader Baltimore community. Our community work aims to inspire continuous dialogue, learning, action, & connection to achieve racial equity, & challenge white supremacist, culture in Baltimore & Maryland. |
Black Girls Dive |
Facebook | Black Girls Dive Foundation (BGDF) establishes space and opportunity to empower young ladies to explore their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) identity through marine science and conservation, and SCUBA diving. Our mission address three critical issues: (1) the racial and socioeconomic achievement gap that undermines our ideals of freedom, equality and opportunity; (2) limited or restricted sense of youth agency and voice; and (3) cultivating the next generation of social conscious divers, scientists, conservationists and planetary stewards. |
CHISPA (Maryland League of Conservation Voters program) |
FacebookInstagram | Chispa Maryland builds the capacity of Latinxs and their families to influence policy makers and pressure polluters to protect communities’ rights to clean air and water, healthy neighborhoods, and a safe climate for generations to come. |
Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health (CEEJH) laboratory at the University of Maryland |
FacebookTwitter | CEEJH’s primary focus is to provide engagement to highly and differentially exposed populations and underserved communities. Our work has included the development of and participation in partnerships with community-based organizations, environmental advocacy groups, health practitioners, and policymakers (federal, state, and local government) to reduce local contamination, improve environmental quality, and enhance community health and sustainability. |
Dreaming Out Loud |
FacebookTwitterInstagram | DOL is rebuilding urban DC community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise: increasing access to healthy food, improving community health, supporting entrepreneurs and cooperatives from low-income communities; and creating opportunities for at-risk residents to earn sustainable, family-supporting wages and build wealth. We believe that all communities deserve equal access to fresh, healthy food choices, but that achieving this requires moving beyond the “access” paradigm to a focus on community self-determination and food sovereignty. |
EcoLatinos |
FacebookTwitter | EcoLatinos was born out of our passion for the environment and love for our Latino community. We are committed to social and environmental justice initiatives for all, especially in Spanish-speaking and under resourced communities. EcoLatinos works to engage, educate, and activate the Latino communities of the Chesapeake Bay and the Mid-Atlantic Region. We support non-profit, private, and public organizations creating connections with a growing and potentially powerful stewards of the community. |
Green Muslims |
FacebookTwitterInstagram | Green Muslims is a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 headquartered in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area working to connect Muslims everywhere to nature and environmental activism. We host educational service and outdoor recreational events and strive to serve as a bridge connecting the Muslim community with local climate action organizations. |
Groundswell |
FacebookInstagram | Groundswell is a 501c3 nonprofit that builds community power through equitable community solar projects and resilience centers, clean energy programs that reduce energy burdens, and pioneering research initiatives that help light the way to clean energy futures for all. Groundswell leads clean energy programs and projects in six states including the District of Columbia, including serving more than 5,000 income-qualified customers with more than $1.85 million per year in clean energy savings. Through our work, we are building clean energy futures that reflect the beautiful diversity of the communities we serve. |
Maryland Black Mayors | | Maryland Black Mayors purpose is to enhance the executive management capacity of its membership for the purpose of fostering effective governing and supporting local governments. |
STEAM Onward |
Facebook | The mission of STEAM ONWARD is to increase the number of minority and under-served youth pursuing higher education in STEM related fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We achieve this goal by providing youth in Southern Maryland with after school hands-on experiential learning opportunities in agriculture, natural resources, and the environment. |
The Green Scheme |
Facebook | The Green Scheme was founded in 2011 by Washington, DC natives, Ronnie Webb and Joelle Robinson when they realized the lack of environmental awareness that existed in many communities. Fueled by a desire to impact the way people think about their health and their environment, Ronnie and Joelle created the Green Scheme to organize, educate, and empower communities. |
Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborative | | The Virginia Environmental Justice Collaborative was created in 2015 when four organizations (The Southeast CARE Coalition, Appalachian Voices, the Federal Policy Office of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and New Virginia Majority) saw the need for statewide coordination to support Virginia organizations addressing Environmental Justice issues. |
Job Boards
