Project Management
Within project management jobs you will develop detailed plans, tasks, milestone dates and schedules to track and manage processes and costs throughout a project's life cycle. Coordinate and collaborate with others to monitor, maintain and report on status and progress of work; establishing program objectives and metrics. Make recommendations and act when necessary to address problems or adjust to changing external factors or forces. Draft guidance and direction regarding program management and reporting. Plan and initiate a comprehensive evaluation system for the review and analysis of proposed costs, program development, and performance.
Industry Insights
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Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
Projected change in employment through 2034
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Peak demand and work cadence
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Individuals begin in support roles learning basic project tools and environmental context. Work focuses on scheduling, data entry and communications while assisting senior staff on projects.
Job Types & Titles
- Project Assistant
- Project Coordinator
- Administrative Support
- Research Assistant
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
High‑school diploma or associate degree; pursuing a bachelor’s degree in project management, environmental studies, business or related field is beneficial.
Certifications
Optional microcredentials such as the Google Project Management Professional Certificate or short courses in environmental project management.
Experience
0-2 years of administrative, field or customer service experience. Exposure to conservation work through volunteering or internships is helpful.
Position Responsibilities
Technicians apply project management principles in defined areas such as environmental monitoring or trail construction. They assist with budgeting, tracking tasks and coordinating field teams while developing specialized expertise.
Job Types & Titles
- Environmental Technician
- Assistant Project Manager
- Data Analyst
- Field Coordinator
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree in project management, environmental science, engineering or a related discipline.
Certifications
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or other entry‑level credential.
Experience
2-4 years of hands‑on experience supporting projects; demonstrated ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and manage tasks.
Position Responsibilities
Professionals lead moderate‑to‑large projects, manage budgets and schedules, supervise staff and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. They handle stakeholder engagement and risk management.
Job Types & Titles
- Project Manager
- Environmental Project Manager
- Program Coordinator
- Construction Manager
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree with significant project management experience or master’s degree in project management, environmental management or engineering.
Certifications
Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or GPM‑b credentials to demonstrate advanced skills.
Experience
4-7 years of progressively responsible project management experience, including leadership of cross‑disciplinary teams.
Position Responsibilities
Managers and directors oversee portfolios of projects, allocate resources, develop strategic plans, mentor staff and engage with senior leadership or boards. They ensure projects align with organizational missions and regulatory requirements.
Job Types & Titles
- Senior Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Director of Project Management
- Chief Project Officer
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Master’s degree in project management, business administration or environmental management. Continuing professional development is expected.
Certifications
PMP or comparable credential and often advanced credentials such as Program Management Professional (PgMP).
Experience
7+ years of management experience overseeing complex projects and teams with demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.
Who Hires Project Management Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
U.S. Forest Service
National Park Service
Bureau of Land Management
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Washington State Department of Ecology
California State Parks (Department of Parks and Recreation)
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - Department of Agricultural & Natural Resources
The Nature Conservancy
AECOM
Tetra Tech
Stantec
Jacobs
Booz Allen Hamilton
Education & Certification
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