In the current climate of economic belt-tightening, more companies are cutting environmental budgets and salaries -- or trying to do more with less, according to the latest annual salary survey by Environmental Protection Online. The
2002 survey found that many environmental professionals are being asked to take on more responsibility even as current pay scales hold steady.
Corporate short-sightedness was a common complaint among survey participants. While snipping away at environmental budgets may save money in the short term, some respondents noted, solid company support for environmental initiatives can, in most cases, significantly reduce overall costs in the future.
In addition, the recent influx of entry-level workers is driving down salary rates, according to many surveyed. Companies looking to fill environmental jobs are now more likely to pass over experienced workers who command higher salaries, they said.
Staying ahead of the curve
So how do environmental professionals stay competitive in a tougher job market? Many of those surveyed cited diversifying their skill set as the best strategy. Previous trends toward specialization have been replaced with a new appreciation for the "Renaissance employee" willing to take on responsibilities outside his or her traditional role. For many, this means further education -- not only in their environmental discipline but also in the fields of business and accounting.
Where is green on the color line?
Many respondents noted that a lack of racial and ethnic diversity may be hurting the environmental field. More minority involvement would add different perspectives to the mix, many said. In addition, more diversity among environmental professionals on clean-up sites and city planning commissions might foster better relations with local communities in which a variety of races and ethnicities are represented.
The exception to the rule
One area where the environmental workforce is making great strides is gender balance. Although men still outnumber women by about three to one, environmental education programs are reporting a matriculation rate nearing 50%. Survey respondents report that female environmental workers have won recognition in many sectors as particularly hardworking and dedicated employees.
