There are plenty of exciting things taking place throughout Wyoming when it comes to environmental sustainability, including in Jackson Hole, which was named a ‘Top 100 Sustainable Destination’ three years in a row – 2016, 2017, and 2018 – by Green Destinations, an international tourism council.
This city’s efforts in responsible tourism, which are supported by the Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program, have allowed it to earn a reputation as a world-leading sustainable destination.
But Jackson Hole’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond its tourism industry. Thanks to the work of the Jackson Hole Energy Sustainability Project, this Wyoming city is making significant strides in energy efficiency to decrease its carbon footprint and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Just some of the issues identified by this project include developing local renewable energy options that will generate 2 megawatts of additional energy over the next two decades…installing energy efficient retrofits in at least 80% of all its buildings…and partnering with a number of organizations to reduce emissions from its public transportation system.
Jackson Hole is just one of many Wyoming cities taking charge to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future. With the right education, you can begin lending your insights and expertise to Wyoming’s sustainability field in areas like urban planning, engineering, business, public policy, and architecture.
Sustainability Jobs Available in Wyoming with the Right Degree
You’ll find that Wyoming’s sustainability initiatives and programs are supported by a variety of programs aimed at everything from energy conservation to waste management to sustainable food systems and more.
For example, the Riverwind Foundation works to advance environmental stewardship through education and networking campaigns. This organization also serves as the managing organization for the Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination program.
The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance has worked to protect the land and wildlife of Jackson Hole for more than 35 years. This nonprofit achieves its goals as a coalition of concerned citizens committed to a more sustainable future. One of this organization’s biggest initiatives is AGENDA 22, which focuses on addressing some of the biggest environmental issues through public education, community outreach, and public policy.
Achieving sustainable food systems is another major focus in Wyoming, and organizations like Wyoming’s Food for Thought Program and Feeding Laramie Valley work to create a safe and equitable food system.
According to 2018 statistics from the BLS, careers in sustainability in Wyoming often come with impressive paychecks. For example, environmental engineers here earn an average salary of $93,680, while environmental engineering technicians earn $58,980. Environmental scientists also enjoy competitive salaries in Wyoming, earning an average salary of $68,940, and conservation scientists earn $71,180.
Master’s in Sustainability Available Through Schools in Wyoming
Master’s degrees in sustainability are in-depth examinations of topics relevant to sustainability that allow you to either focus on sustainable practices within your current profession or reorient your career entirely.
Agriculture
The University of Wyoming offers a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics that features study in the areas of agriculture, rural business economics, and natural resource policy. Students of this program enjoy outstanding research and practical experiences in areas like energy economics, land economics, natural resource economics, and agribusiness.
Business
The University of Wyoming’s MBA with a track in Energy Management weaves seven, energy-focused courses into its MBA curriculum. Courses in this innovative program are focused on topics like energy economics, energy supply chain management, and energy accounting.
Policy
The University of Wyoming offers a graduate major in Environment and Natural Resources, an interdisciplinary course of study that covers a number of issues like ecology, economics, management, and cultural studies. For more than 25 years, the university’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources has been producing professionals capable of understanding the state’s complex challenges associated with natural resources and the environment.
Technology
The University of Wyoming’s College of Engineering and Applied Science offers an MS in Environmental Engineering, a robust program that provides advanced study into issues concerning sustainability, chemistry, and material science. Students of this program enjoy outstanding opportunities to engage in faculty-led research in areas like sustainable wastewater treatment, oil and gas produced water, converting waste to value-added products, and more.
Sustainability Bachelor Degree Programs in Wyoming
Bachelor’s degrees in sustainability feature an interdisciplinary course of study that prepares you to enter the workforce and/or pursue future graduate study.
In Wyoming, the University of Wyoming offers bachelor’s degrees in a number of areas in sustainability, including civil engineering, rangeland ecology and watershed management, environmental systems science, environment and natural resources, and agroecology.
