Explore all the careers

Aerospace Engineer

A ground test engineer takes what the assembly engineer has built and tests it to see if it actually does what it is supposed to do. A ground test engineer is involved in the development of testing procedures to evaluate the performance of a product and can integrate aspects like safety or conservation in the design. In this example, she evaluates aspects like fuel efficiencies, peak production and other intake and output characteristics of the system to maximize efficiency for both economic and environmental concerns.

Astronomer

There is no typical day in the life of an astronomer. You will spend time, often with extreme hours, making observations and then more time interpreting those observations. You will use mathematics, physics, chemistry and geology on a daily basis, and use computers as one of your major tools. Modern astronomy also involves exotic travel, as many of the new observatories are found on mountaintops in the less populated areas of the world. How many other professions are there where you have the chance of discovering a new planet, comet, solar system?

Behavioral Ecologist

Behavioral ecologists observe and document behaviors, by humans or other species, in response to a given environmental stimulus. From mating to feeding to social interactions, behavioral ecologists identify the environmental pressures that shape those behaviors! These STEM professionals are keen observers and historians that like to crunch the numbers to determine how evolutionary development impacts behavior.

Biologist & Fire Manager

Coastal Engineer

Our coastal areas throughout the world are being impacted by sea level rising, construction, resource extraction and recreational use, and yet they are some of the most densely populated areas in the world. Coastal engineers look at all these issues and try to answer questions like “What if this happens?” and “What can we do to reduce the impact of these changes?” Coastal engineers spend time observing the changes, building models of the area to simulate the changes, and then try to design solutions before the real-world situation progresses out of control. They work at learning and improving situations on an international scale. Their principal tools include mathematics, physics, geology and engineering through the use of computers and physical models.

Coral Biologist

Coral biologists combine specific elements of marine biology and conservation biology to research, experiment, or develop conservation actions to improve and sustain some of the oldest animals on the planet - coral reefs. While not required, these scientists often spend time underwater conducting experiments and restoring fragile reef ecosystems so a love of the outdoors and a sense of adventure is a bonus!

Dendrochronologist

Dr. Seuss’s Lorax spoke “for the trees, for the trees have no tongues” and dendrochronologists have a similar calling. Trees carry the history of a location in their rings and dendrochronologists are skilled at deciphering that history. The tools of dendrochronology are used to pinpoint timing of major events and measure rates of change both in the environment and in works of art and architectural pieces made of wood. It is also used in radiocarbon dating to validate radiocarbon aging for things not made from trees.

Director of Forest Health Protection

Ecologist

Ecologists study just that, the ecology, of a given area. This involves understanding the interactions between the living and nonliving components of said area. Our ecologist is involved in the conservation and restoration of the Everglades in south Florida. Ecologists have a deep interest, if not love, of nature and all of the factors involved in preserving nature. A broad background in the sciences, mathematics, social and political sciences and economics will go far in preparing you for this field.

Ecoregional Ecologist

Geologist

Modern geology exists where the natural sciences and engineering come together since nearly a quarter of all qualified geologists work in the oil and gas extraction industry. An interest in earth processes, rocks, and minerals is helpful but equally beneficial is an interest in engineering and an understanding of environmental impacts. Beyond STEM: Skills and interests that could support a career in geology include an interest in travel, jewelry design, sculpture or other 3D arts as well as an interest in architecture.

How Women in STEM have Inspired Me

In 2018, STEMExplore asked young women to share stories about how professional women and mentors inspire them to explore STEM careers. Thank you to Maryam Kabal for telling her story and for allowing EarthEcho International to be part of her journey! "I was inspired by the many women I met through my STEM journey whether it be through the virtual field trips or in person on the tour of Pratt & Whitney and United Technologies. I believe in empowering women to step outside their comfort zone in order to break down the stereotypes that Engineering and Math are only for men. I want to encourage girls to pursue things that they love, regardless of what society says you should do or wants you to do."

Jet Assembly Engineer

An assembly engineer is where the theory becomes reality, and the systems designed on the computers are built as physical, functional structures. Not only are mathematics and computer science important here, but the physical skills of working with your hands and putting things together are critical.

Marine Biologist

The United States Geological Survey is a broad ranging agency studying everything from earthquakes to endangered species in the US. This scientist is involved in the study of coastal coral reef degradation, and approaches for the conservation and restoration of said reefs. The job description is quite similar to that of the coral reef biologist for her position. “Let your curiosity take you” was the advice given by our marine biologist. If you follow your interest you will find you motivation.

Marine Biologist

Mechanical Engineer

The mechanical engineer is the jack-of-all-trades in the sequence from design to implementation. These problem solvers are able to understand what is supposed to happen and figure out why it sometimes doesn’t. As in all engineering fields, science is their background, mathematics their language, and computers their daily tool.

Northern Maine Program Director

Open the door to adventure

Take a look at some of the exciting STEM careers featured in the STEMExplore Cabinet of Curiosities.

Park Ranger

A park ranger is part naturalist, part teacher, and part public safety officer. The love of the outdoors, curiosity about nature and concern for the changes occurring at the human scale are key characteristics of a park ranger. Photography, music, story-telling, rock-climbing and hiking are all part of the ranger’s working day. Our rangers believe that one must stay curious, ask questions and seek answers.

Plant Biologist

Plant biologists can work in a number of different industries from universities to farms to government and their career paths are just as diverse. One thing is certain, most plant biologists have a green thumb in one way or another! Whether optimizing the cultivation of plants for food or decoding the complex relationships between plants in a unique ecosystem or even extracting potentially life-saving pharmaceutical compounds from newly discovered plants plant biologists may have an understanding of chemistry, agriculture, or even anthropology. For entry level jobs in plant biology, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient but to run your own lab an advanced degree is necessary.

Policy Director

Research Coordinator

A research coordinator does just that, they coordinate all the various aspects of research projects within a project area or laboratory facility in order to maximize the effective use of time and resources. They have more general interests and training in a variety of research areas to enable them to work effectively with different disciplines, troubleshoot potential problems and provide solutions. A research coordinator is inquisitive, has a broad background, takes an active role in their projects and, hopefully, is a jack-of-all-trades.

Shark Biologist

If you’re looking for an adventurous job, maybe a career studying the ocean’s predators is just right for you! While shark biologists spend their lives dedicated to diving and observing these incredible animals, they spend much more time teaching, writing grants and reports, requesting permits, and advocating to balance the economic interests of fishermen with the ecological influence of top predators!

Shellfish Biologist

Aquaculture is the process of raising food in aquatic systems, be they fresh or saltwater. A shellfish biologist focuses on the development of sustainable food systems, such as developing an oyster hatchery. This involves the study of marine biology and zoology and oceanography, as well as economics and sociology; you need to know not only how to raise the animals but also how much it will cost and will people eat them. There is a balance between indoor hatchery work and outdoor grow-out work, and at the end you produce a food in a sustainable and low-impact method, for the most part.

Software Engineer

Software engineers design operating systems for use in computer-controlled systems. Not only are mathematics and computer science critical, but a basic understanding of systems engineering is necessary to understand how software can impact and improve the design.

State Paleontologist

As they say, the present is the key to the past. A state paleontologist is looking for those keys to unlock the past of their area. They will survey areas looking for clues of fossil remains to provide insight of what the area was like in the past. They are also involved in identification and conservation of remains uncovered by construction or natural disasters. A keen eye, curiosity, and background in biology and geology are key skills for a paleontologist, along with an appreciation of the outdoors.

Virtual Career Fair: Meet Three Experts Changing the Face of STEM

Presented in partnership with The Nature Conservancy's Nature Works Everywhere program. This online event brings to life the wide array of potential STEM careers for students, with a specific focus on diversity and inclusion in STEM. A career in STEM can be incredibly exciting—especially when it’s your job to study American black bears in the Western Great Basin, to advocate for the benefits nature provides to people in cities, or to act as a test engineer on airplane engines. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

Volcanologist

When listing adventurous jobs, studying volcanoes may be near the top of the list. These specialized geologists examine not only volcanic activity throughout the world but study the processes involved in their formation. Volcanologists get to study geology happening right before their eyes rather than over thousands or even millions of years.

Water Quality Specialist

A water quality specialist is vital in every community to make sure that the water resources are safe and accessible for all of the services a community needs their water to provide. Careers in water quality require field testing the water for safety for the people consuming water as well as advising for the management of water for wildlife, agriculture, and energy demands. Good observation skills, curiosity, and a background in analytical chemistry and aquatic biology are important in this field.

Wetlands Ecologist

Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists are scientists that observe and study the behaviors of animals. They frequently observe the features of certain wildlife and determine the creatures' role in specific ecosystems and/or how they interact with human beings. In addition, they will often perform various experiments to either increase our knowledge about a certain species or see how humans influence the ecosystem in question.