The Environmental Studies and Planning Program at Sonoma State University invited Panorama Senior Manager, Jeff Thomas, to speak on the topic of careers in environmental consulting to a group of future graduates. He highlighted the diversity of work done by environmental consultants and the set of skills necessary to be successful in this demanding industry. Jeff’s presentation answered many of the frequently asked questions posed by those interested in beginning a career in environmental consulting, including:
- What does an environmental consultant do?
- What type of projects do environmental consultants work on?
- What work products do environmental consultants create?
- What are the challenges in environmental consulting?
Jeff informed the students about the range of projects that Panorama has worked on, and which they can look forward to working on if they decide to pursue a career in environmental consulting, including:
- Energy transmission projects
- Renewable energy projects
- Underground gas storage and gas/oil pipeline projects
- Water resources projects
- Infrastructure projects
- Habitat restoration projects
Jeff concluded his presentation with a project case study of the Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project, a project that he is currently working on. This restoration project will restore 577 acres of the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve in southern California with coastal wetland and upland habitats. Jeff provided a background of the project’s issues and considerations, and the role of environmental consultants in collaborating with State and federal regulatory agencies, key stakeholders, and the public in designing and implementing the project.
Have an interest in environmental consulting? Jeff’s presentation can be accessed via the following link.