Environmental public relations specialists combine communication expertise with environmental knowledge to shape public perception of sustainability initiatives and environmental policies. These professionals earn a median salary of $69,780 annually, with the field projected to grow 5% through 2034. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree, ideally with coursework in both communications and environmental science.
If you've ever wondered how environmental organizations get their message out to the public, or how corporations communicate their sustainability efforts, you're thinking about the work of environmental PR specialists. This career sits at the intersection of two growing fields: public relations and environmental science.
Environmental PR specialists serve as the bridge between complex environmental concepts and public understanding. They translate scientific data into compelling narratives, manage media relationships for environmental organizations, and help shape how businesses communicate their green initiatives. It's a role that requires both strong communication skills and genuine environmental literacy.
For those passionate about environmental issues but drawn to communication rather than lab or field work, this career path offers a meaningful way to contribute to sustainability and green jobs in a rapidly evolving field.
What Does an Environmental PR Specialist Do?
Environmental public relations specialists focus on communication and outreach in environmental work. They decide how to present environmental concepts, goals, and achievements to the public in ways that resonate and inspire action.
On a typical day, you might find yourself drafting press releases about a new conservation initiative, preparing talking points for executives ahead of a sustainability announcement, or coordinating with journalists covering environmental stories. The work varies considerably depending on your employer, but typical responsibilities include:
- Media relations: Building relationships with journalists, pitching environmental stories, and serving as a spokesperson for your organization
- Content creation: Writing press releases, speeches, blog posts, social media content, and internal communications about environmental programs
- Campaign development: Planning and executing public awareness campaigns around environmental issues like pollution prevention, climate action, or sustainability initiatives
- Crisis communication: Managing public messaging during environmental incidents or controversies
- Stakeholder engagement: Communicating with community groups, regulators, investors, and other audiences about environmental performance
- Grant writing and fundraising support: For nonprofit environmental organizations, helping secure funding through compelling written proposals
The role has evolved significantly in recent years. With the rise of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, many environmental PR specialists now help companies communicate their sustainability metrics to investors and regulators. Climate communication has also become a primary specialization, requiring professionals who can translate complex climate science into accessible public messaging.
Where Do Environmental PR Specialists Work?
Environmental PR specialists split their time between office work and field engagement. You'll spend considerable time researching, writing, and coordinating with colleagues at a desk. But the job also takes you out into the community for press events, stakeholder meetings, and media interviews.
The most common employers include:
- Government agencies: Federal, state, and local environmental departments need communications professionals to inform the public about regulations, programs, and environmental conditions
- Corporations: Companies with significant environmental footprints employ PR specialists to manage sustainability communications, ESG reporting, and community relations
- Nonprofit organizations: Environmental advocacy groups, conservation organizations, and foundations rely on PR specialists to advance their missions
- PR and communications agencies: Many agencies have dedicated environmental or sustainability practice areas serving multiple clients
- Consulting firms: Environmental consulting companies often need communications support for client-facing work
Most positions are full-time and follow standard business hours. However, you should expect occasional overtime during major campaigns, environmental events, or crises. Some travel may be required for media events, conferences, or site visits.
Environmental PR Specialist Salary
Environmental public relations specialists fall under the broader Bureau of Labor Statistics category of "Public Relations Specialists." The BLS doesn't track environmental PR as a separate occupation, so the following figures reflect the general public relations field.
As of May 2024, public relations specialists earned:
- Median annual salary: $69,780
- Entry-level (10th percentile): $40,750
- Experienced (90th percentile): $129,480
Your actual salary will depend on several factors, including your geographic location, employer type, years of experience, and educational background. PR specialists working in major metropolitan areas and for large corporations typically earn higher salaries. Those with specialized environmental knowledge or advanced degrees may also command premium compensation.
For environmental PR specialists specifically, salaries may vary from these general figures based on the employer. Nonprofit organizations often pay less than corporations, while government positions typically offer competitive salaries with strong benefits packages.
Career advancement can significantly increase earning potential. Public relations managers, who oversee PR teams and strategy, earned a median salary of $138,520 in May 2024, with top earners exceeding $239,200 annually.
Job Outlook for Environmental PR Specialists
Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS projects approximately 27,600 job openings annually, driven primarily by the need to replace workers who retire or change careers.
For environmental PR specifically, job prospects appear particularly strong. Several trends are driving demand:
- ESG reporting requirements: As more investors and regulators require environmental disclosures, companies need skilled communicators to present this information effectively
- Climate communication: Growing public interest in climate change has created demand for professionals who can communicate climate science and solutions
- Corporate sustainability initiatives: More companies are launching sustainability programs and need PR support to communicate their efforts authentically
- Social media and digital communication: Environmental issues spread rapidly online, requiring PR professionals who can manage digital engagement
The field intersects with several growing career areas, including environmental policy and planning, where communication skills are increasingly valued.
How to Become an Environmental PR Specialist
Most environmental PR positions require at least a bachelor's degree. However, employers typically prefer candidates with educational backgrounds that combine communication skills with environmental knowledge.
Recommended Educational Paths
Option 1: Communications degree with environmental coursework
Major in public relations, communications, or journalism while taking electives in environmental science, sustainability, or natural resources. This approach builds strong foundational PR skills while developing environmental literacy.
Option 2: Environmental science degree with communications minor
Major in environmental science, environmental studies, or a related natural science while minoring in communications or public relations. This path provides more profound scientific knowledge that can set you apart when communicating complex environmental issues.
Option 3: Graduate study
Some professionals pursue master's degrees in environmental communication, science communication, or strategic communications with an environmental focus. Graduate education isn't required for most positions, but it can accelerate career advancement, particularly for leadership roles.
Valuable Experience
Beyond formal education, employers look for:
- Internships with environmental organizations, PR agencies, or corporate communications departments
- Writing samples demonstrating the ability to communicate environmental topics clearly
- Experience with social media management and digital communications
- Knowledge of environmental regulations and current environmental issues
- Familiarity with sustainability reporting frameworks (GRI, SASB, CDP)
Those interested in advancing to leadership positions, such as the Director of Sustainability, often benefit from additional business education or sustainability management certifications.
Degrees Related to Environmental Public Relations
Essential Skills for Environmental PR Specialists
Success in environmental public relations requires a blend of communication expertise and environmental understanding. Here are the key skills you'll need to develop:
Communication Skills
- Writing: Clear, compelling writing is the foundation of PR work. You'll need to write press releases, speeches, reports, social media content, and more, often on tight deadlines.
- Media relations: Building relationships with journalists and understanding how to pitch stories effectively
- Public speaking: Ability to represent your organization confidently in interviews, presentations, and public forums
- Digital communication: Proficiency with social media platforms, content management systems, and digital analytics tools
Environmental Knowledge
- Environmental science literacy: Understanding of key environmental concepts, current issues, and scientific terminology
- Regulatory awareness: Familiarity with environmental laws and regulations relevant to your employer or clients
- Sustainability frameworks: Knowledge of ESG reporting, sustainability certifications, and green business practices
Professional Skills
- Research and analysis: Ability to gather information from scientific sources and translate it for general audiences
- Project management: Coordinating multiple campaigns, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously
- Crisis management: Remaining calm under pressure and communicating effectively during challenging situations
- Strategic thinking: Understanding how communications fit into broader organizational goals
Related roles, such as Sustainability Specialists, share many of these skill requirements, offering potential lateral career moves.
Professional Organizations and Resources
Connecting with professional organizations can help you build your network, stay current on industry trends, and advance your career. Here are valuable resources for environmental PR specialists:
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): www.epa.gov provides current information on federal environmental policies, regulations, and initiatives. Staying informed about EPA activities is essential for anyone communicating about environmental issues in the United States.
- Public Relations Society of America (PRSA): www.prsa.org is the nation's largest PR professional organization, offering certifications, professional development, and networking opportunities. PRSA has special interest sections relevant to environmental communicators.
- International Public Relations Association (IPRA): www.ipra.org connects PR professionals globally and provides resources on ethical practices and industry standards.
- Sustainable Remediation Forum (SURF): www.sustainableremediation.org is a nonprofit organization focused on environmental remediation that hosts talks and gathers resources relevant to environmental communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between environmental PR and general PR?
Environmental PR specialists focus specifically on communicating about environmental issues, sustainability initiatives, and green business practices. While the core PR skills are similar, environmental PR requires additional knowledge of environmental science, regulations, and sustainability frameworks. You'll also work with different stakeholder groups, including environmental advocates, regulators, and scientifically literate audiences.
Do I need a science background to work in environmental PR?
A formal science degree isn't required, but you do need environmental literacy. Many successful environmental PR specialists come from communications backgrounds and develop their environmental knowledge through coursework, self-study, and on-the-job learning. That said, candidates withan education in environmental science often have an advantage when explaining complex technical concepts.
What entry-level positions lead to environmental PR careers?
Common starting points include communications coordinator, PR assistant, or social media specialist roles at environmental organizations or corporate sustainability departments. College internships are particularly valuable for building experience and making connections in the field. Some professionals start in general PR and transition to environmental specialization as they develop subject matter expertise.
Is environmental PR a growing field?
Yes. The combination of increased corporate focus on sustainability, ESG reporting requirements, and public interest in climate change has created strong demand for professionals who can communicate environmental information effectively. This specialization is expected to continue growing as environmental issues remain prominent in business and public discourse.
Can I work remotely as an environmental PR specialist?
Many environmental PR roles now offer remote or hybrid work arrangements, particularly for tasks like writing, research, and digital communications. However, some positions require on-site presence for media events, stakeholder meetings, or crisis response. The availability of remote work varies significantly by employer and specific role responsibilities.
Key Takeaways
- Growing Specialization: Environmental PR combines communication skills with environmental knowledge, serving organizations from government agencies to corporations to nonprofits as sustainability communication becomes increasingly important.
- Competitive Compensation: Public relations specialists earn a median salary of $69,780, with experienced professionals earning over $129,000. Environmental specialization and advanced roles can significantly increase earning potential.
- Positive Job Outlook: The field is projected to grow 5% through 2034, with approximately 27,600 annual openings. Demand for environmental communication skills continues to increase with ESG reporting and climate awareness.
- Flexible Education Paths: You can enter this field through communications or environmental science degrees. The key is developing both strong writing and media skills alongside genuine environmental literacy.
- Evolving Responsibilities: Modern environmental PR increasingly involves ESG reporting, climate communication, digital engagement, and crisis management, requiring professionals to develop new competencies continuously.
Ready to explore careers in environmental communication? Discover degree programs that can prepare you for a meaningful career at the intersection of PR and sustainability.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for public relations specialists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2026.
