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Dive Deeper into Environmental Issues and Research Methodology
We’re all intimately connected to the environment that surrounds and houses us. And here in Ventura County, that environment is dominated and deeply influenced by water. Do you have a deep passion for the environment? Do you constantly strive to better understand your surroundings? Are you someone who wants to help influence the future of our climate and ecosystem? If this sounds like you, then a career in the environmental industry might be on your horizon. With a wide range of activities, insights, experiences, connections and introductions, this diverse program presents a unique and invaluable opportunity to get a head start on your dream career. This extremely well-connected program also offers powerful partnerships with the National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), Blue Robotics, Santa Barbara Channel Keepers, California Institute of Environmental Studies and University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB).
What You'll Learn
From 11th grade upward, enroll in A-G approved courses to start preparing for your career in the environmental industry. Classes include:
- AP Environmental Science (Year 1 concentrator)
- CTE Capstone Environmental Field Studies Honors (Year 2)
What You’ll Do
Take what you’re learning in the classroom into the real world and experience for yourself all that awaits you in the fast-growing and life-enriching environmental industry. Immersive and insightful experiences include:
- Community-based research projects
- Environmental investigations alongside professionals
- A wide variety of high-level field trips
- Access to professionals from top organizations (Blue Robotics, Santa Rosa Island Research Station, National Park Service, etc.)
- Leadership development
Who You Can Be
Kickstart your career path with top-tier academic instruction and industry-leader insights. The Environmental Resources program prepares you for potential careers such as:
- Field Scientist
- Biologist
- Environmental or Water Resources Engineer
- Environmental Consultant
- Land Planner
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Water Sector Workforce Professional
- Water/Wastewater/Stormwater Utility Professional
Industry Average Wages: $65,000 - $135,000
Projected Industry Growth: 8-11%
What You Need to Know
VUSD’s Environmental Resources CTE pathway prepares students for successful careers in the environmental industry. Students (grades 11 and up) learn a wide range of vital skills such as research methods and results, environmental investigation and environmental and public health decision-making. The program is based at Buena High School and consists of two sequenced year-long courses, a concentrator followed by a capstone, both of which earn honors credit.
In addition to community-based research projects and environmental investigations alongside professionals, the program also involves several insightful and hands-on field trips — including water quality monitoring with Santa Barbara Channel Keepers, deep water sediment trap deployment and recovery with NOAA, environmental field science and habitat management at Channel Island National Park (with National Park Service and California Institute of Environmental Studies), beach profile monitoring with UCSB and a wastewater treatment plant tour.
Students emerge from this information- and experience-rich program with enhanced skills, knowledge, confidence, direct access to an impactful career.
Once you have gained the skills and knowledge in this pathway, there are many options for your next steps after high school - some you can even begin pursuing before you graduate!
1 year
Water Science, Certificate - Ventura College
2 year
Water Science, Associate in Science - Ventura College
Coastal Environmental Studies, Associate in Science - Oxnard College
4 year
Environmental Science & Resource Management, Bachelor of Science - California State University, Channel Islands
Environmental Management and Protection, Bachelor of Science - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Environmental Earth and Soil Sciences, Bachelor of Science - California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo