Environmental Public Relations Job Description
In public relations, specialists represent a company or client and manage their reputation in the public eye and the media. The specialist writes stories about their client's accomplishments to distribute to the press, and responds to any negative publicity or news in a timely manner. In environmental public relations, the specialist follows all typical public relations procedures, but focuses on managing the reputation of environmental laws and policies.
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Job Description
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Environmental public relations specialists work with a public relations agency to educate the public, assist in managing environmental conflict, develop public support for projects and policies, and research and market environmental technologies and services. Working together with other members in the agency, an environmental public relations specialist offers services to clients including marketing, advertising, reputation management, strategic planning and media relations, among others.
Environmental public relations agencies seek employees who have knowledge about and have previous experience working with environmental issues. Some agencies require that they live a short distance from the office so they do not add to environmental ills, such as pollution.
Education
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To earn an entry-level position in environmental public relations, candidates must at least have a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing or journalism. Internships and previous experience in the field give candidates a competitive advantage. Some companies provide specialized training to their employees, while others have new employees work under a more experienced employee who can provide guidance.
Aside from a degree, public relations professionals should also have strong decision-making, problem solving and research skills. They should be creative and show good judgment.
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Clients
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Clients in environmental public relations include businesses and government agencies. Environmental public relations specialists advise environmentally conscious businesses on how to be environmentally sustainable, and promote their good work to the public. For government agencies, public relations specialists help the agency inform the public on environmental policy.
Issues
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Environmental public relations specialists focus on issues like water conservation; technology to improve water conditions; land ownership, use and management; managing and reducing energy demands; and monitoring and maintaining waste policy and environmental policy. Essentially, the specialist works on any issue that deals with the environment and sustainability.
Benefits
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When successful, environmental public relations specialists can make a difference in how people use water, energy and land, and manage waste. Specialists can bring awareness to environmental issues and encourage the public to change their habits to improve conditions.
Salary Information
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Although there are not statistics that pertain specifically to environmental public relations specialists and their salaries, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that in 2008 the average salary for a public relations specialist was $51,280. It is expected that between 2008 to 2018, employment prospects for public relations specialists are expected to grow 24 percent because of an anticipated expansion of global business and the increased popularity of social media, and the need for professionals who specialize in those fields.
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References
- Photo Credit newspaper image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
