Environmental Service Systems in Virginia
Virginia's Environmental Service Systems pathway prepares students for careers protecting and managing the state's natural resources—from the Chesapeake Bay estuary to mountain forests and wetlands. This pathway combines environmental science, natural resource conservation, and business principles for environmental services enterprises.
Students study ecosystem management, water resource protection, habitat restoration, environmental monitoring, and green business development. They conduct field surveys, work on restoration projects, and learn environmental technologies through partnerships with Virginia Department of Forestry and environmental organizations.
Graduates work as environmental technicians, conservation specialists, water quality monitors, ecosystem restoration managers, or establish green service businesses. The Chesapeake Bay restoration initiative and Virginia's natural resources industries create significant employment. Advanced students continue to Virginia Tech and James Madison University environmental programs.
Environmental Service Systems at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's environmental service standards align with state and federal environmental protection requirements and integrate the Chesapeake Bay restoration program priorities. Standards emphasize sustainable resource management, environmental monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
Students complete field-based assessments in water quality testing, ecosystem analysis, and habitat restoration project planning. The state partners with DEQ and conservation organizations to ensure curriculum reflects current environmental management practices.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Environmental Science Foundations |
| Ecosystem Management |
| Environmental Monitoring and Analysis |
| Environmental Service Business |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Environmental Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $65,320 - $99,630
Water Quality Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $59,690 - $121,290
Conservation Restoration Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $49,530 - $83,030
Green Business Operator
Entry LevelSalary range: $35,170 - $46,400
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work with Virginia Department of Forestry, Department of Environmental Quality, wetland restoration contractors, and Chesapeake Bay conservation organizations.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Virginia
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