The fact that environmental occupations cannot be easily categorized reflects the extent to which many occupations and industries are increasing their focus on the environment. Heightened public awareness of the environment and increased regulation through government pollution control and clean-up laws are influencing the trend toward an increased environmental focus in existing jobs and the emergence of new environmentally related jobs and businesses. Environmental occupations are driven by government funding. The focus of government policy has shifted from water supply (1960s) to solid waste management (1970s), from hazardous waste management (1980s) to air quality (1990s). Emerging jobs reflect the current emphasis of government policy on pollution control. Education and training requirements for environmental workers are changing with the times as well. A technical background is required of most environmentalists. Master's degrees or two-year technical degrees are the trend. Environmentalists need field experience and supervisory ability to secure the best jobs. Five types of environmental specialist occupations have been identified: environmental engineers, epidemiologists, wetland ecologists, environmental trainers, and environmental service technicians. Within all five, the trend for related occupations is toward higher educational requirements. Skills in math and science are essential; communication skills are strongly desired. Internships and volunteer opportunities are ways to get on-the-job experience. (Contains 13 annotated print resources and 3 resource organizations.) (YLB)