The first step would be taking up an undergraduate degree according to your area of interest in the vast arena of environmental science. Some important degrees for making a career in environmental science are life science, geology, botany, hydrology, atmospheric science, physics, geophysics or chemistry. To get an entry level job, a bachelor's degree is enough but to crack a job in a respectable private industry, a master's or natural science doctoral degree is vital.
There are some advanced degrees in the field of environmental science like a Ph.D. or a Master's degree. Having such degrees can get you a respectable job as an environmental scientist in both the private as well as the government sector. Having an advanced degree is very essential as the most environmental scientists are recruited by the government and if you do not possess an advanced degree then you are limiting your chances.
Once you decide to be an environmental scientist, you have to make proper research on the institutions that are offering specific courses in environmental science. Numerous schools, colleges and universities are emphasizing varied courses based on natural science such as biology, geology and chemistry. Knowledge of data analysis and geography is essential if you want to take up a career in environmental science. If you want to become a policy maker and get into regulation of environmental science then you need to take up a degree in environmental law and waste management.
There are several agencies that deals with environmental science and also offer some positions as a volunteer. These volunteers conduct the work of research and collection of data. There are also full time opportunities of employment as a volunteer environmental scientist. You can take up such a job initially as it will be an excellent learning process regarding all the latest happenings in environmental science. By doing this you will be able to take up all the essential aspects of environmental science.
You can search online websites for getting information on available jobs or internships in your specialized field in environmental science. There are varied websites that list vacancies in the various fields of environmental science. You can choose your desired field and make an application for the position. If you want to take up paid internships, then you can visit the website of Environmental Careers Organization and search for the options.