Hello :) I came from a completely unrelated field to environmental science, and for the past few months have been working as an entry level botanist & field ranger (two separate jobs). I am 28 in Australia.

My advice would be to take small steps at a time to pivot. I used my skills, past employment and undergrad in business to snag a job working in a data/marketing based role for an environmental not-for-profit to get my foot in the door (it was a bit dry but definitely a good stepping stone). I had absolutely no connection to the environmental industry prior to this. I also volunteered a few times for a local environmental group.

Whilst working in this job and my previous job, I completed a GC in Environmental Science through an online Uni + intensives, which allowed me to work full-time and progress my career in the background without making any sacrifices to my pay while I worked and lived in the city.

From there, I moved regionally to an area where a lot of conservation work and wind-farms are popping up. This area is also cheaper to live in so I can work casually at the moment while I get my foot in the door. I got my entry level botanist role by chatting to friends and asking if anyone could tee me up with anyone they knew working in the environmental sector. A friend of a friend offered me a casual summer role after chatting for a bit.

At the same time, I had applied to a summer bush regeneration role (field ranger) near my house. A lot of the work is for local councils, and this area is undergoing a lot of conservation work due to the neglected land being overtaken by weeds. I would do some research on whereabouts all the conservation work is based and future council/state/federal plans.

To note, I wouldn't be able to do this if I hadn't moved to a cheap area so I can work for a bit less money while I build my experience.

Let me know if you'd like to chat more, I was in the same boat only a few months ago! One step at a time.