<p>I have some family members that are in the private sector, it’s not exactly research oriented, but in terms of solving environmental problems on a case-by-case basis it sounds like it’s pretty much what you’re looking for. Anyways, it sounds like they look for a geology degree first and foremost, or depending on the position they might alternatively look for a environmental and earth engineering degree, and secondarily they would be looking for an understanding of economics and biological factors.</p>
<p>Some of the universities that I’ve been told they hire out of (they’re an international corporation, but the office I have knowledge of is based in the midwest, so it’s probably disproportionately skewed that direction): University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Obviously there are more, but those seemed like the big three.</p>
<p>If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.</p>