I want to get into the sustainable development, natural resource management, and environmental services industries, companies that work with the government or private sector, and eventually work my way up to a natural sciences manager but it's really hard to know what these big companies want. |
I would start finding the website for any small to mid-size environmental consulting companies in your area, see if they offer GIS services, and show up resume-in-hand. This way, you can usually speak to someone (sometimes a manager, not a HR person), and see if they have an opening - if not, they know you're around and they know you're motivated. If no one can see you, no harm done, move onto the next. A lot of these companies may have a need for casual or seasonal help, especially in spring/summer when field work is ramping up/ongoing.
I would still apply for large company postings, but you'll likely get screened out immediately with no direct experience.
Other than that, staying active by volunteering in some GIS capacity, like you're doing, is great.
Unfortunately, the first job is the hardest (obviously) so just prepare for rejection and legwork.
PS - I'm speaking as an environmental consultant, and know that people get hired where there isn't a job posting all the time.