In June 1994, Merritt College, in Oakland, California, conducted a study to determine career employment prospects for high school graduates and community college students in programs in the college's Environmental Sciences (ES) department and tech prep program. A sample of 178 organizations from the environmental industry was developed and divided into the categories of small businesses, large businesses or corporations, non-governmental organizations or advocacy groups, non-advocacy groups, governmental organizations, research organizations, physical plant management, professional and trade societies, and listing organizations. Telephone interviews were completed with individuals at 69% of the organizations, requesting their perceptions of employment trends and needs. In general, responses indicated that there was a growth in and an ongoing demand for community college graduates in environmental industries, especially through internships and affirmative action programs. Larger government and private sector companies, however, reported less growth than smaller agencies and businesses. Job skills needed by graduates that were commonly cited by respondents included interpersonal, public contact, and teamwork abilities, as well as general understanding of technical and scientific principles and familiarity with the tools of the workplace. Recommendations for improving programs in the department include improving articulation and academic advising efforts, updating curricula, restructuring majors into a broader core with specialty options, upgrading facilities, and improving student support and program coordination. Appendixes include a description of ES programs at Merritt College, a curriculum development proposal, a progress report on the development of environmental programs at the college, and sample tech prep course selections. Contains 30 references. (TGI)