So you are more interested in pure science vs applied. You want a job/career that allows you to study some part of the natural world for itself alone. Sounds like it would make more sense to be on an expedition of some sort/foraging education/experience, or you may have what you need and be moving into in lab or in life research?
Others can do the work of getting the people to "see" this world in a way that promotes its health. You can help provide them with the information they need to do this.
...keep looking, you will find a niche...