Environmental Scientist and Specialist
Additional Information
Duties
They all have these traits:
- Data gathering procedures are critical to the success of inquiries, surveys, and other data collection methods.
- Request soil, water, and food samples for scientific review.
- Find and assess environmental dangers using surveys and other data.
- Seek answers to issues like contamination of land and water.
- Awareness-raising for the public, corporations, and government.
- Produce technical papers and presentations that explain your findings in detail.
Environmental scientists research and solve environmental issues. For example, environmental professionals clean up contaminated land and water. Experts are increasingly advising governments and businesses on ways to reduce the environmental impact of new construction projects. An environmental scientist can study industrial processes and campaign against the usage of substances that are known to be hazardous to the environment.
The federal, state, and municipal governments have set criteria to ensure clean air, water, and soil. No new construction near sensitive areas like wetlands is allowed. Governments use environmental researchers and specialists to monitor compliance with environmental laws. Companies that need help complying with legislation hire environmental experts and consultants.
The health of humans is not the only concern of certain environmental scientists and professionals. Here are some examples of various experts:
The consequences of climate change on ecosystems are a hot topic. A scientist's duties often include public outreach and grant writing.
Environmental health and safety professionals study how pollution affects human health. They look at any environmental health risks. Soil and water contamination from nuclear weapons production may be studied. They also educate the public on the consequences of pollution.
After assessing polluted areas, environmental restoration planners estimate budgets and actions.
Industrial ecologist's purpose is to help businesses increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Researchers study programs and their effects on ecosystems.
Environmental scientists, like other physical or biological scientists, do similar work and are trained. There are several environmental chemists. For example, they could explore how acids affect plants, animals, and humans. They cover issues like waste management and contaminated soil, water, and air remediation.
Education
An undergraduate degree in environmental science or a similar natural resource area is generally necessary. Promotion may require master's degrees. PhDs are only necessary for a few postsecondary teaching and research positions.
A bachelor's degree in environmental science provides a broader view of the natural sciences. Students prefer biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. This degree's electives include hydrology and waste management. It's also wise to attend environmental policy and regulation lessons. Those wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental science may benefit from a background in chemistry, biology, physics, or geology.
The majority of environmental science programs offer internship opportunities. Volunteering or interning after college can help future scientists develop the skills they need.
Students should look into curriculum and internship options in computing, data analysis, and geographic information systems (GISs). As a result, students who complete one of these programs will be better prepared to find work. UCAR's programs help students learn about environmental sciences.
Importance Criteria
Analytical skills Environmental scientists base their conclusions on scientific evidence. When researching, they must consider everything.
Language and communication skills. Environmental scientists and professionals' findings may necessitate specialized publications and presentations for various audiences.
Interaction with others. Most environmental specialists and scientists collaborate alongside engineers and technicians. To succeed, the group's members must communicate and work well together.
Creativity and problem-solving skills. Environmental and health experts collaborate to find solutions to environmental and health concerns.
Self-discipline. Environmental scientists and professionals may spend a lot of time alone. They must stay motivated and finish activities without supervision.
Advancement
Environmental science expertise gives scientists and professionals more responsibility and influence over others' work. They may become a project manager, program manager, or research manager in the future.
These experts and researchers work in universities or colleges. View the profile of a postsecondary teacher.
Licenses and certifications.
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management certifies environmental scientists and specialists. With this qualification, an environmental scientist or specialist can show that they are current in their profession.
Ecological Society of America certificates are also offered for environmental scientists.
Work Experience in Related Fields
Workers in environmental labs and offices often start out as field analysts, research assistants, or environmental protection technicians.
Several environmental scientists and professionals begin their careers in related fields like hydrology or engineering.
Pay
Workers in this field earned an average of $73,230 per year in May of 2020. It is the pay at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Between the bottom 10% and the top 10%, there was a wide disparity in income.
Job Projections
Occupational growth for environmental scientists and specialists will be 8 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is in line with the overall growth rate.