How to Become One: Environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or science-related field for most entry-level jobs. Some areas in which they work include waste management and the remediation of contaminated soils, water, and air. The list of career options within Environmental Science goes far beyond our “Top 5 Most Popular Environmental Science Careers” list. An environmental geologist ensures that the water supplies and soil remain pure and uncontaminated without hindering their accessibility to the organisms that need them to survive. For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. In addition, the Ecological Society of America offers several levels of … Academic institutes must allow environmental scientists to grieve well and thus emerge stronger from traumatic experiences to discover new insights about our rapidly changing world. Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental scientists and specialists with similar occupations. State and local government positions are particularly expected to increase in availability as the need for more efficient water usage increases. More Information, Including Links to O*NET, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm, Management, scientific, and technical consulting services, State government, excluding education and hospitals, Local government, excluding education and hospitals, Federal government, excluding postal service, Determine data collection methods for research projects, investigations, and surveys, Collect and compile environmental data from samples of air, soil, water, food, and other materials for scientific analysis, Analyze samples, surveys, and other information to identify and assess threats to the environment, Develop plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems, such as land or water pollution, Provide information and guidance to government officials, businesses, and the general public on possible environmental hazards and health risks, Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain their research and findings. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are projected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists. Environmental scientists and specialists held about 90,900 jobs in 2019. Some of the programs have specific concentrations associated with them but a degree in Environmental Science will more than likely at least allow you to get a foot in the door. The average growth rate for all occupations is 4 percent. Environmental scientists and specialists may have to travel to meet with clients or present research at conferences. Practical experience is also highly favored among employers, so getting a license and taking part of cooperative engineering programs that offer college credit for job experience are strongly recommended. You can view our list of in-depth career profiles for Environmental Science below. Self-discipline. Oceanographers, ecologists, geologists and microbiologists focus on a very specific field of science and usually combine indoor and outdoor work with an interaction with other scientists. Many jobs will remain concentrated in state and local governments, and in industries that provide consulting services. The site is secure. The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings. They analyze costs and benefits of various programs, as well as their impacts on ecosystems. Their findings are then used to ensure that go… These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for environmental scientists and specialists was $77,9580 in May 2018. Environmental Science is a diverse field that offers those who study it multiple paths to challenging and rewarding careers in the future. Other environmental scientists and specialists perform work and receive training similar to that of other physical or life scientists, but they focus on environmental issues. Many people with backgrounds in environmental science become postsecondary teachers or high school teachers. at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm (visited January 03, 2021). The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $71,360 in May 2019. Environmental scientists and specialists may do research and provide advice on manufacturing practices, such as advising against the use of chemicals that are known to harm the environment. The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code. For example, environmental consultants help businesses to develop practices that minimize waste, prevent pollution, and conserve resources. Local and state government employees, excluding hospital sand education, earned less at $75,350 and $69,570 respectively. Environmental chemists are an example. Other environmental scientists and specialists are expected to be needed to help planners develop and construct buildings, utilities, and transportation systems that protect natural resources and limit damage to the land. Specialties affect the specific activities that environmental scientists perform, although recent … Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination. Other environmental scientists and specialists perform work and receive training similar to that of other physical or life scientists, but they focus on environmental issues. Since education and concentrations possess such a strong influence over the type of job that you will be eligible for post-graduation, it's important to do research and select a career to work toward. Health Environmental Scientists and Specialists conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education. The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. Apply to Environmental Specialist, Environmental Engineer, Protection Specialist and more! Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation. Unlike environmental biologists, you focus on the environment, not the animals that inhabit an ecosystem. In general environmental science is a growing field and becoming more important for the planet. Environmental scientists and specialists may need to present and explain their findings to audiences of varying backgrounds and write technical reports. Environmental scientists and specialists can become Certified Hazardous Materials Managers through the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. They then relay the information to different agencies and to the public. Most public health professionals who work on environmental issues are employed by local and state health departments, environmental agencies, and occupational health and safety agencies. There are a number of options for an Environmental Science degree. Sales Associate - Paid Training - Littleton. Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Scientists and specialists will continue to be needed in these industries to analyze environmental problems and develop solutions that ensure communities’ health. Environmental Scientist . Environmental laywers are responsible for using the law to find justice for the environment, people, or organisms or wildlife. The projected numeric change in employment from 2019 to 2029. Being such a broad and generalized field, environmental science provides a plethora of interesting professional opportunities. Environmental scientists and specialists can become Certified Hazardous Materials Managers through the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. Environmental scientists, resource managers, and business and government officials base many decisions on environmental factors. For more information, see the profile on postsecondary teachers. Environmental scientists and specialists are dedicated to studying the natural and manmade resources that contribute (in both positive and negative ways) to the health of our planet. Some may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand. Read the Environmental Science Career Guide, and figure out what it takes for different careers in Environmental Science. They must consider all possible methods and solutions in their analyses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary from an environmental scientist was $63,570. The following are examples of types of specialists: Climate change analysts study effects on ecosystems caused by the changing climate. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $71,360 in May 2019. The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. They develop strategies to clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, and work with industry to reduce waste or hazards. They typically work under the supervision of environmental scientists or specialists and have their data evaluated by their superior before reporting to the client and other interested parties. Last Modified Date: Environmental protection specialists are scientists who determine the effect of human behavior on the environment. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. They investigate potential environmental health risks. A bachelor’s degree in environmental science offers a broad approach to the natural sciences. The increase in threats to our environment as more resources are consumed and more and more spaces are commercialized necessitate the recruitment of individuals who possess a strong knowledge of the sciences and the eco system who can use that to come up with innovative and sustainable solutions. Environmental scientists' goal is to identify, abate, or eliminate pollutants and hazards to the environment or the health of the population. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste. Students should look for classes and internships that include work in computer modeling, data analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GISs). For example, many environmental scientists and specialists work to reclaim lands and waters that have been contaminated by pollution. For example, they look at how acids affect plants, animals, and people. Other environmental scientists and specialists go on to work as researchers or faculty at colleges and universities. The largest employers of environmental scientists and specialists were as follows: Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. Environmental scientists and specialists who work for governments ensure that the regulations are followed. The projected percent change in employment from 2019 to 2029. Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2019, which is the base year of the 2019-29 employment projections. Some environmental scientists and specialists focus on environmental issues, while others focus on issues relating to human health. Fieldwork can be physically demanding, and environmental scientists and specialists may work in all types of weather. The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Conservation scientists and foresters manage the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources. The regulations also place limits on development, particularly near sensitive ecosystems, such as wetlands. This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of environmental scientists and specialists. Businesses are expected to continue to consult with environmental scientists and specialists to help them minimize the impact their operations have on the environment. Problem-solving skills. Environmental Consulting & Restoration specializes in inland and coastal wetland resource area delineations and project permitting. The natural sciences encompass a wide range of scientific fields covering all of the basic sciences and many of their applied derivatives. They conduct research to help them in this endeavor. Our summary of the most popular careers within environmental science will get you kick started on figuring out which might be best for you. For most jobs, environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field. The employment rate of environmental scientist is thriving, with projected growth rate to rise $15 from 2012 to 2022. Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth. Other environmental scientists and specialists work for consulting firms that help companies comply with regulations and policies. Strong Communication Skills – Communication is a key part of an environmental specialists job duties. Environmental engineers need at least a bachelor’s in either environmental engineering or another branch of the same field such as general, chemical or civil engineering. Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust. Receiving an undergraduate degree in environmental engineering or another branch of engineering is the first step toward becoming an environmental engineer. Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation. SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Environmental scientists and specialists, including health. Environmental scientists and specialists who have a doctoral degree make up a small percentage of the occupation, and this level of training typically is needed only for the relatively few postsecondary teaching and basic research positions. $71,130 (environmental scientists and specialists)* Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Environmental scientists earned a median wage of $61,700 a year as of May 2011, according to the BLS. Eventually, they may be promoted to project leader, program manager, or some other management or research position. The objective of an environmental scientist’s career is to investigate, identify, prevent and solve environmental problems in order to ensure that the planet and all its living creatures are kept safe. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face. Preparing, reviewing and updating environmental investigative reports, designing projects that lead to the preservation of the environment and also help people such as water reclamation facilities, analyzing scientific data and providing technical support on environmental mediation projects and advising corporate and government agencies about cleanup protocol for contaminated areas. If your passion is not a top 5 career, do not worry! Below are a few other careers – there are many options! This certification, which must be renewed every 5 years, shows that an environmental scientist or specialist is staying current with developments relevant to the occupation’s work. Exact duties will … It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. According to The College Board, management, scientific and technical consulting services will be the industry with the most new jobs created between 2008 and 2018: jobs in these fields are expected to grow by 83 percent. How much does an environmental geologist earn each year? Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes. The BLS expects job growth to be about 19 percent from 2010 through 2020. The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile. We will constantly be adding to this list, but a career profile does take a lot of academic research and profiling to understand the full depth of a position and career. The Environmental scientists and specialists base their conclusions on careful analysis of scientific data. Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time. They should experience a 25.1% rate of growth during this time period. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics survey. Want to know more about the job duties of an Environmental Scientist or Specialist? Please enable javascript to play this video. This certification, which must be renewed every 5 years, shows that an environmental scientist or specialist is staying current with developments relevant to the occupation’s work. Environmental scientists and specialists should have good job opportunities. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) offers several programs to help students broaden their understanding of environmental sciences. Many environmental scientists do work and have training that is similar to other physical or life scientists, but they focus on environmental issues. Environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or science-related field for most entry-level jobs. How can you become an environmental geologist? There are 11 common regulatory areas for Environmental Law, which include: Environmental biology is already a more focused aspect of environmental science, but there are still that a student can choose from such as ecological conversation, land and water specialization and landscape analysis and management. In addition, over the next 10 years Environmental Scientists and Specialists will be one of the fastest growing occupations. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Jobs in environmental science are rapidly growing, so the projected rate of 15 percent from 2011 to 2022 still applies to environmental engineers. Either way, they work on critical issues, solving some of the most important problems of our day. Others concentrate their efforts toward policy work, legislation, and other government-related areas of environmental protection and regulation. Students who want to reach the Ph.D. level may find it advantageous to major in a more specific natural science, such as chemistry, biology, physics, or geology, rather than earn a broader environmental science degree. Candidates may improve their employment prospects by gaining hands-on experience through an internship. CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. However, environmental health scientists are more likely to focus on applying the scientific method to help with complex problem-solving. Environmental protection specialists require the same education as an environmental scientist. Environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual wage of $71,360 in ... Environmental Health Specialist vs. Environmental Health Scientist. They may have to work more than 40 hours a week when working in the field. They work closely with clients to monitor the environment of public places, businesses and more to prevent any contamination that can negatively affect human health. But, it would be responsible of you to research your passion to make sure the outlook is good for the career. These two professions work on similar problems and in similar contexts. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste. For most entry-level jobs, environmental scientists and specialists must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, physics, geosciences, or engineering. Students can also choose to study environmental policy, management and planning which will lead to a career with a less generalized scope such as an environmental lawyer, who may conduct research and work outside the courtroom to build their case. However, a master’s degree may be needed for advancement. Whether it's an environmental scientist or specialist who works in a lab or a natural resource manager who looks after the distribution of the Earth's precious materials, a career in environmental science is for the environmentally-minded individual who wants to make a difference on our planet. Students often take specialized courses in hydrology or waste management as part of their degree as well. Their duties involve coming up with ways to reduce waste, improve recycling, enhance the preventative measures taken to ensure public health and manage air pollution. Salary: The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists … This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, In addition, the Ecological Society of America offers several levels of certification for environmental scientists who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in ecology. Some members of this profession are primarily field-based and spend their workday collecting air, water, soil, and other samples to analyze. Likewise, there are now more options for online degrees in Environmental Science. For more information about environmental scientists and specialists, including training, visit, For more information about certification as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, visit, Institute of Hazardous Materials Management, For more information about certification as an ecologist, visit, For information about environmental health specialists and related occupations, visit, National Environmental Health Association, Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health. Keep reading to learn more about the salary, job outlook, and job description of this occupation. Team members must be able to work together effectively to achieve their goals. It could be very rewarding to find a career that combines your interests and passion for the environment and provides you with a secure job, personal fulfillment and enrichment. What Would I Do as an Environmental Scientist? 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