Life As an Environmental Scientist or Specialist
Environmental Scientist or Specialist Job Description 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. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Daily Life Of an Environmental Scientist or Specialist
- Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.
- Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.
- Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
- Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
- Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
- Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.
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Skills Needed to be an Environmental Scientist or Specialist
When polled, Environmental Scientists and Specialists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Hazardous Substances Scientist
- Research Environmental Scientist
- Compliance Coordinator
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
- Clinical Researcher
Job Outlook for Environmental Scientists and Specialists
In the United States, there were 89,500 jobs for Environmental Scientist or Specialist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,900 new jobs for Environmental Scientist or Specialist by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Environmental Scientist or Specialist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Environmental Scientist or Specialist are Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Environmental Scientists and Specialists Salary
The average yearly salary of an Environmental Scientist or Specialist ranges between $42,520 and $124,620.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Environmental Scientists and Specialists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $67,630 |
| Alaska | $80,220 |
| Arizona | $72,150 |
| Arkansas | $58,540 |
| California | $91,890 |
| Colorado | $93,010 |
| Connecticut | $83,220 |
| Delaware | $59,890 |
| District of Columbia | $115,190 |
| Florida | $58,790 |
| Georgia | $72,860 |
| Hawaii | $69,780 |
| Idaho | $60,470 |
| Illinois | $78,640 |
| Indiana | $62,590 |
| Iowa | $74,140 |
| Kansas | $76,780 |
| Kentucky | $51,740 |
| Louisiana | $68,570 |
| Maine | $67,390 |
| Maryland | $77,300 |
| Massachusetts | $82,580 |
| Michigan | $69,430 |
| Minnesota | $74,880 |
| Missouri | $53,820 |
| Montana | $68,660 |
| Nebraska | $61,020 |
| Nevada | $63,920 |
| New Hampshire | $75,520 |
| New Jersey | $80,350 |
| New Mexico | $87,200 |
| New York | $79,340 |
| North Carolina | $64,850 |
| North Dakota | $72,860 |
| Ohio | $74,750 |
| Oklahoma | $65,490 |
| Oregon | $77,980 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,430 |
| Rhode Island | $82,160 |
| South Dakota | $61,250 |
| Tennessee | $72,470 |
| Texas | $80,880 |
| Utah | $68,480 |
| Vermont | $66,440 |
| Virginia | $85,550 |
| Washington | $85,090 |
| West Virginia | $56,380 |
| Wisconsin | $61,030 |
| Wyoming | $68,940 |
What Tools do Environmental Scientists and Specialists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Environmental Scientists and Specialists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Structured query language SQL
- Database software
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Graphics software
Becoming an Environmental Scientist or Specialist
What education or degrees do I need to become an Environmental Scientist or Specialist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Environmental Scientists and Specialists Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Environmental Scientists and Specialists employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Environmental Scientist or Specialist might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as an Environmental Scientist or Specialist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Lynn Betts via Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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