Life As an Environmental Scientist or Specialist
Job Description & Duties 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.
What Do Environmental Scientists and Specialists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
- Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
- Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
- Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
- Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.
- Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
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Skills Needed to be an Environmental Scientist or Specialist
Below is a list of the skills most Environmental Scientists and Specialists say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Environmental Scientist or Specialist Jobs
- Air Analyst
- Environmental Systems Coordinator
- Hazardous Substances Scientist
- Environmental Programs Specialist
- Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Job Demand 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each 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.
How Much Does an Environmental Scientist or Specialist Make?
The salary for Environmental Scientists and Specialists ranges between about $42,520 and $124,620 a year.
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 & Technology 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
Education needed to be an Environmental Scientist or Specialist:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Environmental Scientists and Specialists Work?
Environmental Scientists and Specialists work in the following industries:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Environmental Scientist or Specialist may also be interested in:
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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