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Industrial Ecologist

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What is an Industrial Ecologist?

Industrial Ecologist Job Description Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

What Do Industrial Ecologists Do On a Daily Basis?

  • Examine local, regional or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
  • Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
  • Promote use of environmental management systems (EMS) to reduce waste or to improve environmentally sound use of natural resources.
  • Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
  • Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
  • Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.

Things an Industrial Ecologist Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Industrial Ecologists say are important on the job.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainable Systems Analyst
  • Life Cycle Assessment Analyst
  • Environmental Business Development Associate
  • Aquatic Ecologist

What Kind of Industrial Ecologist Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 89,500 jobs for Industrial Ecologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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 Industrial Ecologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Industrial Ecologist per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Industrial Ecologist 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.

Salary for an Industrial Ecologist

Industrial Ecologists make between $42,520 and $124,620 a year.

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Industrial Ecologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

How much do Industrial Ecologists make in different U.S. states?

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 Industrial Ecologists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Industrial Ecologists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Python
  • Email software
  • SAP
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • SAS
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • STATISTICA
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Online databases

How do I Become an Industrial Ecologist?

Are there Industrial Ecologists education requirements?

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What work experience do I need to become an Industrial Ecologist?

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Where do Industrial Ecologists Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Industrial Ecologists work:

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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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