Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Summary

Environmental scientists and specialists analyze samples of air, water, and other substances to identify and assess threats to people and the environment.

Quick Facts: Environmental Scientists and Specialists
2010 Median Pay	$61,700 per year $29.66 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	89,400
Job Outlook, 2010-20	19% (About as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	16,700

What Environmental Scientists and Specialists Do

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. They identify problems and find solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population.

Work Environment

Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. They also may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand. Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time.

How to Become an Environmental Scientist or Specialist

Environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science for most entry-level jobs.

Pay

The median annual wage of environmental scientists and specialists was $61,700 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as the increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of environmental scientists and specialists with similar occupations.

O*NET

O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Contacts for More Information

Learn more about environmental scientists and specialists by contacting these additional resources.

What Environmental Scientists and Specialists Do About this section

Environmental scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment.

Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. They identify problems and find solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population.

Duties

Environmental scientists and specialists typically do the following:

• Determine data collection methods for research projects, investigations, and surveys
• Collect environmental data, such as 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 pollution and harm to land or water
• Develop plans to restore polluted or contaminated land or water
• 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

Environmental scientists and specialists analyze environmental problems and develop solutions. For example, many environmental scientists and specialists work to reclaim lands and waters that have been contaminated by pollution. Others assess the risks new construction projects pose to the environment and make recommendations to governments and businesses on how to minimize the environmental impact of these projects. They also identify ways that human behavior can be changed to avoid problems such as the depletion of the ozone layer.

The federal government and many state and local governments have regulations to ensure that there is clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and no hazardous materials in the soil. The regulations also place limits on development, particularly near sensitive parts of the ecosystem, such as wetlands. Many environmental scientists and specialists work for the government to ensure that these regulations are followed. Other environmental scientists work for consulting firms that help companies comply with regulations and policies.

Some environmental scientists and specialists focus on environmental regulations that are designed to protect people’s health, while others focus on regulations designed to minimize society’s impact on the ecosystem. The following are examples of types of specialists:

Environmental health specialists study how environmental factors impact human health. They investigate potential health risks, such as unsafe drinking water, disease, and food safety. They also educate the public about potential health risks present in the environment.

Environmental protection specialists monitor the effect human activity has on the environment. They investigate sources of pollution and develop prevention, control, and remediation plans.

Other environmental scientists do work and receive training that is similar to that of other physical or life scientists, but they focus on environmental issues. Environmental chemists are an example.

Environmental chemists study the effects that various chemicals have on ecosystems. For example, they look at how acids affect plants, animals, and people. Some areas in which they work include waste management and the remediation of contaminated soils, water, and air.

Many people with backgrounds in environmental science become professors and teachers. For more information, see the profile on postsecondary teachers.

Work Environment About this section

Many environmental scientists and specialists work in laboratories.

Environmental scientists and specialists held about 89,400 jobs in 2010. Most environmental scientists and specialists work for private consulting firms or for federal, state, or local governments. The largest employers of environmental scientists and specialists in 2010 were the following:

Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. They also may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand. Fieldwork can be physically demanding, and environmental scientists and specialists may work in all types of weather. Environmental scientists and specialists often have to travel to meet with clients.

Most consulting firms fall into one of two categories: large multidisciplinary engineering companies that employ thousands of workers, or small specialty firms that employ only a few workers. Larger firms are more likely to engage in large-scale, long-term projects in which environmental scientists work with scientists and engineers in other disciplines. In smaller specialty firms, environmental scientists work directly with small businesses and clients in government and the private sector.

Work Schedules

Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time. They may have to work long or irregular hours when working in the field.

How to Become an Environmental Scientist or Specialist About this section

For most jobs, environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science.

For most jobs, environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science.

Education

For most entry-level jobs, environmental scientists and specialists must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or another natural science, such as biology, chemistry, or geosciences. However, a master’s degree may be needed for advancement. A doctoral degree is typically needed only for college teaching and some research positions.

A bachelor’s degree in environmental science offers a broad approach to the natural sciences. Students typically take courses in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Students often take specialized courses in hydrology, waste management, and fluid mechanics as part of their degree as well. Classes in environmental policy and regulation are also beneficial.

Students should look for opportunities, such as through classes and internships, to work with computer modeling, data analysis, and geographic information systems. Students with experience in these programs will be the best prepared to enter the job market.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Environmental scientists and specialists base their conclusions on careful analysis of scientific data. They must consider all possible methods and solutions in their analyses. 

Interpersonal skills. Environmental scientists and specialists typically work on teams with scientists, engineers, and technicians. Team members must be able to work together effectively to achieve their goals.            

Problem-solving skills. Environmental scientists and specialists try to find the best possible solution to problems that affect the environment and people’s health.

Speaking skills. Environmental scientists and specialists often give presentations that explain their findings, and they need to convince others to accept their recommendations.

Writing skills. Environmental scientists and specialists write technical reports that explain their methods, findings, and recommendations.

Advancement

Environmental scientists and specialists often begin their careers as field analysts, research assistants, or technicians in laboratories and offices. As they gain experience, they get more responsibilities and autonomy and may supervise the work of technicians or other scientists. Eventually, they may be promoted to project leader, program manager, or some other management or research position.

Other environmental scientists and specialists go on to work as researchers or faculty at colleges and universities.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of environmental scientists and specialists was $61,700 in May 2011. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,850, and the top 10 percent earned more than $107,990.

Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time. They may have to work long or irregular hours when working in the field.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as the increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, is projected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists. Further demand is also expected as a result of new and increasingly complex environmental laws and regulations. 

Most employment growth for environmental scientists and specialists is projected to be in private consulting firms that help clients monitor and manage environmental concerns and comply with regulations.

More businesses are expected to consult with environmental scientists in the future to help them minimize the impact their operations have on the environment. For example, environmental consultants help businesses develop practices that minimize waste, prevent pollution, and conserve resources. Other environmental scientists 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.

Job Prospects

Environmental scientists and specialists should have good job opportunities. In addition to growth, many job openings will be created by scientists who retire, advance to management positions, or change careers.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For more information about environmental scientists and specialists, including training, visit

American Geosciences Institute

For information about careers and training as an environmental health specialist, visit

National Environmental Health Association

For information about getting a job as an environmental scientist and specialist with the federal government, visit

USAJOBS