Environmental Scientist or Specialist

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. 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.

On the job, you would:

Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.

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.

Communication skills. Environmental scientists and specialists may need to present and explain their findings to audiences of varying backgrounds and write technical reports.

Interpersonal skills. Environmental scientists and specialists typically work on teams along 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.

Self-discipline. Environmental scientists and specialists may spend a lot of time working alone. They need to stay motivated and get their work done without supervision.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		90%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		83%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
		83%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		81%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		81%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		76%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		75%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		72%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		71%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		71%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		71%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		71%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		66%	Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
		66%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		52%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Investigative - Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
		72%	Realistic - Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		67%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		67%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		67%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		61%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		78%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		78%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		78%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		78%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		75%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		72%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		72%	Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
		69%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
		69%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		60%	Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
		60%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		53%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		53%	Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
		53%	Mathematical Reasoning - The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
		53%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		68%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		66%	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		64%	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		61%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		61%	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.
		59%	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		59%	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
		57%	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
		57%	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		57%	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
		54%	Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
		54%	Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
		54%	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
		52%	Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
		52%	Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Assess compliance with environmental laws.

Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.

Advise others on matters of public policy.

Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Compile environmental or climatological data.

Provide technical information or assistance to public.

Plan environmental research.

Advise others about environmental management or conservation.

Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.

Supervise trainees.

Supervise scientific or technical personnel.

Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.

Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.

Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.

Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.

Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.

Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.

Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.

Advise others about environmental management or conservation.

Plan environmental research.

Direct technical activities or operations.

Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.

Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		97%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		92%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		91%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		85%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		84%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		80%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		76%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		74%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		73%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		70%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		69%	Letters and Memos - How often does the job require written letters and memos?
		68%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		64%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		62%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		60%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		60%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		56%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		52%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		51%	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks - How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
		52%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		91%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		89%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		86%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		85%	Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		85%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		84%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		82%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		82%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		79%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		78%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		76%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		75%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		75%	Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		74%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		69%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		65%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		64%	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		63%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		62%	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
		54%	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
		53%	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
		52%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		51%	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
		51%	Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
		51%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

What Environmental Scientists and Specialists Do

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 and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste.

Duties

Environmental scientists and specialists typically do the following:

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

Environmental scientists and specialists analyze environmental problems and develop solutions to them. For example, many environmental scientists and specialists work to reclaim lands and waters that have been contaminated by pollution. Others assess the risks that new construction projects pose to the environment and make recommendations to governments and businesses on how to minimize the environmental impact of these projects. 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 federal government and many state and local governments have regulations to ensure that there is clean air to breathe and safe water to drink, and that there are no hazardous materials in the soil. The regulations also place limits on development, particularly near sensitive ecosystems, such as wetlands. Environmental scientists and specialists who work for governments ensure that the regulations are followed. Other environmental scientists and specialists 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:

Climate change analysts study effects on ecosystems caused by the changing climate. They may do outreach education activities and grant writing typical of scientists.

Environmental health and safety specialists study how environmental factors affect human health. They investigate potential environmental health risks. For example, they may investigate and address issues arising from soil and water contamination caused by nuclear weapons manufacturing. They also educate the public about health risks that may be present in the environment.

Environmental restoration planners assess polluted sites and determine the cost and activities necessary to clean up the area.

Industrial ecologists work with industry to increase the efficiency of their operations and thereby limit the impacts these activities have on the environment. They analyze costs and benefits of various programs, as well as their impacts on ecosystems.

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. For example, environmental chemists study the effects that various chemicals have on ecosystems. To illustrate, they may study 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 postsecondary teachers or high school teachers.

Work Environment

Environmental scientists and specialists held about 80,500 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of environmental scientists and specialists were as follows:

State government, excluding education and hospitals	26%
Management, scientific, and technical consulting services	21
Local government, excluding education and hospitals	14
Engineering services	10
Federal government, excluding postal service	7

Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. Some may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand, but this work is much more likely to be done by environmental science and protection technicians. Fieldwork can be physically demanding, and environmental scientists and specialists may work in all types of weather. Environmental scientists and specialists may have to travel to meet with clients or present research at conferences.

Work Schedules

Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time. They may have to work more than 40 hours a week when working in the field.

Getting Started

Education:

47%

Bachelor's Degree

21%

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

How to Become an Environmental Scientist or Specialist

For most jobs, environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field.

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

Education and Training

Environmental scientists and specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related natural resources field. However, a master’s degree may be needed for advancement. 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.

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 or waste management as part of their degree as well. Classes in environmental policy and regulation are also beneficial. 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.

Many environmental science programs include an internship, which allows students to gain practical experience. Prospective scientists also may volunteer for or participate in internships after graduation to develop skills needed for the occupation.

Students should look for classes and internships that include work in computer modeling, data analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GISs). Students with experience in these programs will be the best prepared to enter the job market. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) offers several programs to help students broaden their understanding of environmental sciences.

Advancement

As environmental scientists and specialists gain experience, they earn 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. For more information, see the profile on postsecondary teachers.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Environmental scientists and specialists can become Certified Hazardous Materials Managers through the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). 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. In addition, the Ecological Society of America (ESA) offers several levels of certification for environmental scientists who wish to demonstrate their proficiency in ecology.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Environmental scientists and specialists often begin their careers as field analysts, research assistants, or environmental science and protection technicians in laboratories and offices.

Some environmental scientists and specialists begin their careers as scientists in related occupations, such as hydrology or engineering, and then move into the more interdisciplinary field of environmental science.

Job Outlook

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 6,900 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Heightened public interest in hazards facing the environment is projected to create demand for environmental scientists and specialists. These workers will continue to be needed to analyze environmental problems and develop solutions that ensure communities’ health.

Businesses are expected to continue consulting with environmental scientists and specialists to help reduce the impact of their operations on the environment. For example, environmental consultants help businesses to develop practices that minimize waste, prevent pollution, and conserve resources. Other environmental scientists and specialists will be needed to help planners develop and construct buildings, utilities, and transportation systems that protect natural resources and limit damage to the land.

Contacts for More Information

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

American Geosciences Institute (AGI)

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

For more information about certification as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, visit

Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)

For more information about certification as an ecologist, visit

Ecological Society of America (ESA)

For information about environmental health specialists and related occupations, visit

National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of environmental scientists and specialists.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Biochemists and Biophysicists	Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.	Doctoral or professional degree	$103,810
Chemists and Materials Scientists	Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.	Bachelor's degree	$81,810
Conservation Scientists and Foresters	Conservation scientists and foresters manage the land quality of forests, parks, rangelands, and other natural resources.	Bachelor's degree	$64,420
Environmental Engineers	Environmental engineers use engineering disciplines in developing solutions to problems of planetary health.	Bachelor's degree	$96,530
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians	Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination.	Associate's degree	$48,380
Geoscientists	Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.	Bachelor's degree	$87,480
Hydrologists	Hydrologists study how water moves across and through the Earth’s crust.	Bachelor's degree	$85,990
Microbiologists	Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites.	Bachelor's degree	$81,990
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians	Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on, analyze, and design improvements to work environments and procedures.	See How to Become One	$75,240
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	Zoologists and wildlife biologists study animals, those both in captivity and in the wild, and how they interact with their ecosystems.	Bachelor's degree	$67,430

Environmental Scientist or Specialist

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Environmental Scientists and Specialists Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become an Environmental Scientist or Specialist

Education and Training

Advancement

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations