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Engineering > Environmental Scientist

Salary National Average

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49460.0000 64650.0000 86440.0000

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Short Description:

An Environmental Scientist is responsible for studying the environment and developing strategies to address environmental issues such as pollution, resource depletion, and climate change. Their duties include conducting field studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports to communicate findings to stakeholders and regulatory agencies. Environmental Scientists collaborate with engineers, policymakers, and communities to develop sustainable practices and mitigate environmental impacts. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of environmental regulations, and proficiency in data analysis are essential for success in this role, as they play a crucial part in promoting environmental health and conservation.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
  • Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
  • 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.
  • Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings
  • Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
  • Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
  • Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
  • Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
  • Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.
  • Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Education: A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, geology, or a related field is typically required; a master’s degree or higher is often preferred for advanced positions.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in laboratory techniques, field sampling, and data analysis tools, including geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical software.
  • Knowledge of Regulations: Strong understanding of environmental regulations and compliance standards, including those set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulatory bodies.
  • Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to assess environmental data, identify trends, and develop strategies for environmental protection.
  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex scientific information to diverse audiences, including stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges, such as pollution control and resource management.
  • Field Experience: Experience in fieldwork, including conducting environmental assessments, surveys, and site investigations.
  • Certifications: Relevant certifications, such as Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) or certifications related to specific environmental specialties (e.g., hazardous materials, water quality), may be beneficial.

Job Zones

  • Title:  Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • Education:  Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Related Experience:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Job Training:  Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples:  Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
  • SVP Range:  (7.0 to < 8.0)`

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