Environmental Scientists
At a Glance
- Study environmental problems
- Have at least a bachelor's degree
- Have strong communication skills
- Use computers
- Work both indoors and outdoors
Career summary
Environmental scientists study problems in the natural world that affect the health of living things.#checked 3/5/19 lh
Environmental scientists identify problems and work to protect the health of the environment and people. In order to make this happen, environmental scientists:
- Work to reclaim lands that have been polluted
- Assess risk that new construction poses to environment
- Identify ways to avoid depletion of the ozone layer
There are many government regulations to protect the environment. Environmental scientists research which standards and rules apply to each location and situation. They also plan the type of samples and tests needed to evaluate a site or project.
Environmental scientists conduct fieldwork by traveling to the sites to collect data. Using special equipment and procedures, they collect samples of soil, water, and air. They observe and record information about the site. They also talk to workers at the site.
Once the samples are collected, scientists run tests or send the samples to a testing lab. They evaluate their notes, laboratory reports, and other testing information. They compare the data to standards, such as government regulations.
Environmental scientists write reports to help clients understand what they need to do to solve their problem. The report contains information, data, and recommendations. The report may also contain tables, graphs, and maps that were drawn in the field.
There are several types of environmental scientists:
- Environmental health specialists study how environmental factors impact human health.
- Environmental protection specialists study the effect of humans on the environment.
- Environmental chemists study the effect of various chemicals on the environment.
Related careers
This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Animal Scientists
- Biologists
- Chemists
- Climate Change Analysts
- Compliance Officers and Inspectors
- Conservation Scientists
- Environmental Engineering Technicians
- Environmental Engineers
- Geologists and Geophysicists
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Science Technicians
- Zoologists
Military careers
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to environmental scientists.
- Investigate environmental violations, accidents, or problems.
- Talk and write about scientific and technical information.
- Provide guidance and advice about environmental issues.
- Read environmental regulations and standards and apply them. Explain environmental requirements to others.
- Collect water, soil, and air samples using a variety of tools and methods.
- Test and monitor environmental conditions using equipment and observations.
- Analyze sample data and observations. Compare data to standards.
- Plan environmental investigations. Develop a sampling and testing plan for the investigation.
- Supervise environmental technicians.
- Monitor the impact of development activities, such as earth moving, on the environment.
- Make charts and graphs that explain scientific information to others.
- Recommend ways to prevent or control pollution.
- Determine the best way to gather data.
- Keep skills and knowledge up to date by attending conferences and seminars.
Common work activities
Environmental scientists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Get information needed to do the job
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Use computers
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Evaluate information against standards
- Document and record information
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work
- Establish and maintain relationships
- Communicate with people outside the organization
- Process information
- Analyze data or information
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
- Schedule work and activities
- Explain the meaning of information to others
- Update and use job-related knowledge
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
- Provide advice and consultation to others
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people
- Develop goals and strategies
- Perform for or work with the public
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
- Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
- Think creatively
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, environmental scientists:
Interpersonal relationships
- Have a high level of social interaction on the job.
- Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
- Communicate with coworkers daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
- Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
- Are responsible for results of projects and tasks.
Physical work conditions
- Mostly work outdoors. They often work indoors to write reports.
- Sometimes wear safety or protective attire while working.
- Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space.
- Often work out of their car when visiting sites.
Work performance
- Must be very accurate when performing the job. This is very important because they are following standards and procedures.
- Repeat the same physical and mental tasks. This is important when creating tables or writing reports.
- Can make most decisions and set most tasks without talking to a supervisor.
- Must meet strict weekly deadlines.
- Often make decisions that affect the image of their company.
Hours/travel
- Work more than 40 hours per week.
- Work a regular, set schedule.
- May travel to conferences or to sites.
Physical demands
Environmental scientists frequently:
- Sit for long periods of time.
It is important for environmental scientists to be able to:
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for environmental scientists to be able to:
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- Determine the distance between objects.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
Skills and abilities
Environmental scientists need to:
Communicate
- Understand spoken information.
- Understand written information.
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Write clearly so other people can understand.
Reason and problem solve
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Recognize the nature of a problem.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Develop rules that group items in various ways.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
- Think of new ideas about a topic.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
Use math and science
- Use scientific methods to solve problems.
- Use math skills to solve problems.
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
- Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
- Manage the time of self and others.
Work with people
- Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
- Teach others how to do something.
- Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Look for ways to help people.
- Persuade others to approach things differently.
- Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
Perceive and visualize
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
Training
To work as an environmental scientist, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- have a bachelor's degree.
Education after high school
You need at least a bachelor's degree for this occupation. A degree in geology, engineering, or environmental studies is a good way to prepare. You should also take courses in geology, hydrology, and chemistry. Computer courses are very helpful.
Many environmental scientists also obtain a master's degree. They may choose to specialize in an area, such as environmental chemistry or environmental ecology. In a graduate program you learn how to plan and conduct research. You also gain valuable problem-solving experience.
Work experience
While in college, some environmental scientists gain experience by working in school laboratories. Summer internships are also a great way to gain work experience.
On-the-job training
Employers usually provide training for employees working with and around environmental contaminants. Many states require environmental workers to be certified. Certification courses usually take place during a 40-hour training week. You learn about chemical exposure risks and ways to prevent injuries. You may also receive first aid training. The length of training varies by employer, but usually lasts under six months.
Some environmental scientists may also receive additional training in the use of special equipment.
Military training
The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to environmental scientists who have a master's degree or higher.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Environmental scientists use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Calculus and science classes through Physics.
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Computer Applications
- Geology
- Natural Resources Management
- Probability and Statistics
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
Employers look for applicants who have a bachelor's degree. They look for environmental scientists that have strong oral and written communication skills. They also look for applicants that can solve problems and work well on a team.
Costs to workers
Some workers join professional associations, which may have annual dues.
Licensing/certification
Some states require that scientists performing geologic hazard evaluations be registered. Requirements varies by state.
Job listings
Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.
To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .
Wages
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health (SOC 19-2041)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
| Washington | Hourly | $25.58 | $30.28 | $37.61 | $49.74 | $61.39 |
| Monthly | $4,433 | $5,248 | $6,518 | $8,620 | $10,639 | |
| Yearly | $53,210 | $62,990 | $78,230 | $103,460 | $127,690 | |
| Bellingham | Hourly | $24.84 | $27.22 | $30.48 | $36.27 | $53.46 |
| Monthly | $4,305 | $4,717 | $5,282 | $6,286 | $9,265 | |
| Yearly | $51,648 | $56,614 | $63,393 | $75,443 | $111,208 | |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | Hourly | $27.53 | $32.47 | $39.96 | $48.01 | $54.00 |
| Monthly | $4,771 | $5,627 | $6,925 | $8,320 | $9,358 | |
| Yearly | $57,271 | $67,538 | $83,126 | $99,859 | $112,319 | |
| Kennewick-Richland | Hourly | $27.54 | $32.72 | $45.33 | $61.42 | $76.40 |
| Monthly | $4,773 | $5,670 | $7,856 | $10,644 | $13,240 | |
| Yearly | $57,276 | $68,054 | $94,274 | $127,760 | $158,908 | |
| Longview | Hourly | $26.83 | $29.80 | $34.21 | $37.83 | $40.35 |
| Monthly | $4,650 | $5,164 | $5,929 | $6,556 | $6,993 | |
| Yearly | $55,810 | $61,991 | $71,148 | $78,680 | $83,937 | |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | Hourly | $22.02 | $25.56 | $31.13 | $37.04 | $43.41 |
| Monthly | $3,816 | $4,430 | $5,395 | $6,419 | $7,523 | |
| Yearly | $45,801 | $53,158 | $64,764 | $77,060 | $90,296 | |
| Olympia-Tumwater | Hourly | $23.55 | $27.53 | $31.91 | $34.98 | $40.87 |
| Monthly | $4,081 | $4,771 | $5,530 | $6,062 | $7,083 | |
| Yearly | $48,988 | $57,266 | $66,369 | $72,756 | $85,001 | |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | $27.61 | $33.61 | $43.58 | $54.06 | $63.50 |
| Monthly | $4,785 | $5,825 | $7,552 | $9,369 | $11,005 | |
| Yearly | $57,426 | $69,904 | $90,646 | $112,439 | $132,072 | |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | Hourly | $23.75 | $27.54 | $31.91 | $32.72 | $37.82 |
| Monthly | $4,116 | $4,773 | $5,530 | $5,670 | $6,554 | |
| Yearly | $49,385 | $57,278 | $66,367 | $68,057 | $78,655 | |
| Vancouver | Hourly | $26.58 | $29.97 | $38.07 | $45.73 | $54.39 |
| Monthly | $4,606 | $5,194 | $6,598 | $7,925 | $9,426 | |
| Yearly | $55,297 | $62,346 | $79,185 | $95,130 | $113,136 | |
| Walla Walla | Hourly | $21.55 | $29.69 | $37.94 | $45.46 | $46.66 |
| Monthly | $3,735 | $5,145 | $6,575 | $7,878 | $8,086 | |
| Yearly | $44,817 | $61,742 | $78,905 | $94,561 | $97,042 | |
| Yakima | Hourly | $23.74 | $26.19 | $31.28 | $32.72 | $36.10 |
| Monthly | $4,114 | $4,539 | $5,421 | $5,670 | $6,256 | |
| Yearly | $49,374 | $54,471 | $65,058 | $68,054 | $75,084 | |
| United States | Hourly | $20.44 | $25.76 | $34.20 | $45.47 | $59.91 |
| Monthly | $3,542 | $4,464 | $5,927 | $7,880 | $10,382 | |
| Yearly | $42,520 | $53,580 | $71,130 | $94,590 | $124,620 | |
Wages vary by level of education. Scientists who have a master's degree earn more than those who have a bachelor's degree. Those who have a PhD earn more than those who have a master's degree. In general, salaries are highest for those working in private industry and lowest for those working for colleges or universities.
Environmental scientists who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
Employment and outlook
Washington outlook
The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (SOC 19-2041)
| Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 3,128 | 26.2% | 16.1% | 483 |
| Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties | 12 | 0.0% | 13.4% | 1 |
| Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties | 46 | 13.0% | 8.6% | 6 |
| Benton and Franklin Counties | 377 | 14.9% | 15.0% | 47 |
| Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties | 113 | 15.9% | 11.9% | 15 |
| Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties | 126 | 63.5% | 15.2% | 31 |
| Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties | 367 | 13.4% | 14.1% | 45 |
| Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties | 143 | 32.9% | 14.6% | 24 |
| King County | 1,307 | 34.3% | 19.6% | 228 |
| Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties | 140 | 23.6% | 13.8% | 20 |
| Pierce County | 284 | 20.4% | 15.2% | 39 |
| Snohomish County | 135 | 23.7% | 12.4% | 20 |
| Spokane County | 69 | 5.8% | 13.9% | 7 |
| United States | 85,000 | 8.2% | 5.2% | 10,300 |
National employment
Major employers:
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Environmental consulting firms
- Engineering firms
National outlook
Demand for environmental scientists will be strong as concerns about the environment continue to grow. Much of the growth will be in private consulting firms. Scientists who work in these firms help companies determine environmental impact for projects such as new buildings or factories.
Demand will also occur as companies try to reduce their impact on the environment by reducing pollution and other hazardous wastes.
Job openings will occur due to people moving to management positions or retiring.
Other resources
Koppers Building
436 Seventh Avenue, Suite 2100
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
800.270.3444
412.232.3444
American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
147 Old Solomons Island Road, Suite 303
Annapolis, MD 21401
410.266.3311
American Chemical Society
1155 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.227.5558
American Fisheries Society
425 Barlow Place, Suite 110
Bethesda, MD 20814-2144
301.897.8616
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
800.966.2481
202.462.6900
American Geosciences Institute
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
703.379.2480
American Institute of Biological Sciences
1800 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20191
703.674.2500
Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125
Ecological Society of America
1990 M Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.833.8773
Environmental Career Center
P.O. Box 3387
Hampton, Virginia 23663
Environmental Protection Agency
Park Place Building
1200 - 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
Explore Ecology as a Career
Explore Health Careers: Environmental Health Practitioner
Marinecareers.net
National Academy of Sciences Interviews
National Garden Clubs
4401 Magnolia Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
314.776.7574
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.6090
National Science Foundation
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231
Seaweb Aquaculture Clearing House
Society for Ecological Restoration
1133 15th St. NW, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20005
Society for Range Management
6901 South Pierce Street, Suite 230
Littleton, CO 80128
303.986.3309
Soil and Water Conservation Society
945 SW Ankeny Road
Ankeny, IA 50023
515.289.2331
Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Investigative (Science)
O*Net occupation
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
DOT occupation
Holland occupational cluster
- Investigative/Realistic/Conventional
COPSystem
- Science Professional