Description
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.
Interests
- Investigative
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
Work Styles
- Integrity
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Dependability
Tasks
- 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.
- Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
- Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
Work Activities
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Getting Information
- Working with Computers
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Detailed Work Activities
- 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.
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- 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.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Geographic information system
- Graphics or photo imaging software
Skills
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Speaking
Knowledge
- English Language
- Biology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
WSO - Certified Governmental Environmental SpecialistCertifying Organization
World Safety Organization
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certified Environmental ScientistCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Core
Certificate name
Registered Environmental ProfessionalCertifying Organization
National Registry of Environmental Professionals
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Hazardous Materials PractitionerCertifying Organization
Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified in Public HealthCertifying Organization
National Board of Public Health Examiners
Type
Specialty
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $NaN |
| Median (50%) | $NaN |
| High (90%) | $NaN |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $50,000 |
| Mid Level | $100,000 |
| Senior Level | $150,000 |
Employability
There are currently 84,600 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 90,700 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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