What Is an Environmental Scientist and How to Become One
Table of Contents
What Do Environmental Scientists Do?
Environmental scientists conduct research designed to recognize hazardous conditions that affect the environment or public health, such as pollution or water contamination, and suggest ways to control or remove them. This research generally involves collecting and analyzing various environmental samples, examining published data from other scientists, and exploring connections between the results and human activity. Environmental scientists need to be excellent communicators and writers, preparing reports, research papers, and presentations that demonstrate and defend their findings.
How to Become an Environmental Scientist
Where Can I Get an Environmental Science Degree?
There are hundreds of degree programs in environmental science in the United States. Research which programs focus on what interests you in the field. You can also continue your education in environmental science beyond a bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s degree or doctorate.
What Is Environmental Science?
Environmental science combines aspects of several academic and scientific fields across the biological, physical, and information sciences. The objective is to study the environment to find the causes and solutions for environmental problems by examining the impact of various factors. The factors affecting the environment include human migration, building practices, population growth, and pollutants.
What Does an Environmental Scientist Do on a Daily Basis?
The daily tasks of an environmental scientist depend on the place in which they work, the goals of a particular study, and their area of expertise. Generally, environmental scientists conduct research, analyze data, and develop plans to avoid, control, or repair environmental problems. Environmental scientists often focus on issues such as deforestation, plant disease, and human pollution; some may concentrate on environmental factors that directly impact human health. They may serve as advisors to government officials or corporate leaders who make policies and business decisions that have an impact on environmental issues, or conduct impact studies for new commercial and housing developments.
Environmental Scientist Job Description Sample
With this Environmental Scientist job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Environmental Scientist role.
Job Summary
Our company is seeking an Environmental Scientist to conduct research and analyze data with a focus on assessing, controlling, and avoiding various environmental problems. This role is crucial in the field of environmental science, as you add to the research on issues such as plant disease, human pollution, deforestation, and other factors that affect living species and human health. Our perfect candidate has a background in geology, biology, or chemistry and experience in environmental consulting, occupational hygiene, and health and safety management.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide high-level scientific support for environmental risk projects
- Collect and analyze soil, air, water, and other samples from various sites, such as polluted lands and groundwater systems
- Conduct impact and threat analyses and examine scientific data
- Prepare and write reports, presentations, and research papers based on your findings
- Help create environmental plans for various construction projects and/or government departments
Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science
- Knowledge of various sampling techniques and equipment
- Experience performing environmental surveying and reporting
- Work experience as a research assistant, field analyst, or lab technician
- Strong technical writing and analytical skills
- Keen understanding of federal and state regulations
