Environmental Scientist Job Description

Environmental scientists look for ways to solve the problems endangering the earth and its inhabitants by conducting research, interpreting findings and presenting this information to appropriate agencies. To determine if being an environmental scientist is in your nature, read the following pros and cons.

Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **University of California

Job Description and Duties

Environmental scientists must collect and analyze data from pollution emission measurements, atmospheric conditions and soil and water samples in order to determine how human activities affect the environment. They then relay the information to different agencies and to the public. Environmental scientists might also be asked to develop programs to decrease the impact of industry on the environment or outline production plans that cause the least amount of damage to the ecosystem. Along with research, environmental scientists perform environmental audits, investigate violations and give advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases. Evaluating and implementing environmental guidelines, policies and formal regulations also fall under the duties of an environmental scientist.

Career Specializations

Some environmental scientists might choose to focus their work in more specific aspects of the field. You can also enter into specialized areas by earning a degree in an area of life science or physical science and then center your work on solving specific environmental problems. For example, atmospheric scientists study ozone depletion, solar radiation and pollution. Environmental health specialists concentrate on the aspects of the environment that impact human health. Environmental protection specialists study the way human behavior affects the earth, and environmental chemists look specifically at how different chemicals affect the earth.