Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Environmental scientists and specialists (including health) conduct research or perform investigations for the purpose of identifying, abating or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. They use knowledge of various scientific disciplines and may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Environmental specialists have to develop plans to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems, such as water and land pollution. An environmental science job involves professional research and studying natural sciences to ensure human health, protect the environment, inform state and federal legislators, and reduce waste.
Environmental scientists work in different roles in environmental health and safety specialisation such as corporate health and safety director, food safety inspector, and health and safety engineer to name a few.
How to become an environmental scientist? They need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field for most entry-level jobs. Subjects in the natural sciences such as zoology, botany and ecology generally lead to a career in environmental management.
Environmental scientist jobs need the usage of scientific methods and data analysis in their research. Skills of critical thinking, interpersonal, problem-solving, speaking and writing are advantageous.
Becoming an environmental specialist is one of the best ways to secure a career that offers excellent growth opportunities and environmental scientist salaries and the personal gratification that comes with knowing that you have helped the larger good.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Environmental Science
- M.Sc. Environmental Science
- B.Sc. Environmental Science
- B.Tech Civil Engineering
Tasks
- Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
- Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
- Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
- Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
- Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
- Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
- Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
- Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
- Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
- Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
Progression Routes
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