Environmental Scientist

Here's how.

An environmental scientist could...

Conduct experiments with dyes to see how chemicals might disperse during a toxic spill.		Create maps and graphs showing air pollutants over time to help politicians make informed decisions.
Evaluate how increasing human populations influence interactions between wildlife and people.		Monitor water quality at beaches, lakes, and rivers to detect contaminants and keep people safe.

Find out more...

Key Facts & Information

Overview

Have you ever noticed that for people with asthma it can sometimes be especially hard to breathe in the middle of a busy city? One reason for this is the exhaust from vehicles. Cars, buses, and motorcycles add pollution to our air, which affects our health. But can pollution impact more than our health? Cutting down trees, or deforestation, can contribute to erosion, which carries off valuable topsoil. But can erosion alter more than the condition of the soil? How does an oil spill harm fish and aquatic plants? How does a population of animals interact with its environment? These are questions that environmental scientists study and try to find answers to. They conduct research or perform investigations to identify and eliminate the sources of pollution or hazards that damage either the environment or human and animal health. Environmental scientists are the stewards of our environment and are committed to keeping it safe for future generations.

Key Requirements

Curiosity, persistence, logical and analytical thinking, good verbal and written skills, concern for the environment, love of outdoors

Minimum Degree

Bachelor's degree

Subjects to Study in High School

Biology, chemistry, physics, geometry, algebra II, calculus; if available, environmental science, statistics

Median Salary

Environmental Scientist

$71,360

U.S. Mean Annual Wage

$49,630

Min Wage

$15,080

Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)

Average (7% to 13%)

In Demand!

Interview

Meet Dr. Staci Simonich, an environmental chemist who is studying how pesticides move globally through the air.
Kathryn Snead is an environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency. In this interview, she talks about her career and what she enjoys doing in her personal life.
As a wetland ecologist, Dr. Ariana Sutton-Grier studies the health of the wetlands in North Carolina and discusses her initial involvement with saving the environment.

Related Occupations

Source: O*Net

Education and Training

A bachelor's degree in an earth science is adequate for entry-level positions, although many companies prefer to hire environmental scientists with a master's degree in environmental science or a related natural science. A doctoral degree generally is necessary only for college teaching and some research positions. Some environmental scientists and specialists have a degree in environmental science, but many earn degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, or the geosciences and then apply their education to the study of the environment. They often need research or work experience related to environmental science.

A bachelor's degree in environmental science offers an interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, and geology. Undergraduate environmental science majors typically focus on data analysis and physical geography, which are particularly useful in studying pollution abatement, water resources, or ecosystem protection, restoration, and management. Understanding the geochemistry of inorganic compounds is becoming increasingly important in developing remediation goals. Students interested in working in the environmental or regulatory fields, either in environmental consulting firms or for federal or state governments, should take courses in hydrology, hazardous-waste management, environmental legislation, chemistry, fluid mechanics, and geologic logging, which is the gathering of geologic data. An understanding of environmental regulations and government permit issues also is valuable.

For environmental scientists and specialists who consult, courses in business, finance, marketing, or economics may be useful. In addition, combining environmental science training with other disciplines such as engineering or business qualifies these scientists for the widest range of jobs.

Other Qualifications

Computer skills are essential for prospective environmental scientists. Students who have some experience with computer modeling, data analysis and integration, digital mapping, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) will be the most prepared to enter the job market.

Environmental scientists and specialists usually work as part of a team with other scientists, engineers, and technicians, and they must often write technical reports and research proposals that communicate their research results or ideas to company managers, regulators, and the public. Environmental health specialists also work closely with the public, providing and collecting information on public health risks. As a result, strong oral and written communication skills are essential.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNJlOuTvK-k

Nature of the Work

Environmental scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment by identifying problems and finding solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population. They analyze measurements or observations of air, food, water, and soil to determine ways to clean and preserve the environment. Understanding the issues involved in protecting the environment—degradation, conservation, recycling, and replenishment—is central to the work of environmental scientists. They often use this understanding to design and monitor waste disposal sites, preserve water supplies, and reclaim contaminated land and water. They also draft risk assessments, describing the likely effect of construction and other environmental changes, write technical proposals, and give presentations to managers and regulators.

Many environmental scientists work for local, state, and federal governments, ensuring that environmental regulations are followed to limit the impact of human activity on the environment. Others monitor environmental impacts on the health of the population, checking for risks of disease and providing information about health hazards. Environmental scientists also work with private companies to help them comply with environmental regulations and policies. They are usually hired by consulting firms to solve problems.

Many environmental scientists have jobs and training similar to other physical or life scientists, but they focus on environmental issues. Many specialize in subfields such as environmental ecology and conservation, environmental chemistry, environmental biology, or fisheries science. Specialties affect the specific activities that environmental scientists perform, although recent understandings of the interconnectedness of life processes have blurred some traditional classifications. For example, environmental ecologists study the relationships between organisms and their environments and the effects on both by factors such as population size, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, and altitude. They may collect, study, and report data on air, soil, and water using their knowledge of various scientific disciplines. Ecological modelers study ecosystems, pollution control, and resource management using mathematical modeling, systems analysis, thermodynamics, and computer techniques. Environmental chemists study the toxicity of various chemicals—that is, how those chemicals harm plants, animals, and people.

Work Environment

Many entry-level environmental scientists and specialists spend a significant amount of time in the field, while experienced workers generally devote more time to office or laboratory work. Some environmental scientists, such as environmental ecologists and environmental chemists, often take field trips that involve physical activity. Environmental scientists in the field may work in warm or cold climates, in all kinds of weather. Travel often is required to meet with prospective clients.

On the Job

Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological and mineralogical information, and soil or water samples.
Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance, and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
Communicate scientific and technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
Provide scientific and technical guidance, support, coordination, and oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
Process and review environmental permits, licenses, and related materials.
Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects and surveys.
Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.

Companies That Hire Environmental Scientists

U.S. Federal Government

Explore what you might do on the job with one of these projects...

Use Floating Leaf Disks to Study Photosynthesis

Science Fair Project Idea

Have you ever seen a (non-carnivorous) plant eat? Probably not! Plants do not get the energy they need from food, but from the sunlight! In a process called photosynthesis, plants convert light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and sugar. They can then use the sugar as an energy source to fuel their growth. Scientists have found an easy way to measure the rate of photosynthesis in plants. The procedure is called the floating leaf disk assay. In this plant biology project, you can… Read more

Air Particles and Air Quality

Science Fair Project Idea

What does the phrase, "Like a breath of fresh air," mean to you? This common phrase can have different meanings: calming, relaxing, invigorating, energizing or CLEAN! After all, you never hear anyone say, "Like a breath of dirty air," do you? Find out how clean the air is in this simple experiment. Read more

Going Green as You Clean: Are 'Green' Detergents Less Toxic Than Conventional Detergents?

Science Fair Project Idea

There is strong interest in "going green," including using products that cause less environmental damage when they are disposed of. In this environmental sciences project, you will compare the toxicity of "green" and conventional liquid detergents using worms as test organisms. Read more

Disappearing Act: How Fast Do Different Biodegradable & Compostable Materials Decompose?

Science Fair Project Idea

Have you ever seen a product labeled "biodegradable" or "compostable" and wondered just how well it decomposes? A lot of different products claim to be biodegradable or compostable, such as food containers, bags, packaging materials, and spoons and forks. Not only do they clearly come in different shapes and sizes, but they are made of different materials as well. Do they decompose differently, and, if so, which decomposes the fastest? In this science project, you will make your own indoor… Read more

Acid Rain and Aquatic Life

Science Fair Project Idea

Chemicals from Earth's atmosphere are making their way down to the planet! Not in spaceships, but in rain. The acid rain can infiltrate ground water, lakes, and streams. How does acid rain affect aquatic ecosystems? Read more

How Does Soil Affect the pH of Water?

Science Fair Project Idea

Did you know that soils can be alkaline, neutral, or acidic? Most plants grow best in soil near neutral pH, but some plants prefer slightly acidic and others slightly alkaline soil. What is the pH of the soil in your garden? What happens to the pH of water that comes in contact with soil? In this science project you will get to find out. Read more

Is it Getting Hot in Here? Investigate the Greenhouse Effect

Science Fair Project Idea

Has the temperature in your house felt hotter or colder recently? This could be due to the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect states that gases in the atmosphere, such as CO2, might increase the surface temperature of Earth. In this science fair project, you will build a small model of Earth and use it to see how the temperature varies, compared to outside of the model. If you select this science fair project, you will be a part of the effort that is working to figure out what role… Read more

A Toxic Test: Can Plants Be Genetically Resistant to Heavy Metals?

Science Fair Project Idea

Have you ever wondered why a plant that grows well in one environment may not survive in a different environment? For example, plants that grow well in a wet jungle would probably not do so well in a dry desert, lacking enough water. This is because plants have adapted to their specific environment. Some plants have even adapted to tolerate chemicals that would usually be toxic, such as various heavy metals. In this plant biology science project, you will investigate whether different… Read more

Turn Mud into Energy With a Microbial Fuel Cell

Science Fair Project Idea

What can you do with a bucket of soil? You could use it to grow some beautiful plants and vegetables—or you could use it to produce electricity! Surprised about that? You actually can power electric devices with just mud! Are you curious about how this works? You need some little helpers in the soil—bacteria—that are able to turn their food sources within the soil into electricity in a device called a microbial fuel cell. But is this possible with any soil and does the soil… Read more

Air Pollution

Science Fair Project Idea

Smog days are often posted in your local newspaper. Check how many smog days your city has had in the last year. How does it compare to to other years? You can also take pictures of your city landscape on high and low smog days. How do the pictures compare? How does smog in the atmosphere affect visibility? What is smog made of? You can use tongue depressors smeared with Vaseline to check for smog particles in different areas; just stick in the ground and look at them a few days later. … Read more

Uh-oh! What Do We Do With Our E-waste?

Science Fair Project Idea

If you made a pile of all the electronic devices (cell phones, computers, stereos, televisions, MP3 players, video game systems, remote-control toys, etc.) that your family has gotten rid of since you were a baby, how big would that pile be? Would it be taller than you? Would it fit better in a wheelbarrow or in a pickup truck? And did they just throw it in the trash? In this science project, you'll explore what people in your community do with electronic waste, commonly called e-waste, and… Read more

Model Water Flow in Rivers

Science Fair Project Idea

Have you ever seen a river from far above? It is fascinating how they carve their way through the landscape. But what makes the water in a river flow? Where does a river start and end? And why is it that rivers usually have lots of turns or bends and almost never flow straight? In this science project, you will make river models using aluminum foil and water to explore how water flow inside a river changes based on its shape. Read more

Home Sweet Biome: How Do Plants Grow in Different Environments?

Science Fair Project Idea

Have you ever looked around and noticed the plants and animals that grow in your neighborhood? Have you ever visited friends in another part of your city, state, or even another part of the country? Have you noticed whether the plants and animals where they live are similar to those growing near you? What would it be like to live where they do? Why do certain plants and animals grow in one area, but not in another? In this science fair project you will learn about biomes and how different… Read more

Too Much of a Good Thing? Study the Effect of Fertilizers on Algal Growth

Science Fair Project Idea

You might not know it, but a lake without algae would be a very dull place. If there were no algae, there would be no small animals feeding on the algae, and there wouldn't be any fish eating the small animals that eat the algae. You might conclude that since some algae is good, more algae is even better, but algae growth has a down side. If there is too much algae, they can deplete the oxygen in the water, killing off other species in the water. What is one culprit that leads to algal growth?… Read more

How Do Bacteria Produce Power in a Microbial Fuel Cell?

Science Fair Project Idea

Bacteria are powerful little creatures. They can dispose of contaminants, make us sick and did you know they can even generate electricity? In devices, called microbial fuel cells (MFC) they can extract electrons from their food sources such as organic materials and feed them into an electrical circuit to generate power. This way they can even turn plain soil into a source of energy! Does it matter though what kind of food the bacteria "eat"? Find out how bacteria grow in a microbial fuel cell… Read more

Deforestation

Science Fair Project Idea

The conversion of forested to unforested areas has been occurring since humans began to impact and change their environments during the agricultural revolution. Recently deforestation has become a global problem, particularly for developing industrial countries and countries with very large populations. You can use satellite mapping resources to investigate the connection between urbanization, population growth and deforestation. You can also investigate the connection between deforestation… Read more

Ozone Depletion

Science Fair Project Idea

The ozone layer is important for blocking most of the harmful radiation that comes from the sun. You can find maps of the ozone layer and compare different regions of the globe for ozone coverage. Where are the problem areas? Is there a difference in ozone coverage between different hemispheres? Between populated and un-populated areas? In atmospheric regions over land masses or over bodies of water? Some scientists think that aerosols in the air are breaking down the ozone layer. You can do… Read more

Feeding Earthworms: Do Different Diets Affect Them and the Soil They Enrich?

Science Fair Project Idea

Interested in helping the environment, and don't mind getting dirty? In this project you get to mix it up with earthworms, soil, and various types of organic kitchen scraps. The basic idea is to set up small earthworm colonies to compost different types of food waste. You test the soils in each type to see how diet affects both the earthworm population and the nutrients they put back into the soil. This project takes a little time, but it's worth it. You'll help the environment and learn… Read more

The Big Dig

Science Fair Project Idea

Even though many cities have recycling programs, a lot of trash still ends up in the dump. Find out which materials will break down and which materials won't. Will the results of this experiment change which products you often buy? Read more

Heavy Metals and Aquatic Environments

Science Fair Project Idea

You might know that lead can be toxic, and that you can get lead poisoning from eating or inhaling old paint dust. Lead is called a heavy metal, and there are other sources of heavy metals that can be toxic, too. Silver, copper, mercury, nickel, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium are all heavy metals that can be toxic in certain environments. In this experiment, find out if one common heavy metal, copper, can be toxic to an aquatic environment. Read more

Ask Questions

Do you have a specific question about a career as an Environmental Scientist that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

Additional Information

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Sources

BLS. (2016). Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), 2016 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
NIH Office of Science Education. (n.d.). LifeWorks. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
O*Net Online. (2016). National Center for O*Net Development. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
Smith, S. E. (2011, February 25). What Does an Environmental Scientist Do? wiseGEEK.com. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
The Princeton Review. (n.d.). Environmentalist/environmental scientist. Retrieved May 4, 2011, from https://www.princetonreview.com/careers/61/environmentalist-environmental-scientist
Oregon State University. (2011). Interview with Dr. Staci Simonich. Environmental Health Sciences Center. Retrieved May 4, 2011, from www.unsolvedmysteries.oregonstate.edu/meet_Staci
Haroski, D. (n.d.). Science Notebook: Interview with Kathryn Snead. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved May 4, 2011, from www.epa.gov/epahome/sciencenb/interviews/snead.html
PBS. (2014, October 29). Scientist Profile: Wetland Ecologist. Retrieved March 7, 2019, from https://www.pbs.org/video/scigirls-tpt-scientist-profile-wetland-ecologist/
Twin Cities Public Television. (2009, May 6). DragonflyTV - Wetlands. Retrieved January 12, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eFrtTsnL1Q

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