CFChooseField
Science

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
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Median pay

$80,060
Median annual pay for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

8,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

90,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+4,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Science
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Writing
  6. 6Critical Thinking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1English Language
  2. 2Biology
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Law and Government
  5. 5Computers and Electronics
  6. 6Public Safety and Security

Abilities

  1. 1Deductive Reasoning
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Problem Sensitivity
  4. 4Written Comprehension
  5. 5Inductive Reasoning
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Integrity
  4. 4Intellectual Curiosity
  5. 5Cautiousness
  6. 6Innovation

Work activities

  1. 1Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Working with Computers
  4. 4Analyzing Data or Information
  5. 5Communicating with People Outside the Organization
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Telephone Conversations
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Spend Time Sitting
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

Representative 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.
  • Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
  • Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
  • Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.

Software and tools

Microsoft Word · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandESRI ArcGIS software · in demandGeographic information system GIS systems · in demandMicrosoft Visual Basic · hot technologyMicrosoft Project · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyIBM SPSS Statistics · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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