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Environmental Scientist

Job Sector

Energy and Natural Resources

Potential Salary (USD)

Low End: $40,000.00 /yr
Avg/Med: $75,000.00 /yr
High End: $120,000.00 /yr

Education Required

  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, or
  • Bachelor of Science in Environment, or
  • Bachelor of Science in Earth Systems

Job Outlook

The demand for environmental scientists is expected to grow due to increasing public interest in environmental hazards and the need for compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Career Profile Overview

Environmental scientists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industries to reduce waste.

Closeup of african biologist woman looking into camera while working in biological agronomy laboratory. Specialists team researching genetic mutation developing medical scientific GMO dna test.
A person wearing a white lab coat, clear safety glasses with blue and orange accents, and clear gloves, is seen from over their right shoulder, carefully dripping liquid from a pipette onto a clear petri dish they hold, with vibrant green plants growing in trays on multiple shelves in the background, likely in a vertical farm or laboratory setting.
A female agricultural scientist with curly hair, wearing a white lab coat, a black and white checkered scarf, clear safety glasses, black pants, and white boots, crouches in a greenhouse, looking down at a tablet she holds in her hands while rows of young green plants grow in the rich soil before her.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Data Analysis

  • Conduct fieldwork to collect soil, water, and air samples.

Policy and Regulation

  • Develop and recommend policies to mitigate environmental problems.

Project Management

  • Design and implement projects to restore contaminated sites, coordinating with stakeholders during the process.

Environmental Impact Assessment

  • Evaluate the environmental impact of proposed construction projects.

Educational Path

High School

  • Focus on biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Postsecondary

  • Obtain a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.

Advanced Degrees

  • Pursue a master’s or doctoral degree for specialized roles or advancement.

Certifications

  • Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) for specific expertise.
  • Continuing education to maintain certifications and stay updated with industry advancements.

Entry-Level

Environmental Technician

  • Collects samples, conducts field measurements, and assists with laboratory analysis under supervision.

Research Assistant

  • Supports scientific investigations by conducting experiments, compiling data, and assisting with report preparation.

Mid-Level

Environmental Scientist

  • Conducts independent research, analyzes environmental data, assesses impacts, and develops solutions.

Environmental Consultant

  • Provides expert advice to clients on environmental regulations, risks, and sustainable practices.

Senior-Level

Senior Environmental Scientist

  • Leads complex research projects, provides technical expertise, and mentors junior staff.

Environmental Project Manager

  • Oversees environmental projects from conception to completion, managing teams, budgets, and timelines.

Skills and Qualities

Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

  • Analyze data, identify environmental issues, and develop solutions.

Scientific Literacy and Research Skills

  • Understand scientific principles, conduct research, and interpret findings.

Excellent Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)

  • Effectively convey complex scientific information to various audiences.

Attention to Detail and Accuracy

  • Ensure precision in data collection, experiments, and analysis.

Adaptability and Resilience

  • Be flexible and persistent when facing diverse fieldwork conditions and challenges.

Ethical Responsibility and Critical Thinking

  • Uphold ethical standards, critically evaluate information, and consider impacts.

United States

University of California | California

Yale University | Connecticut

Stanford University | California

Canada

University of British Columbia | British Columbia

University of Toronto | Ontario

McGill University | Quebec

Two scientists in lab coats and safety glasses are in a lab setting: a Black man on the left, wearing blue safety glasses, smiles as he presents a tray of green seedlings to a light-skinned woman with curly hair on the right, who wears clear safety glasses and smiles back at him while taking notes.
A scientist, viewed from behind and slightly to the left, is wearing a white lab coat and gloves while looking through the eyepieces of a white microscope, with trays of young plants and other laboratory equipment blurred in the background, suggesting research in a greenhouse or similar environment.
A male adult and two young girls are crouched by the edge of a body of water, with the adult holding a clear jar filled with murky water towards the girls, who are both holding notebooks and looking intently at the jar, seemingly engaged in an outdoor science or nature study.

Resources and Further Reading