Environmental Scientist

Your Fit

Income

$80K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

6.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Environmental Scientist?

An Environmental Scientist is a professional dedicated to studying and analyzing the natural environment, identifying problems, and developing solutions to protect human health and the ecosystem. They assess the impact of human activity on the environment and advise on policies and best practices for environmental conservation.

Sample job titles:

Environmental Programs Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Environmental Scientist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Environmental Scientist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$50K per year	$62K per year	$80K per year	$104K per year	$135K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $31K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Environmental Scientist do?

Work environment

Environmental Scientists work in a variety of settings including government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and private companies. Their work environment can range from offices for policy development and data analysis to fieldwork in diverse outdoor settings for sample collection and environmental assessments.

Quick task list

Conducts research and field studies to collect environmental data.
Analyzes samples of air, soil, water, and other materials.
Prepares reports and presentations on findings and recommendations.
Develops environmental management plans.
Advises policymakers and businesses on environmental best practices.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Environmental Consulting: Providing expert advice to businesses and governments on environmental practices.
Wildlife Conservation: Focused on protecting ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Water Quality Science: Specializing in the study and preservation of water resources.
Climate Change Analysis: Studying the impacts of climate change and developing mitigation strategies.
Environmental Policy and Planning: Developing and implementing policies for sustainable environmental management.

Description

Environmental Scientists play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the challenges facing our planet. They combine knowledge from various scientific disciplines to evaluate environmental issues, such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Their work is essential in informing policy decisions, guiding sustainable practices, and raising public awareness about environmental issues.

The occupation demands a strong foundation in the sciences, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate findings effectively. Environmental Scientists often collaborate with other experts, including biologists, geologists, and chemists, to address complex environmental problems.

The field offers diverse career paths and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the environment and public health. Whether working on conservation projects, environmental impact assessments, or in regulatory compliance, Environmental Scientists contribute to a sustainable future.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a positive impact on the environment and contributing to sustainability.
Engaging in varied and challenging work, from field research to policy analysis.
Collaborating with a community of professionals dedicated to environmental protection.

You might make a good Environmental Scientist if you are...

Passionate about the environment and dedicated to finding solutions to environmental problems.
A strong critical thinker with good analytical skills.
Proficient in science and comfortable working with data.
Able to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
Interested in a career that combines fieldwork with research and policy development.

Pros:

Rewarding work with a meaningful impact on the environment and society.
Opportunities for diverse experiences in fieldwork, research, and policy.
Growing demand for environmental expertise in various sectors.

Cons:

Fieldwork can be physically demanding and sometimes in remote locations.
Balancing multiple projects and deadlines can be challenging.
Navigating political and public policy aspects can be complex.

How to become an Environmental Scientist

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field is typically required, which is about 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., adding 2-6 additional years of study.

High school preparation

Courses:

Environmental Science and Biology to understand basic ecological principles.
Chemistry and Physics for foundational scientific knowledge.
Mathematics, particularly Statistics, for data analysis.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining environmental clubs or groups.
Participating in science fairs with environmentally-focused projects.
Volunteering for local conservation projects or organizations.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or a related field.
Gain practical experience through internships or co-op programs.
Consider advanced degrees for specialized roles or research positions.

More resources

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Offers a wide range of information on environmental issues and policies.
National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) - Provides resources and networking opportunities for environmental professionals.
The Nature Conservancy - A global environmental nonprofit working to address critical conservation challenges.
ScienceDaily – Environmental Science News - For the latest news and research in environmental science.
EnvironmentalScience.org - Offers career and education information for aspiring environmental scientists.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.