Environmental scientists and specialists 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. 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.

  • Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
  • Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
  • 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.
  • Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
  • Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
  • Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
  • Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
  • Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
  • Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.
  • Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
  • Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
  • Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
  • Develop methods to minimize the impact of production processes on the environment, based on the study and assessment of industrial production, environmental legislation, and physical, biological, and social environments.
  • Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
  • Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
  • Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.
  • Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
  • Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
  • Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.
  • Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
  • Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.
  • Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 82% responded "Every day".
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work — 63% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 62% responded "A lot of freedom".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 62% responded "Extremely important".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 71% responded "Every day".
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Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Assess compliance with environmental laws.
  • Assess compliance with environmental laws.
  • Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
  • Advise others on matters of public policy.
  • Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
  • Compile environmental or climatological data.
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Knowledge

English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Law and Government
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
  • Waters eLab Notebook
  • Smart Data Solutions RS Solutions
  • Tucows ChemBase
  • EarthSoft EQuIS Geology
  • DataPipe EHS
  • Database software
  • Chemical management tracking software
  • Lakes Environmental Emissions View
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • SAP Hot Technology
Map creation software
  • ESRI ArcGIS software Hot Technology
  • Geographic information system GIS software Hot Technology
  • Golden Software Surfer
  • RockWare ArcMap
  • ESRI ArcInfo
  • Mapping software
  • Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
  • ESRI ArcView
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