Have you ever considered a career in environmental science? Maybe it sounds like an exciting career option, but thinking about what is needed to do to get there feels daunting. The truth is that it is not that difficult to become an environmental scientist. The profession is expected to grow as more and more government organizations, companies and private landowners realize the importance of environmental issues. Environmental issues are becoming more and more prevalent. The public is caring about issues related to the environment now more than ever. For students interested in science as well as environmental issues, this is an excellent career choice. Read on to discover more about this career, and then how to become an environmental scientist.
What is an environmental scientist?
Simply put, an environmental scientist studies the environment. They do this with the ultimate goal of protecting the environment. Environmental scientists evaluate how the environment has been affected by factors such as human activity and climate change. Through careful analysis of data, they work to find and address problems. Then they are tasked with the job of creating solutions. Environmental scientists are sometimes involved in creating policy changes. These changes are designed to protect the environment in the future. They work hard to protect the ecosystems as well as to make the necessary adaptations so that the environment can thrive. Environmental scientists are needed all over the world. Some will need to specialize in a specific area of the environment, such as the forest or the ocean.
Education
To enter this profession, students will need to start with earning a bachelor’s degree. This degree can be earned as an environmental scientist, or sometimes in another related subject. Some possible related subjects include other science fields such as biology, physics or chemistry. However, for someone who does not plan on continuing their education past a four year degree, it may be best to earn a degree in environmental science.
There are plenty of entry level environmental science jobs that require only a bachelor’s degree. The available positions vary greatly in both locale and job description. There are hands-on environmental scientist job options where the graduate can work outdoors. There are also options for graduates that are more based around office work.
Organizations such as the National Park Service or the Environmental Protection Agency can offer good entry level jobs. Some other examples of job options for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree are health and safety inspector, entry level scientist, quality technician, or project manager. There are also some jobs that may require a master’s degree or doctoral degree.
If your interest is more in the area of policy making or research, then it is likely that you would like to pursue a master’s degree. A master’s degree is also beneficial when the student would like to become more educated in a very specific area of environmental science. Some examples of these specialty areas are sustainability and environmental law.
Another thing to consider is looking into internships. Internships are always useful in getting a job offer upon graduation. Internships are especially beneficial when they are in a specific area of interest within the field. Many of the undergraduate environmental studies programs require internships in order to graduate. Although internships are not necessarily required before being hired, it never hurts to pursue one. An internship can allow you to boost your resume. It can also help you to learn firsthand which part of the environmental science profession interests you the most.
Additional Certifications
Although there is no licensure required to become an environmental scientist, there are some additional certifications that may be helpful in securing a job. Possessing these certifications can also make a candidate appear more professional and dedicated to their field. They can prove that the candidate has specific credentials, some of which are needed for specific positions within environmental science.
Some of the certifications that are helpful to the career of an environmental scientist include ones offered by the Ecological Society of America or the National Registry of Environmental Professions. Environmental scientists may wish to become a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager with the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management. This allows them to safely handle hazardous materials while on the job. Most certifications in the field are related to a specific area of environmental science, such as the wetlands, stormwater, or safety.
As previously mentioned, you can get a job as an environmental scientist without holding any additional certifications. However, there might be some specific jobs within the field that do require certifications. There also might be certifications that can set you apart from other environmental professionals when seeking a particular position within the field. Some of the other certifications available are Certified Environmental and Safety Compliance Officer and Certified Environmental Auditor. Some others are the ISSP Sustainability Associate and the Associate Environmental Professional. When choosing a specific are of interest within the field of environmental science, it is a good idea to take note of any certifications needed. These can help you to establish credentials and pave the way to a successful career.
Skills
To become an environmental scientist, some key skills and personality traits need to be present. Analytical skills are important because environmental scientists must be able to analyze the data and samples they collect. This is so that they may be able to draw correct conclusions about what is happening to a certain environment or population. Analytical skills are important both for those working in the field as well as those analyzing data in an office.
It is also critical that an environmental scientist be a good problem solver. There are always new challenges facing the environment. Good problem solving will help the scientist be able to address and solve problems that arise. They will then be able to foresee problems that could arise in the future.
The profession of environmental scientists also requires a lot of self-discipline. This is mainly because environmental scientists often spend a lot of time working alone. Working on your own requires self-motivation. It also requires the ability to get things done while not under the watchful eye of others. There will be important deadlines that need to be met, and it is important to have enough self discipline to get things done on time.
Finally, interpersonal skills are necessary. While environmental scientists often work alone, they also may be called upon to defend their research to others. They will sometimes need to work in teams with other scientists, as well as petition for specific environmental legislation. Each of these situations require solid interpersonal skills, as well as good communication skills.
Where To Look For Work
There are a wide variety of options when it comes to work environments. Environmental scientists are known to work predominantly in laboratories and offices. It is good to keep in mind that office work is not the only option for environmental scientists. They are also often known to work out in the field. Those working in the field are responsible for things such as gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions.
Environmental scientists are most often employed by government agencies. They can also be employed by private companies, universities, nonprofits and other organizations. Some examples of private companies employing environmental scientists are engineering firms or agricultural organizations. For government jobs, one option is to consult the USAJOBS site, which is run by the federal government. State governments will also have employment sites listing available positions. These sites not only list the positions, but also the necessary credentials and experience. These sites may be more general or they may be catered for specific departments, such as a fish and game or conservation department.
There are also both generic and industry-specific job listing sites for pursuing a career in the private sector. Another place to look is in academia. Many environmental scientists work as teachers and have basic research positions at universities. Research is a very important component of the profession.
One of the many benefits of the profession is the variety of job settings that you can choose from. It is worth noting that there are more and more private companies looking to hire environmental scientists as part of their staff. This is because issues affecting the environment are more prevalent now than ever. As a whole, our society is aware of issues affecting the environment and wanting to see individuals and companies taking action. If a company wants to succeed, this issue can not be ignored. As a result, job opportunities are likely to continue to grow, and more and more exciting positions within the field will be available.
Top Environmental Science Positions
The list of environmental science jobs to choose from is a long one. However, there are some jobs that are in higher demand. This can vary from region to region, as some positions are specific to a certain type of environment. Below is a list of some of the jobs within the field of environmental science that are in highest demand.
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Sustainability Specialist
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Wind Turbine Technician
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Environmental Statistician
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Environmental Protection Specialist
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Health and Safety Manager
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Environmental Project Manager
The salary of an environmental scientist can vary a great deal depending on who they work for and what kind of work that they do. Seeing that these jobs are in high demand because of the current issues, workers in these positions can also expect to make a decent salary. Before entering the field, it is a good idea to take inventory of the many job options and the benefits of each one. After doing this, you can make decisions with a job in mind and work towards achieving that goal.
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While a bachelor’s degree is the most common route to becoming an environmental scientist, there are other skills and certifications that can be helpful in entering this profession. Students can also start out in positions such as environmental science and protection technician. Any of these entry level positions will allow workers to get their foot in the door. This, in turn, allows them to gain valuable experience in the field. Any experience gained in the field will end up serving as an asset as they move along in their career. It’s good to know that a graduate degree is not necessary to find success in the field. Those looking to enter environmental science can start their four year degree program and be on their way to a successful career. While studying , it is important to be on the lookout for opportunities to learn more and become more qualified. Becoming more qualified can be done through experience or certifications. Environmental scientists have the opportunity to make changes that will last for generations, both for the environment and for those of us who live in it.