Environmental Scientist
Environmental & Natural Resources
A program that focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of the physical environment and the solution of environmental problems, including subjects such as abating or controlling environmental pollution and degradation; the interaction between human society and the natural environment; and natural resources management.
What Environmental Scientists Do
A program that focuses on the application of biological, chemical, and physical principles to the study of the physical environment and the solution of environmental problems, including subjects such as abating or controlling environmental pollution and degradation; the interaction between human society and the natural environment; and natural resources management.
Common Tasks
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- 1Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- 2Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- 3Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- 4Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- 5Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
What You'll Learn
Types of Environmental Scientists
Work Environment
Locations
- • Environmental consulting firms
- • Government environmental agencies
- • Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- • Laboratories and testing centers
- • Field sites (streams, wetlands, construction or remediation sites)
Schedule
Most roles follow a standard weekday schedule, but field sampling and inspections can require early starts, travel, and occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or respond to incidents.
Physical Demands
Work is often desk- and computer-based with report writing and data analysis, mixed with periodic fieldwork. Field days can involve walking on uneven terrain, carrying sampling gear, and working in heat, cold, or wet conditions.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 591,500 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand may rise as governments and companies expand monitoring and cleanup efforts for pollution, drinking water, and hazardous materials. More climate resilience, infrastructure, and permitting work can also increase the need for environmental data and compliance support.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Meaningful work protecting public health and natural resources
- • Variety of work (field sampling, lab work, data analysis, reporting)
- • Strong alignment with government and corporate compliance needs
- • Transferable skills across water, air, waste, and land management
- • Opportunities to specialize (EHS, remediation, climate, GIS)
Cons
- • Paperwork-heavy (permits, regulations, documentation, reporting)
- • Fieldwork can be uncomfortable and weather-dependent
- • Deadlines and compliance timelines can create time pressure
- • Some roles involve exposure to contaminated sites (with PPE)
- • May require travel and irregular hours during projects
Common Questions About the Environmental Scientist Trade
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