Environmental Science Jobs

Hydrologist
What Hydrologists Do: Hydrologists study how water moves across and through
the Earths crust. They can use their expertise to solve problems in the areas of
water quality or availability.

Work Environment: Hydrologists work in the field and in offices. In the field,
hydrologists may have to wade into lakes and streams to collect samples or to
read and inspect monitoring equipment. In the office, hydrologists spend much
their time using computers to analyze data and model their findings.

How to Become a Hydrologist: For most jobs, hydrologists need a masters

degree with a background in the natural sciences. Hydrologists may need a
license in some states.

Pay: The median annual wage for hydrologists was $75,530 in May 2012.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/hydrologists.htm
Botanist/Plant Ecologist
What is a plant biologist? Plant Biology is the study of plants at all levels, from
whole ecosystems level to the individual plant level, to the cellular, subcellular
and molecular levels. Plant Biologists seek to understand questions related to
the ability of plants to interact with each other and with other organisms, and to
respond to their environment.
Work Environment: Botanists/plant ecologists work in the field and in offices. In
the field, they may work in extreme conditions to collect samples or to read and
inspect monitoring equipment. In the office, they spend much their time using
computers to analyze data and model their findings.

How to become a plant biologist/ecologist: A strong background in biology,

botany, ecology and chemistry are necessary. A bachelors degree in botany is
required. However, many scientists who want to conduct research chose to gain
a masters or a PhD.
Pay: Intermediate research technicians $33,000 (bachelor's degree school
required), Intermediate researchers $50,250 (Masters), Laboratory managers
$53,000 (Masters/PhD), Laboratory directors $90,000 (PhD). Can earn more
with increasing experience.

Zoologist/Animal ecologist

What is a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists? Zoologists and wildlife biologists

study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems.
They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the
impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats.
Work Environment: Zoologists and wildlife biologists held about 20,100 jobs in
2012. They work in offices, laboratories, or outdoors. Depending on their
position, they may spend considerable time in the field gathering data and
studying animals in their natural habitats.
How to Become a Zoologist or Wildlife Biologist: Zoologists and wildlife
biologists need a bachelors degree for entry-level positions, but a masters
degree is often needed for advancement. A Ph.D. is necessary for independent
research and for university research positions.
Pay: The median annual wage for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $57,710
(BA only) in May 2012.

www.bls.gov

Forester and Conservation Technician

What Forest and Conservation Technicians Do: Forest and conservation
technicians measure and improve the quality of forests, rangeland, and other
natural areas. They monitor the health of the forest, establish short and longterm management plans, determine how much logging can be allowed, manage
timber sales, plant trees, thin trees, monitor wildlife, and conduct controlled
burns.
Work Environment: Forest and conservation technicians typically work
outdoors, sometimes in remote locations and in all types of weather. The work
can be physically difficult.
How to Become a Forest and Conservation Technician: Forest and
conservation technicians typically need an associates degree in forestry or a
related field. Employers look for technicians who have a degree that is
accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF). Specialists require
additional college education.
Pay: The median annual wage for forest and conservation technicians (usually
means an assistant) was $33,920 in May 2012. Forester specialists with more
education earn an average of $59,000.

http://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Foresters.cfm
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191032.htm

Fisheries Biologist
What is a fisheries biologist? They study how the environment and other
outside forces affect fish life cycles. Some choose to specialize in population
control, such as increasing the number of endangered species or decreasing the
number of overpopulated species. Marine fishery biologists focus on species
that live in the ocean while fishery limnologists work with freshwater species.
Fisheries biologists often regulate fishing quotas (limit the number of a
carnation species that can be caught) to control a species population. Statistics
gathered from their studies tests can help create regulations meant for
controlling industrial pollution and protecting the environment. They also study
how to fix fish habitat related problems.
Work Environment: Often fisheries biologists have field work, where they
collect data, and office work. The amount of time spent doing each depends on
the area of focus.
How to become a fisheries biologist: Students should major in fisheries or
biology in college. Volunteer to gain relevant experience. Some fisheries biology
programs provide opportunities to combine work and academic study or to
travel abroad as part of the degree program. Many fisheries biologist or wildlife
biologist positions require only a bachelor's degree, but students hoping to work
as fisheries biology researchers should earn a master's or PhD in the topic.
Pay: Salaries for different jobs vary depending on education and experience.
However, according to the University of California, Davis, entry-level pay for a
fishery biologist with a master's degree is around $50,000.

(http://educationportal.com/articles/Fishery_Biologist_Job_Description_Duties
_Salary_and_Outlook.html) (http://work.chron.com/much-money-can-fisherybiologist-make-21354.html)

Marine biologist
What is a marine biologist? Marine biology, in a nutshell, is the study of marine
organisms, their behaviors, and interactions with the environment. It includes
many different sub-disciplines and, consequently, an array of potential career
directions. They could be a microbiologist, an aquarist, a behavioral ecologist, a
system analyst, a geneticist, a professor, or perhaps some combination of these.
Work Environment: The amount of field work versus lab work depends on what
type of marine biologist. Field work often involves extensive times living on boat
and scuba diving to collect data.
How to become a marine biologist: Classes in biology, marine biology, ecology,
and math will be important. As an undergraduate student, get involved in
research. This can mean finding a job in a lab, working with a favorite professor,
or signing up for a summer field study class. You will need your bachelors
degree (B.A. or B.S.) for entry level positions.
Pay:The average salary of a Marine Biologist is $77,630. Salaries start from
$39,700 and go up to $124,680. Please note that the average salary for a Marine
Biologist may vary depending on several factors, like level of education, amount
of experience, industry, company size and location. Source, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics.

(http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2014/04/19/overfishing-remainsbiggest-threat-to-mediterranean-study-confirms/)
(https://www.sokanu.com/careers/marine-biologist/salary/)
(http://ocean.tamu.edu/Quarterdeck/QD6.2/peccini_ogc.html)

Environmental Toxicologist
What is an Environmental Toxicologist? Someone working as an
environmental toxicologist will conduct research thats meant to improve
healthy human and environmental interaction, as well as identifying the
damaging (if any) effects of new chemicals, which will help determine how
much of these chemicals constitutes harmful exposure to living organisms.
Toxicologists who deal primarily with industrial pollution and its influence on
the earth and atmosphere will generally work for local and federal agencies by
testing amounts of these pollutants issued by certain manufacturing facilities,
along with assisting in the enforcement of regulations regarding chemical
disposal. An environmental toxicology career is a job for anyone who loves
biology, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, physiology, and even geology. In
fact, environmental toxicology contains such a broad range of disciplines that
individuals trained in this field even work as police detectives.

How to become an Environmental Toxicologist: Acquiring a masters degree in

toxicology. A graduate environmental toxicology program will demand a
potential candidate possess certain prerequisites. These prerequisites include a
B.A. in either chemistry or biology, along with a background of research
experience or internships in organic and inorganic chemistry. In addition, an
individual who has taken advanced courses in calculus, physics, and molecular
biology will receive consideration before those who lack these classes.
Pay: $40,000 to $50,000 for entry level positions, with those positions requiring
more experience averaging $60,000 on up. However, working for private
industry will pay more on average than academic institutions.

(http://www.environmentaltoxicology.org/Environmental-ToxicologyCareer.html)

Soil scientist
What is a soil scientist? A soil scientist studies the upper few meters of the
Earths crust in terms of its physical and chemical properties. They often study
the distribution of soil types, soil formation, classify soils into different types (ie.
clay, sand, silt), and they map soils. They also study the fertility of soils, (ie.
determine its nutrient content), help determine the use and management of the
soils.
Work Environment: Soil scientist go into the field to collect their soil samples
and conduct experiments. They then analyze the physical/chemical properties
of the soil in a lab. Next they interpret their data in the office
How to become a soil scientist: A soil scientist needs a strong background
in the physical and biological sciences and mathematics. Generally, a
Masters is required.

Pay: Salaries range from about $50,000-$140,000/yr. Federally employed soil

scientists average around $80,000/yr. The agricultural industry pays their soil
scientists well and agricultural soil scientists can make upwards of $140,000/yr.

(http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/edu/?cid=nrcs142p2_0
54277) (http://www.utk.edu/advising/guides/63)

Environmental Lawyer
What is an environmental lawyer? Environmental lawyers specialize in legal
matters concerning the air, land and water. They lobby for balanced regulations
regarding pollution and materials handling, fight to protect biodiversity,
agriculture and ecosystems, and confront issues of waste management.
Environmental attorneys also help companies become greener and draft
business practices aimed at sustainability.
Lawyer working for the government: Environmental law often appeals to those
motivated to make a positive impact on the environment. Thus, many attorneys
who enter the environmental sector work on behalf of governmental or official
bodies. Some environmental lawyers work on international issues through
organizations such as the United Nations or World Bank, helping countries
develop sustainable environmental policies. Most, however, work at the federal,
state or local level, helping to draft laws and policies for officials or heads of
departments.
Lawyer working at a law firm: Many environmental attorneys work in private
law firms that either specialize in a niche environmental issue or have a
specialized division dedicated to environmental law. Many large private firms
specialize in energy law, water law, natural resources law and environmental
law. Public interest law firms might represent smaller clients against large
economic interests or government.
How to become an environmental lawyer: A B.A. is required. Political science
or philosophy degrees are recommended to get into law school. An
understanding of science will be needed to be an environmental lawyer,
therefor, undergraduates should take biology and chemistry. To get into law
school, you must take the LSATs exam. After earning a JD degree, lawyers must
pass the Bar exam in order to be licensed to practice law.
Pay: $40,000-$100,000. Salary potential will differ according to factors such as
title, responsibilities, availability and geographic location.

(http://work.chron.com/environmental-lawyer-job-description-18015.html)
(http://www.universityofvermontonline.com/resources/career-informationresources/environmental-lawyer-job-description-and-salary/#.VGEzwPnF-So)

Rangeland Management Specialist

What is a rangeland management specialist? A rangeland management
specialist is responsible for maintaining large areas of rangeland, which is an
open area used for grazing and hunting animals. Rangeland management
specialists must: 1. conduct vegetation, soil, hydrologic surveys and analysis 2.
develop and coordinate resource management plans, including grazing

management 3. administer grazing permits 4. identify and develop rangeland

improvement projects 5. develop and implement rangeland soil and vegetation
restoration 6. conduct invasive and noxious weed abatement and eradication
program 7. plan and implement sensitive riparian and wetland habitat
management 8. conduct botanical surveys for sensitive plant species 9. assist
other specialists in the development and evaluation of other multiple public
land management activities. A great deal of field work is required when it is
warm, while office work is often done when it is too cold.
How to become a rangeland management specialist: A bachelors degree in
degree in Rangeland Management/Ecology or related field is required. Biology,
ecology, and zoology are all important classes to take.
Pay: $31,628 to $75,376 a year, depending on various factors such as
experience and education.

(http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs/pdf/rangermanag.pdf)

Microbiologist
What is a Microbiologists? Microbiologists study microorganisms such as
bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to
understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their
environments.

Work Environment: Microbiologists work in laboratories and offices, where they

conduct scientific experiments and analyze the results. Most microbiologists work
full time and keep regular hours.

How to Become a Microbiologist: A bachelors degree in microbiology or a

closely related field is needed for entry-level microbiologist jobs. A Ph.D. is
typically needed to carry out independent research and to work in colleges and
universities.

Pay: The median annual wage for microbiologists was $66,260 in May 2012.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/hydrologists.htm

Restoration Ecologist
What is a restoration ecologist? A restoration ecologist helps the Earth heal
itself by restoring damaged ecosystems. These people often gather information
about the damage to the ecosystem, identify the biotic and abiotic variables
affected by this damage, then they design and implement a project to restore
the ecosystem. Because it requires many specialists to restore an ecosystem,
restoration ecologists often cooperate with specialists for more complex
projects.
Work Environment: restoration ecologists spend a great deal of time planning
for restoration projects. This involves field work, to collect data, and office work,
to interpret data, order materials, and coordinate with others. Actual
restoration often requires significant manual labor. More senior employees
contribute less to this last portion.
How do you become a restoration ecologist?: You will need your bachelors
degree in a related science field (usually ecology or biology). Classes in biology,
ecology, and chemistry are important.
Pay: $46,820 - $82,000, depending on experience and education level.

(http://www.chegg.com/career-center/explore/restoration-ecologist)

Environmental Engineer
What Environmental Engineers Do:Environmental engineers use the principles
of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to
environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste
disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control.

Work Environment: Environmental engineers work in a variety of settings

because of the nature of the tasks they do. When they are working with other
engineers and urban and regional planners, environmental engineers are likely to
be in offices. When they are carrying out solutions through construction projects,
they are likely to be at construction sites.

How to Become an Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers must

have a bachelors degree in environmental engineering or a related field, such as
civil, chemical, or general engineering. Employers also value practical experience.
Therefore, cooperative engineering programs, which provide college credit for
structured job experience, are valuable as well. Getting a license improves the
chances of employment.

Pay: The median annual wage for environmental engineers was $80,890 in May
2012.

http://www.bls.gov/
Civil Engineer
What is a Civil Engineer? Civil engineers design, construct, supervise, operate,
and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings,
airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage
treatment.

Work Environment: Civil engineers generally work indoors in offices. However,

many spend time outdoors at construction sites so they can monitor operations
or solve problems onsite. Most work full time.

How to Become a Civil Engineer: Civil engineers need a bachelors degree,

either in civil engineering or civil engineering technology. They typically need a
graduate degree and licensure for promotion to senior positions.

Pay: The median annual wage for civil engineers was $79,340 in May 2012.
Job Outlook: Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 20 percent from
2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. As infrastructure
continues to age, civil engineers will be needed to manage projects to rebuild
bridges, repair roads, and upgrade levees and dams.

http://www.bls.gov

Biochemist
What Biochemists and Biophysicists Do: Biochemists and biophysicists study
the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes,
such as cell development, growth, and heredity.

Work Environment: Biochemists and biophysicists typically work in laboratories

and offices to conduct experiments and analyze the results. Most work full time.

How to Become a Biochemist or Biophysicist: Biochemists and biophysicists

need a Ph.D. to work in independent research and development. Most Ph.D.
holders begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions.
Bachelors and masters degree holders qualify for some entry-level positions in
biochemistry and biophysics.

Pay: The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists was $81,480 in
May 2012.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/biochemists-andbiophysicists.htm

Environmental Health Specialist

What is an environmental health specialist? Environmental health practitioners
(EHPs) act as advisers, educators, consultants, managers and enforcement
officers, ensuring people are able to live, work and play in safe, healthy
environments.EHPs are responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing
health policies, using specialist technical skills and knowledge to maintain and
safeguard standards relating to people's health and well-being. They may be
generalists or may specialize in specific areas of the industry. Duties often
include: compiling reports, providing training courses, gathering samples to be
tested, investigating complaints, serving legal notices, providing evidence in
court, cooperating with other organizations.

Work environment: A large amount of time is spent away from the office visiting
properties such as farms, shops, food outlets, private/public accommodation,
commercial premises, manufacturers and industrial organizations. However,
significant time conducting office work is required.

How to become an environmental health specialist: Bachelor's, master's, or

doctoral degree in environmental health from a program accredited by
the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council

Pay: $35,000 - $143,700 depending on experience, specialization, location, and

education.

http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/eph/environment-and-public-health-salarieswage-pay-for-rehs-environmental-health-inspectors.html

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/environmental_health_practitioner_job_descriptio
n.htm
http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/279457-environmentalhealth-officer-job-description
http://www.usphs.gov/profession/environmental/requirements.aspx

Other jobs:
City Council Member
Environmental Statistician