What they do
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
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Also called: |
Ecologist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Protection Agency Counselor, Research Scientist, Researcher
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Wages
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Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health* |
Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 26.42 |
$54,950 |
25% |
$ 28.83 |
$59,970 |
Median |
$ 33.80 |
$70,300 |
75% |
$ 38.11 |
$79,270 |
90% |
$ 43.94 |
$91,400 |
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Average |
$ 34.19 |
$71,120 |
* You're seeing information for "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health" because it includes "Industrial Ecologists" for which wage information is not available. |
1 What are Percentile Wages? |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health* |
United States - 2022 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 39% |
- State government, excluding education and hospitals
| 26% |
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals
| 14% |
- Federal government, excluding postal service
| 7% |
- Educational services; state, local, and private
| 4% |
* You're seeing information for "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health" because it includes "Industrial Ecologists" for which industries of employment information is not available. |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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- Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- 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.
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- Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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- Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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- Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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- Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
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- Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
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- Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
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- Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
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- Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health* |
Vermont |
2022 employment |
382 |
2032 employment |
430 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
1.2% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
36 |
* You're seeing information for "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health" because it includes "Industrial Ecologists" for which projected employment information is not available. |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health* |
- Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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* You're seeing information for "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health" because it includes "Industrial Ecologists" for which education and experience information is not available. |
Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Somewhat Important
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Low | ![](color_scale.jpg) | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Extensive Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(8.0 and above) - A typical worker will require
over 4 years up to and including 10 years or more
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 9% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 70% |
Bachelor's degree | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 22% |
Associate's degree | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 0% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 0% |
High school diploma or equivalent | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 0% |
Less than high school diploma | ![](pixel_blue.gif) | 0% |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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- Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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- Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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More at O*NET |
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
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- Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
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- Identify sustainable business practices.
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- Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
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- Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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