An environmental specialist finds pollution sources to protect the environment and its inhabitants.
An environmental specialist protects the environment by determining problems and finding solutions used to eliminate hazards that can affect the overall health of the environment or population. If you are a problem solver who can combine ideas and come up with unique solutions, then consider a career as an environmental specialist. According to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net), an environmental specialist may also be known under the job title of environmental scientist.
Roles
According to O*Net, an environmental specialist researches and investigates to identify, abate or eliminate the sources of hazards or pollution that can affect the health of the environment or population. A specialist applies knowledge found in various disciplines, such as chemistry, ecology and other natural sciences. A specialist collects, synthesizes, studies, reports and takes action based on research or observations of food, air, soil and water.
Education
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental specialists require a bachelor's degree for most jobs in the public and private sector; however, a master's degree is preferred by most employers. A Ph.D. is typically necessary only for teaching and research jobs at colleges. A specialist may receive a bachelor's degree in environmental science which may offer an interdisciplinary emphasis on chemistry, biology or geology. Other natural sciences are useful to study water resources, ecosystem protection, pollution abatement, restoration and management. Students who plan on consulting can consider taking courses in business, finance or marketing. In addition to a bachelor's degree, specialists may want to acquire a master's degree in environmental science or a natural science.
Salary
According to the BLS' May 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES), the national average salary for environmental scientists and specialists was $65,280. The national median salary ranged from below $36,310 to above $102,610. The National Association of Colleges and Employers revealed that the average starting salary for graduates with bachelor's degrees in an environmental science was $39,160 in 2009, according to the BLS.
Workplace
According to CollegeBoard.com, a nonprofit membership association that connects students to college opportunities, employees can be found conducting research in the outdoors and at remote environments. A specialist may also have to deal with severe terrain or weather when gathering data. You can also find specialists in their laboratory or office.
Outlook
According to the BLS National Employment Matrix, employment as environmental scientists and specialists was projected to grow much faster than average, at a rate of 28 percent from 2008 to 2018. Job opportunities will be good, especially for positions in the state and local government.
Tags: environmental specialist, bachelor degree, environmental science, degree environmental, degree environmental science, environment population
