Environmental Scientist

What an Environmental Scientist Does

Environmental scientists study pollution, erosion, deforestation and other factors that can constitute a problem to the environment. They also work to come up with practical solutions that can help solve some some of these environmental issues or at least clean them up enough to make them safe for people, plants and animals. A significant part of their job involves performing tests on the air, water and soil to see just what could be polluting it or if it's safe. They might then go into a laboratory setting and try to devise a way to minimize the impact or remove these harmful substances. There are several sub-fields of this career including environmental chemistry and biology. A good deal of the work environmental scientists do is outdoors, when collecting samples, but work is also done in the lab. They can find employment with government institutions and private businesses who want to minimize their environmental impact.

How to Become an Environmental Scientist

No matter what kind of specialization you'd like to pursue or where you'd like to work, to get into this field you'll need a college degree. Start out by pursuing a bachelor's degree program in environmental science. This can include taking courses in geology, chemistry, biology, earth science and physics. Depending on that type of environmental work you'd like to do, you may want to take courses in mathematics or law. While a bachelor's degree may be enough to get into some types of work in this field, a master's or doctoral degree is ideal and can help with finding work and getting ahead. For nearly all research and teaching positions, a master's or better will be needed, so students should plan accordingly if these careers are in their professional goals. Most students will also want to pursue internships and volunteer work to get experience working in the field.

Career Outlook for Environmental Scientists

Jobs in environmental science are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the coming decade, according to estimates by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is due in part to population growth, as more people means more effort needed to keep the environment clean. It is also brought on by widespread interest by consumers and businesses in the environment and ways they can work within their own communities to improve it. Job growth in this field could top 25 percent through 2018, making it an excellent career choice for those who want to care for the earth and enjoy job security at the same time. The average yearly income of environmental sciences, based on a survey done in 2008, was $65,280. Newcomers may make less and those with experience or who reach management positions may make considerably more.