Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Common Job Titles
- Environmental Programs Specialist
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign environmental investigation protocols and sampling strategies for identifying and quantifying sources of contamination across diverse ecosystems.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize multidisciplinary scientific data into comprehensive environmental assessment reports integrating field observations, laboratory analyses, and geospatial information using GIS software.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate environmental data against regulatory standards and compliance requirements using interdisciplinary scientific knowledge across air, soil, and water quality assessments.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze pollutant sources and hazard pathways synthesizing measurements from field sampling and laboratory results to determine environmental and public health impacts.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate environmental monitoring equipment including spectrometers, gas chromatographs, and water quality instruments in field and laboratory settings following established protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess complex environmental problems involving multiple pollutants and ecological systems applying knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics to recommend remediation actions.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate evidence-based environmental protection measures when communicating with regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and public audiences.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute environmental sample collection procedures for air, soil, water, and sediment in diverse field environments using appropriate sampling equipment and maintaining chain of custody.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret environmental monitoring data and modeling outputs for non-technical audiences including community members and decision-makers under regulatory time constraints.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate environmental protection principles with stakeholder concerns when resolving conflicts between regulatory compliance and economic or social considerations.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
84,930
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $50,130. 25th percentile: U.S. $62,090. 50th percentile: U.S. $80,060. 75th percentile: U.S. $103,730. 90th percentile: U.S. $134,830. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $50,130 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $134,830 |
| Workers on average earn | $88,640 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- English Language4.5/5
- Biology3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- Law and Government3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Illustrator
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Bentley MicroStation
- C++
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
- Structured query language SQL
Technology Skills
- ADMS pollution modeling software
- CAP88-PC
- CERC EMIT
- Chemical management tracking software
- Chemicals and Irrigation CANDI
- Compass software
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
- DQO ELIPGRID-PC
Tools & Equipment
- Aerosol spectrometers
- Air quality dataloggers
- Air/soil temperature sensors
- Airboats
- All terrain vehicles ATV
- Ambient air quality monitoring systems
- Ammonia meters
- Analog survey meters