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Environmental Science Career Information
 
What is this job like?  

Environmental scientists find and fix pollution and other environmental problems. They figure out what is in the air, water, and soil to make sure that the environment is safe. They also give advice on how to clean the environment. For example, they might design a safe way to get rid of trash.

Some of these workers mix environmental science with other sciences, such as chemistry or biology. Environmental chemists find out if different chemicals hurt the environment. Environmental biologists focus on protecting animals and plants.

Some environmental scientists help to make laws about protecting the environment. They also help companies follow the laws.

 

How do you get ready?

  

All of these workers need a college degree. Most need an advanced degree—either a master's, which takes about 5 or 6 years of college, or a doctoral degree, which takes longer.

In college, these workers study geography, environmental science, chemistry, biology, earth science, and physics. They also study math and statistics so that they can understand measurements and data. People who want to make laws about protecting the environment also take law classes.

In addition to taking classes, scientists have to learn how to work with other people. They also need to practice speaking and writing so that they will be able to explain their research.

Workers also need computer skills. And they need to know about the latest tools and technology for studying the earth.

Students can start getting ready by taking science, math, and computer classes. They can also read books about rocks, the earth, and the environment.

 

How much does this job pay?

  

The middle half of all environmental scientists earned between $39,100 and $67,360 in 2004. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $31,610. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $85,940.

 

How many jobs are there?

  

Environmental scientists held about 73,000 jobs in 2004. Many worked for governments. Others worked for science and engineering companies, oil and gas companies, and other places. Some had their own businesses.

The environmental business section accounts for about 3% of the nation's GDP.

Colorado is host to at least 800 environmentally oriented businesses and several federal agencies involved in environmental activities.  Colorado also is host to 22 Superfund sites.

 

What about the future?

  

The number of jobs for environmental scientists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014. That's because people want the environment to be cleaner, and more businesses and governments will hire these scientists to help do that.

 

Environmental Science Job Links