Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Environmental scientists and specialists research, analyze, and develop strategies to protect the environment and human health. Their work spans industries such as government, consulting, engineering, and research, addressing pollution, climate change, and conservation.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $80,060/year ($38.49/hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): +7% (Faster than average)

  • Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related field

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

📘 ENTRY LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Environmental Analyst, Junior Environmental Scientist, Environmental Technician, Field Scientist

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or Chemistry

  • Experience: Internships or volunteer work with environmental orgs recommended

  • Certifications (Optional): OSHA HAZWOPER, Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) – associate level

  • Core Duties:

    • Collect and analyze soil, air, and water samples

    • Conduct field observations and compile environmental data

    • Assist in preparing technical reports and environmental assessments

    • Support compliance with NEPA and other regulations

  • Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000

📙 MID LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Environmental Scientist II, Environmental Health Specialist, Restoration Planner, Compliance Analyst

  • Education: Bachelor’s required, Master’s preferred for specialized roles

  • Experience: 3–5 years in environmental science, consulting, or regulatory roles

  • Certifications (Preferred): Certified Environmental Scientist (CES), NEHA REHS/RS

  • Core Duties:

    • Develop environmental mitigation plans and oversee their execution

    • Evaluate environmental data for compliance with policy

    • Lead site assessments and remediation planning

    • Supervise junior staff or technicians

  • Salary Range: $70,000–$95,000

📕 SENIOR LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Senior Environmental Scientist, Environmental Program Manager, Environmental Consultant, Director of Sustainability

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s; Doctoral degree for research or academic careers

  • Experience: 6+ years plus project leadership or management experience

  • Certifications (Recommended): Certified Environmental Professional (CEP), Project Management Professional (PMP)

  • Core Duties:

    • Direct complex research and restoration projects

    • Liaise with regulatory agencies, government leaders, or clients

    • Develop policy recommendations and sustainability initiatives

    • Manage budgets, teams, and environmental programs

  • Salary Range: $95,000–$135,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Minimum Education: Bachelor’s in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Earth Science

  • Training: Fieldwork, lab research, data analysis, internships

  • Certifications:

    • Entry: HAZWOPER, CPR/First Aid

    • Mid-Senior: REHS/RS, CEP, PMP (for leadership roles)

  • Soft Skills: Problem-solving, collaboration, communication, attention to detail, data interpretation

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

🛠️ Core Skills

  • Environmental impact analysis

  • GIS and remote sensing

  • Data collection and statistical analysis

  • Environmental policy knowledge

  • Technical writing and reporting

⚙️ Tools

  • ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI

  • Excel, R, Python

  • Air/water/soil sampling kits

  • Spectrometers, pH meters, drones (for aerial surveys)

  • EPA databases and modeling tools

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Locations: Government agencies, consulting firms, laboratories, field sites (forests, industrial zones, wetlands)

  • Schedules: Full-time; occasional nights/weekends during field projects

  • Environment: Indoors (labs/offices) + outdoors (field research); may require travel or hazardous site entry

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Growth Drivers: Climate change, environmental regulations, corporate sustainability

  • Annual Openings: ~8,500 (2023–2033)

  • Opportunities: Specialization in climate science, restoration, ESG consulting, policy advocacy

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role: Environmental Engineers | Salary: $104,170 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

  • Role: Geoscientists | Salary: $99,240 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

  • Role: Hydrologists | Salary: $92,060 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

  • Role: Conservation Scientists | Salary: $69,060 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

  • Role: Biochemists | Salary: $103,650 | Education Level: Doctoral’s degree

  • Role: Microbiologists | Salary: $87,330 | Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

🎓 Certifications & Courses

  • National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP)

  • NEHA REHS/RS (Environmental Health Specialist)

  • Coursera/edX: Environmental Policy, GIS for Environmental Science

  • LinkedIn Learning: Environmental Compliance, HAZWOPER 40-Hour

📚 Books

  • Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

  • Field Guide to Environmental Engineering for Development Workers by Branz & Mihelcic

  • Environmental Science: Toward a Sustainable Future by Wright & Boorse

🎥 Videos & Channels

  • Bioneers (YouTube)

  • EPA Webinars & Podcasts

  • CrashCourse: Environmental Science

  • National Geographic – Climate & Environment

🌍 Communities

  • r/environmental_science (Reddit)

  • National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)

  • Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)

  • LinkedIn Environmental Science Groups

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

 

Keandra Wilson
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