Environmental science jobs bring together researchers from a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds to develop and deliver holistic, cutting-edge research and also the understanding required to quantify the impacts of human habitation on the planet. Not only that, but environment-friendly products and services are becoming a very significant part of the mainstream economy. Individuals may operate as environmental scientists, or a group of scientists may work together pooling their individual skills. With environmental problems like global warming, climate change, lack of vital resources like water, and other problems, we have to find ways to preserve nature and our future. As we all know, these are the most vital things which have kept us all alive. Career opportunities related to the environment could be defined as those jobs involved with the protection and conservation of nature, natural resources, and inhabitants of our land.
Environment-related career opportunities are booming because of the government’s environmental regulations for companies, as well as due to the growing public awareness and concern about working and living in a safe, clean world. Based on the recent figures provided by the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the environment is among the top four job categories or sectors which are expected to see the fastest-career growth from the years 2007 to 2014. Over the past few decades, concern with the issues related to environment has increased a lot. While the level of concern fluctuates, the future consequence is what people are concerned about, i.e. the impact of environmental contamination on our own health as well as the implications of the loss of biodiversity. As concern and awareness have increased, opportunities in the environmental job market have also increased. In a US news listing of “hot tracks” for future employment, 20 percent of those hot-track jobs were positions related to environment.
Environmental scientists basically use their knowledge to protect the environment, predict future environmental issues, and offer advice on proactive measures to conserve and protect the environment. Environmental scientists conduct research to identify and decrease or eliminate sources of pollutants that affect people, wildlife, and their environments. They analyze and report measurements and observations of air, water, soil, and other sources to make recommendations on how best to clean and preserve the environment. They often use their skills and knowledge to design and monitor waste disposal sites, preserve water supplies, and reclaim contaminated land and water to comply with federal environmental regulations. Based on the survey held in the year 2000, median annual earnings of environmental scientists were $44,180. According to the analysts in the case of environmental scientists, approximately 40 percent are employed in state and local governments, approximately 12 percent in management and public relations, 10 percent in engineering and architectural services, and 10 percent in the federal government. A small number of environmental scientists are self-employed.
Environmental scientists in research positions with the government or in colleges and universities often are required to design programs and write grant proposals in order to continue their data collection and research. Environmental scientists in consulting jobs face similar pressures to market their skills and write proposals to maintain steady work. Travel is often required to meet with prospective clients or investors. Generally environmental scientists are required to perform the following duties:
- To monitor the environmental impacts of development activities.
- To develop ways of minimising the impact of industrial, agricultural, and urban processes on the environment.
- To monitor the effects of pollution and land degradation and recommend ways of prevention and control.
- To rehabilitate land, water, and air affected by mining, logging, construction, degradation, and pollution.
- To conduct research and prepare proposals to lessen the impact of agriculture, grazing, new industrial, and other developments on the environment.
- To develop conservation plans.
- To plan and conduct research into the physical and biological nature of the environment.
- To conduct community education and awareness programs.
- To investigate and report on breaches of environmental guidelines.
- To take part in response to emergencies, such as chemical spills and accidents.
- To analyse pollutants, identify their sources, and assess their effects on the environment.
- To handle research matters of immediate and long-term importance to governments and communities such as the impact of land clearing on native animals and the impact of waste products on waterways.
- To negotiate with and provide advice to industry, government departments, and the public on environmental matters such as the management, re-use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
- To assist in developing policies, strategies, and codes of practice on environmental management.
- To handle environmental audits.
Environmental research scientists can work for a variety of employers like government, educational institutions, large industries, non-profit organizations, and also in the private sector. According to the analysts, there have been more jobs than scientists in this environmental research field.
