The Environmental Analyst of any organization is considered to be the linchpin of the project being undertaken by it. He is responsible for researching and analyzing the effects of the project on the surrounding environment and devise necessary solutions for it.
Environmental job analysts use their knowledge of the geology of the Earth to protect the environment, survey the properties of underground and surface waters, locate water and energy resources, estimate geologic hazards, and provide site assessments and advice on indoor air quality and hazardous-waste-site remediation.
Analysts conduct research to identify the possible hazards caused by the projects which affect people, wildlife, and their environments. These workers analyze the changes likely to be caused in air, food, water, and soil to determine the way to clean and preserve the environment. They research into issues involved in protecting the environment like degradation, conservation, recycling, and replenishment. Environmental job analysts are often used to design and monitor waste disposal sites, preserve water supplies, and devise solutions to enable contaminated land and water to comply with Federal environmental regulations. One main function of Environmental analyst jobs involves writing risk assessments, describing the likely affect of construction and other environmental changes; write technical proposals; and giving presentations to managers and regulators.
In this era of digital information and networking, social issues hold the spot light. All the forms of media, in a bid to gain an advantage over their competition blow up such issues in order to boost their business. Environmental analysts make sure that the company avoids such issues at all costs.
All graduates with a bachelor's degree in an earth science are compulsory for applying to an entry level analyst job.
However a master's degree is a pre requisite for obtaining promotions in the hierarchy.
All applicants must be physically and mentally prepared to work on site in less than hospitable conditions along with the regular desk job.
Computer skills are essential for prospective analysts. Applicants with some experience with computer modeling, data analysis and integration, digital mapping, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are very much preferred. Familiarity with the Global Positioning System (GPS)(a locator system that uses satellites) is vital.
Although 33% of the analysts are employed by the governments in helping various agencies frame their policies and help in identifying the things which go a long way in avoiding further environmental problems. They work in managerial positions, spending equal time in the field as well as in that of policy making.
There is growing demand for Environmental analysts in private conglomerates. They help in designing the projects being undertaken in such a way that they comply with the various policies of the government agencies. They are also expected to solve problems which arise out of these issues.
The training and the work of these environmental jobs is similar to that of the life scientist except that the focus is applied on environmental issues. Specializations in environmental biology and environmental chemistry, ecology, and conservation are sought by the employers although recent developments have contributed in blurring the boundaries between various traditional specializations.
In addition, Environmental Analysts with degrees in other major disciplines such as engineering or business combined with environmental science training make them suitable for the widest range of job profiles.
Most of the entry-level Environmental analysts spend the majority of their time in the field, while the more experienced ones devote more time to office or laboratory work. In most of the cases the analysts in the field may work in warm or cold climates and in all other kinds of weather. In their research, manual labor also may be required. Travel often is required to meet with prospective clients or investors.
Annual earnings of analysts are at an average of $56,000. Most of the analysts earned between $45,000 and $75,000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $90,000.
In addition to the salary, the other costs of traveling, accommodation, and on site allowances make it a grand total of around $65,000 a year. A lot of variation can be expected in the mentioned figures based on the experience of the applicant along with this grading by the HR department.
