Environmental Scientist

Salary

Graduate with experience: £18,000 - £27,000
Senior Post (responsibility for staff, policy development): £25,000 to £45,000

Main Employers

• Government Bodies: Defra and Environment Agency
• Local and Regional Government
• Science and Engineering Companies
• Pressure Groups: Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace
• Oil and Gas Companies
• Consultancies
• Own Businesses

Job Profile

Environmental Scientists measure and record features of the environment, study, assess and develop methods of controlling or minimising the harmful effects of human activity on the environment and develop conservation plans. This can include contributing to, and maintaining, environmental laws. Environmental Scientists develop their knowledge through accurate observation and recording in the field. Much of their work is performed in laboratories or outside taking measurements. They might dig dirt, chip rocks, or do other physical things. Environmental Scientists who look for oil often work in foreign countries.

Role and Responsibilities

Jobs will vary according to each employer. However you could expect to be involved in but not limited to:
• Planning and conducting research into the physical and biological nature of the environment
• Developing ways of minimising the impact of industrial, agricultural and urban processes on the environment
• Developing conservation plans
• Undertaking laboratory work
• Running community education programs
• Investigating and reporting on breaches of environmental guidelines
• Taking part in response to emergencies such as chemical spills and accidents
• Analysing pollutants, identifying their sources and assessing their effects on the environment
• Monitoring the effects of pollution, land degradation and recommending ways of prevention and control
• Monitoring the environmental impacts of development activities
• Rehabilitating land, water and air affected by mining, logging, construction, degradation and pollution
• Researching 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
• Negotiating with and providing advice to industry, government departments and the public on environmental matters such as the management, re-use or disposal of hazardous materials
• Assisting in developing policies, strategies and codes of practice on environmental management
• Conducting environmental audits
• Writing reports and helping find money for projects

Qualifications

Environmental Scientists require an Honours Degree and most need an advanced degree, either an MSc or a PhD. 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.
Environmental Scientists need to be up to date on the latest tools and technology for studying the earth.

Relevant Degree and HND subjects include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth Science
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Law
• Maths & Statistics
• Physics

Potential applicants should be able to show evidence of:

• A logical approach to problem solving and risk-assessment
• Technical aptitude
• Good communication skills
• Ablility to work as a part of a team.
• Well-developed literacy, numeracy and graphicacy skills
• Flexibility
• Global awareness and an understanding of earth systems, sustainability and conservation

Career Opportunities

Environmental scientists held about 73,000 jobs in 2004. The number of jobs for environmental scientists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014 as people’s environmental demands increase. More businesses and governments need these scientists to help meet the public’s expectations of a safe and clean environment. Environmental Science graduates have a long track record in gaining employment across a number of different professions and organisations including environment-based industries. The skills and qualities developed through studying Environmental Science are highly transferable into a variety of roles and different working environments, and form the basis of the real contributions of highly motivated and able employees can make to an organisation. They have a highly desirable suite of skills which are of a premium to all types of organisations.