Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
SOC: 19-2041.00
Common Job Titles
Environmental Programs SpecialistEnvironmental Protection SpecialistEnvironmental ScientistEnvironmental Specialist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign environmental investigation protocols and sampling strategies for identifying and quantifying sources of contamination across diverse ecosystems.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize multidisciplinary scientific data into comprehensive environmental assessment reports integrating field observations, laboratory analyses, and geospatial information using GIS software.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate environmental data against regulatory standards and compliance requirements using interdisciplinary scientific knowledge across air, soil, and water quality assessments.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze pollutant sources and hazard pathways synthesizing measurements from field sampling and laboratory results to determine environmental and public health impacts.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate environmental monitoring equipment including spectrometers, gas chromatographs, and water quality instruments in field and laboratory settings following established protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess complex environmental problems involving multiple pollutants and ecological systems applying knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics to recommend remediation actions.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate evidence-based environmental protection measures when communicating with regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and public audiences.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute environmental sample collection procedures for air, soil, water, and sediment in diverse field environments using appropriate sampling equipment and maintaining chain of custody.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret environmental monitoring data and modeling outputs for non-technical audiences including community members and decision-makers under regulatory time constraints.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate environmental protection principles with stakeholder concerns when resolving conflicts between regulatory compliance and economic or social considerations.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
84,930
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $50,130 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $134,830 |
| Workers on average earn | $88,640 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- English Language4.5/5
- Biology3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
- Law and Government3.5/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe AcrobatAdobe IllustratorAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationC++ESRI ArcGIS softwareIBM SPSS StatisticsMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WordSAP softwareStructured query language SQL
Technology Skills
ADMS pollution modeling softwareCAP88-PCCERC EMITChemical management tracking softwareChemicals and Irrigation CANDICompass softwareCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteDQO ELIPGRID-PC
Tools & Equipment
Aerosol spectrometersAir quality dataloggersAir/soil temperature sensorsAirboatsAll terrain vehicles ATVAmbient air quality monitoring systemsAmmonia metersAnalog survey meters