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.

Tasks Include:

Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.
Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +8.8%

National: +7.3%

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job Zone:

Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$78,980.00

State

$79,440.00

Regional

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Description

Career Cluster:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Education

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree = 47.49%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 21.32%
Master's Degree = 13.78%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. = 12.66%
Doctoral Degree = 3.99%
Some College Courses = 0.76%

Related Work Experience

Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 29.10%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 27.37%
Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 13.56%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 12.22%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 10.39%
None = 5.83%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 1.54%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 32.01%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 21.32%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 14.73%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 12.02%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 11.05%
Up to and including 1 month = 6.97%
None = 1.15%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 0.75%

On-the-Job Training

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 34.53%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 22.63%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 20.59%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 16.29%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 5.20%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 0.76%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.
Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.
Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.
Develop methods to minimize the impact of production processes on the environment, based on the study and assessment of industrial production, environmental legislation, and physical, biological, and social environments.
Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Spectrometers (Aerosol spectrometers)
Air samplers or collectors (Air quality dataloggers)
Temperature transmitters (Air/soil temperature sensors)
Recreational motorboats (Airboats)
All terrain vehicles tracked or wheeled (All terrain vehicles ATV)
Air samplers or collectors (Ambient air quality monitoring systems)
Single gas monitors (Ammonia meters)
Radiation detectors (Analog survey meters)
Anemometers
Air samplers or collectors (Atmospheric deposition collectors)
Water samplers (Automatic samplers)
Laboratory bailers (Bailers)
Sample preparation bombs (Bomb samplers)
Soil core sampling apparatus (Bottom dredge samplers)
Single gas monitors (Carbon monoxide meters)
Multi gas monitors (Chlorine dioxide meters)
Single gas monitors (Chlorine meters)
Flow sensors (Closed pipe Doppler water flow meters)
Water analyzers (Coliform testing systems)
Colorimeters (Colorimetric devices)
Multi gas monitors (Combustible gas monitors)
Water analyzers (Comparator water test kits)
Soil core sampling apparatus (Core samplers)
Portable data input terminals (Dataloggers)
Logging instruments for water wells (Depth meters)
Desktop computers
Digital cameras
Radiation detectors (Digital survey meters)
Dosimeters
Water analyzers (Drop count industrial water test kits)
Electromagnetic field meters (Electromagnetic field EMF meters)
Precipitation or evaporation recorders (Evaporation gauge sensors)
Explosimeters
Flowmeters (Fiberglass metering manholes)
Radiation detectors (Field radiological measuring devices)
Temperature transmitters (Fuel temperature sensors)
Gas chromatographs (Gas chromatographs GC)
Multi gas monitors (Gas spillage detectors)
Radiation detectors (Geiger-Mueller meters)
Global positioning system receivers (Global positioning system GPS devices)
Water samplers (Groundwater monitoring systems)
Soil core sampling apparatus (Hand held augers)
Heat stress monitors
Ion analyzers (HNu photoionization detectors PID)
Ionization chambers
Air samplers or collectors (Lead air sampling kits)
Water samplers (Lead water sampling kits)
Coliwasas (Liquid samplers)
Mainframe computers
Manometers
Mass spectrometers
Air samplers or collectors (Mercury monitors)
Moisture meters
Spectrometers (Multichannel analyzers)
Water analyzers (Multiparameter water quality instruments)
Nephelometers
Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter (Noise dosimeters)
Notebook computers
Oil content monitors analyzers (Oil water interface meters)
Ozone analyzers (Ozone meters)
Air samplers or collectors (Particulate samplers)
Personal computers
pH meters
Ion analyzers (Photoionization detectors PID)
Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Pocket personal computers PC)
Psychrometers
Radon detectors (Radon monitors)
Water samplers (Rain water samplers)
Liquid scintillation counters (Scintillation counters)
Radiation detectors (Scintillation probes)
Leak testing equipment (Smoke generators)
Soil testing kits (Soil analysis kits)
Soil testing kits (Soil gas sampling systems)
Soil core sampling apparatus (Soil probes)
Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter (Sound level meters)
Spectrophotometers
Water samplers (Stormwater samplers)
Logging instruments for water wells (Submersible water data loggers)
Toxicology test kits or supplies (Toxic mold test kits)
Turbidimeters
Viscosimeters (Viscosity meters)
Photometers (Water quality testing photometers)
Open stream current meters (Water velocity flow meters)

Technologies Include:

Analytical or scientific software

ADMS pollution modeling software
SPSS software
SoundPlan software
CAP88-PC software
CERC EMIT
Statistical software
Chemicals and Irrigation CANDI software
Compass software
RSA RadCalc
Link Microtek software
Lakes Environmental SLAB View
DQO ELIPGRID-PC
Hotspot
Laboratory information management system LIMS software
Ecotech WinCollect
Rad Pro Calculator software
Lakes Environmental EcoRisk View
Lakes Environmental ISC-AERMOD View
TANKS
Wolfel IMMI

Compliance software

Ecotech WinAQMS
Emissions tracking software
MIRS Compliance
Material safety data sheet MSDS software

Computer aided design CAD software

Autodesk AutoCAD software
Bentley MicroStation

Data base user interface and query software

EarthSoft EQuIS Geology
EarthWon software
FacTS software
Lakes Environmental Emissions View
Chemical management tracking software
Microsoft Access
Oracle software
Smart Data Solutions RS Solutions
Structured query language SQL
Database software
Tucows ChemBase
Waters eLab Notebook
DataPipe software

Development environment software

Microsoft Visual Basic

Electronic mail software

Microsoft Outlook

Graphics or photo imaging software

Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
Graphics software

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Map creation software

ESRI ArcView
Golden Software Surfer
ESRI ArcInfo
RockWare ArcMap
Mapping software
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Geographic information system GIS software

Object or component oriented development software

C++
Sun Microsystems Java

Office suite software

Microsoft Office software

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPoint

Project management software

Microsoft Project

Spreadsheet software

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel

Word processing software

Microsoft Word

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Additional Resources

Information on training and career opportunities for geologists is available from:

American Geological Institute
4220 King St.
Alexandria, VA 22302-1502
http://www.agiweb.org

Geological Society of America
P.O. Box 9140
Boulder, CO 80301-9140
Telephone: (717) 447-2020
http://www.geosociety.org.

American Association of Petroleum Geologists
P.O. Box 979
Tulsa, OK 74101
http://www.aapg.org

Information on training and career opportunities for geophysicists is available from:

American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Ave. NW.
Washington, DC 20009
Telephone: (202) 777-7512
http://www.agu.org

Society of Exploration Geophysicists
8801 South Yale
Tulsa, OK 74137
Telephone: (918) 497-5500
http://www.seg.org

Marine Technology Society
1828 L St. NW.
Suite 906
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.mtsociety.org

Information on acquiring a job as a geologist, geophysicist, hydrologist, or oceanographer with the Federal Government may be obtained through a telephone-based system from the Office of Personnel Management. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; Federal Relay Service (800) 877-8339 This number is not tollfree and charges may result. Information also is available from the Internet site:
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1900/1980b.htm

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
87.75	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
71.50	Biology	Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
67.00	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
63.00	Law and Government	Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
60.75	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
57.50	Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
55.25	Chemistry	Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
52.50	Administrative	Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
52.25	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
51.75	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
50.00	Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Skills

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
75.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
75.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
75.00	Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
75.00	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
72.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
68.75	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
65.50	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
65.50	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
56.25	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
56.25	Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
56.25	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
56.25	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
53.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
53.00	Management of Personnel Resources	Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
53.00	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
50.00	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
50.00	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
50.00	Systems Analysis	Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
50.00	Systems Evaluation	Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
50.00	Negotiation	Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
78.00	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
78.00	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
78.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
75.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
72.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
72.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
68.75	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
68.75	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
59.50	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
59.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
53.00	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
53.00	Originality	The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
53.00	Mathematical Reasoning	The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
53.00	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
50.00	Number Facility	The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
91.00	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
89.00	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
85.50	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
85.25	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
85.25	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
83.75	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
81.50	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
81.50	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
79.00	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
78.25	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
76.50	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
75.25	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
74.75	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
74.25	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
69.25	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
65.25	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
64.25	Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
63.00	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
61.50	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
53.50	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
53.25	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
51.50	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
51.25	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
51.25	Coaching and Developing Others	Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
51.00	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
50.50	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
90.00	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
83.00	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
82.50	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
81.00	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
81.00	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
76.25	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
74.75	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
72.00	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
71.25	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
71.25	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
71.25	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
70.50	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
65.75	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
65.75	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
51.75	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
66.67	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
66.67	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
66.67	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
61.17	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
50.00	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
97.60	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
93.80	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
92.40	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
88.00	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
87.00	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
83.60	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
81.00	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
78.80	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
78.00	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
75.80	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
75.00	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
74.20	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
71.40	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
69.20	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
67.80	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
67.60	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
64.60	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
61.20	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
61.00	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
58.80	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
57.40	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment	How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
55.40	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
51.20	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
51.20	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
50.60	Public Speaking	How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
50.40	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather	How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
50.20	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
50.20	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
50.00	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$48,580.00	$78,980.00	$103,420.00
Virginia	$56,220.00	$79,440.00	$103,020.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	$68,950.00	$116,170.00	$137,000.00
Bay Consortium	$57,090.00	$83,170.00	$113,200.00
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	$58,090.00	$74,980.00	$90,740.00
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	$57,950.00	$76,940.00	$94,050.00
New River/Mt. Rogers	$53,980.00	$68,290.00	$81,080.00
Northern Virginia	$62,950.00	$85,470.00	$120,050.00
Piedmont Workforce	$62,030.00	$92,940.00	$115,920.00
Shenandoah Valley	$54,520.00	$68,540.00	$84,220.00
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	$53,610.00	$74,080.00	$87,750.00

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	84,600	90,700	+7.3%
Virginia	3,250	3,535	+8.8%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Science and Mathematics Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Biological Scientists
Entomology
Environmental Health Services
Other Technical Specialists and Assistants
Safety

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.5
Getting Information	4.5
Working with Computers	4.5
Analyzing Data or Information	4.5
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Processing Information	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	4.0
Documenting/Recording Information	4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.5
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	3.0
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.0
Performing General Physical Activities	2.5
Performing Administrative Activities	2.5
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.0
Selling or Influencing Others	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.0
Staffing Organizational Units	2.0
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.0
Controlling Machines and Processes	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	1.5
Handling and Moving Objects	1.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Titles

Air Analyst
Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Clinical Researcher
Coastal Planner
Compliance Control Chemist
Compliance Coordinator
Ecological Modeler
Ecological Risk Assessor
Emissions Evaluator
Environmental Affairs Specialist
Environmental Analyst
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Designer
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Manager
Environmental Protection Specialist
Environmental Safety Specialist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Specialist
Environmental Systems Coordinator
Environmentalist
Geologist
Hazardous Substances Scientist
Health Environmentalist
Human Health Risk Assessor
Hydrogeologist
Limnologist
Marine Scientist
Pollution Control Chemist
Radiation Safety Specialist
Regulatory Analyst
Regulatory Compliance Specialist
Research Environmental Scientist
Water Pollution Scientist
Water Pollution Specialist
Water Quality Analyst

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

Related Schools

Averett University
Bridgewater College
Christopher Newport University
Eastern Mennonite University
Emory & Henry University
Ferrum College
George Mason University
Hollins University
Longwood University
Patrick Henry College
Radford University
Randolph College
Randolph-Macon College
Roanoke College
Shenandoah University
Sweet Briar College
University of Lynchburg
University of Richmond
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia Union University
Virginia Wesleyan University
Washington and Lee University

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)