What Does an Environmental Scientist Do?
Environmental scientists apply scientific principles to identify, understand, and address problems affecting the environment and public health. They study air, water, and soil systems to monitor pollution, analyze ecological risks, and support sustainability efforts. Using data from field sampling and laboratory testing, they generate insights that guide policy decisions, inform engineering solutions, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Working across industries like consulting, construction, energy, and government, environmental scientists help organizations minimize their environmental footprint. They design and conduct research, use modeling software to simulate environmental impacts, and contribute to conservation planning. Their work balances scientific rigor with real-world impact, supporting a healthier environment through informed decision-making.
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Environmental Scientist Core Responsibilities
- Collect and analyze samples of air, water, soil, and biological materials
- Conduct field studies to assess environmental conditions and risks
- Develop models to predict environmental changes or impacts
- Prepare reports and technical documents for regulatory compliance
- Evaluate data to inform environmental planning and remediation strategies
- Provide guidance on environmental policy, permitting, and best practices
- Collaborate with engineers, planners, and stakeholders on sustainable solutions
- Stay current with environmental regulations and scientific developments
- Present findings to government agencies, clients, or the public
- Ensure that data collection and analysis meet quality assurance standards
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with GIS software, environmental modeling tools, and statistical analysis platforms
- Strong data collection, sampling, and laboratory testing techniques
- Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, and state environmental regulations
- Ability to write and interpret technical reports, studies, and regulatory documents
- Experience with ecological risk assessment or environmental impact studies
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Clear communication of complex scientific findings
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders
- Attention to detail and commitment to data integrity
- Project management and time prioritization skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, geology, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred for research, consulting, or senior roles
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER certification (required for hazardous site work)
- GIS certification and Certified Environmental Scientist (CES) are recommended for advancement
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with environmental consulting firms or regulatory agencies
- Advanced knowledge in climatology, hydrogeology, or toxicology
- Familiarity with NEPA, CERCLA, or other environmental compliance frameworks
- Background in communicating science to non-technical audiences or public forums
National Average Salary
Environmental scientist salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Environmental Scientist is:
$79,630
Sample Job Description Templates for Environmental Scientists
Environmental Health Scientist
Position Overview
An environmental health scientist evaluates how environmental conditions affect human health, working to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. They collaborate with public health officials, engineers, and policy makers to protect communities from pollutants, toxins, and hazardous conditions in the air, water, food, and soil.
Responsibilities
- Investigate environmental factors contributing to public health concerns
- Analyze samples for contaminants and toxic substances
- Conduct health risk assessments based on environmental data
- Collaborate with regulatory agencies on exposure limits and safety standards
- Communicate findings to healthcare providers, policy makers, and the public
- Prepare technical reports, white papers, and safety guidelines
- Support the development of environmental health regulations and policies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in toxicology, epidemiology, and risk modeling
- Experience with laboratory testing and exposure pathway analysis
- Familiarity with CDC, EPA, and WHO environmental health standards
- Ability to interpret health surveillance and population data
Soft skills
- Clear communication of scientific findings to non-technical audiences
- Strong analytical thinking and attention to public safety
- Collaboration with public health, engineering, and regulatory teams
- Ability to manage data confidentiality and sensitive issues
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, toxicology, or environmental science
- Master’s degree preferred for roles in research or policy development
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) recommended
Water Quality Scientist
Position Overview
A water quality scientist ensures the safety and sustainability of water systems by analyzing physical, chemical, and biological indicators. They monitor drinking water, surface water, and groundwater to detect pollution, inform treatment processes, and maintain regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Collect water samples from natural and manmade sources
- Analyze water chemistry, microbiology, and sediment levels
- Identify sources of contamination and recommend mitigation strategies
- Evaluate compliance with federal and state water quality standards
- Prepare detailed technical reports and communicate findings to stakeholders
- Support water treatment system design and optimization
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with water sampling, hydrological modeling, and lab testing
- Proficiency in water quality parameters (e.g., pH, turbidity, heavy metals, pathogens)
- Familiarity with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Clean Water Act (CWA)
- Knowledge of water treatment and stormwater systems
Soft skills
- Field adaptability in challenging conditions
- Problem-solving using scientific methods
- Clear communication of findings to clients, engineers, and regulators
- Project documentation and quality assurance skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, hydrology, chemistry, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred for research or consulting roles
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER
- Water Operator Certification recommended for treatment-focused roles
Soil and Contamination Scientist
Position Overview
A soil and contamination scientist investigates the physical and chemical composition of soil to evaluate environmental quality and guide remediation. Their work supports land development, agriculture, hazardous site cleanup, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Collect and analyze soil and sediment samples from various sites
- Assess contamination from heavy metals, pesticides, and hydrocarbons
- Identify contaminant transport and fate in the subsurface environment
- Design and monitor soil remediation or stabilization efforts
- Contribute to environmental impact assessments and regulatory filings
- Prepare soil risk assessments and remediation recommendations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in geotechnical sampling and contaminant analysis
- Knowledge of soil chemistry, hydrogeology, and pollutant transport
- Experience with environmental site assessments (ESA Phase I/II)
- Familiarity with CERCLA, RCRA, and state cleanup programs
Soft skills
- Strong observational and data interpretation abilities
- Attention to safety and regulatory standards during site work
- Effective written and verbal technical communication
- Team collaboration with geologists, engineers, and regulators
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in soil science, environmental science, geology, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred for complex remediation projects
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER
- Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) recommended
Air Quality Scientist
Position Overview
An air quality scientist evaluates atmospheric conditions and air pollution to inform public policy, health guidelines, and environmental programs. They use field measurements and modeling tools to assess emissions and their environmental and human health impacts.
Responsibilities
- Conduct air sampling and real-time air monitoring
- Analyze pollutant concentrations and emission sources
- Use modeling tools to predict dispersion and air quality trends
- Prepare compliance reports for air permits and regulatory programs
- Develop air quality improvement strategies and emission control plans
- Coordinate with environmental agencies and local stakeholders
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with air sampling equipment and EPA reference methods
- Proficiency in air dispersion models (e.g., AERMOD, CALPUFF)
- Knowledge of Clean Air Act regulations and Title V permitting
- Familiarity with particulate matter (PM), VOCs, NOx, SO2, and GHGs
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and visualization skills for large datasets
- Clear reporting and stakeholder presentation abilities
- Independence and initiative in field and desktop studies
- Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and technical documents
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, atmospheric science, chemistry, or related field
- Master’s degree recommended for modeling or regulatory consulting roles
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER
- Certification in air quality monitoring or meteorology tools recommended
Climate Scientist
Position Overview
A climate scientist studies patterns, causes, and impacts of climate change using advanced data models and global climate systems. They advise on mitigation, adaptation strategies, and policy initiatives based on scientific evidence.
Responsibilities
- Analyze climate data and model atmospheric, oceanic, or terrestrial systems
- Study greenhouse gas trends and global warming drivers
- Evaluate regional or global climate impacts on ecosystems, economies, or infrastructure
- Publish research findings and contribute to climate risk assessments
- Collaborate with policy makers, government agencies, and nonprofits
- Guide sustainability and resilience strategies for businesses or communities
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in climate modeling tools (e.g., GCMs, RCMs, CMIP datasets)
- Strong background in climatology, physics, and statistics
- Experience analyzing remote sensing and satellite data
- Familiarity with IPCC frameworks and national climate policies
Soft skills
- Complex systems thinking and scientific communication
- Collaboration across academic, public, and private sectors
- Advocacy for evidence-based solutions and risk mitigation
- Project management for long-term modeling efforts
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, atmospheric science, or climatology
- Master’s or Ph.D. strongly preferred for this specialty
Certifications
- OSHA HAZWOPER (for field-based climate impact assessments)
- Climate Change Professional (CC-P) certification recommended