Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

General Information

Description

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.

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Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

Responsibility
Exposure to job hazards
Physical activity
Decision making
Repetitiveness
Level of competition
Time pressure

Industry areas

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Job Outlook

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,800 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.