I work numerous jobs including teaching college and career preparation to middle and high school students to at-risk, 1st generation college, and low income students in Northern Arizona, but I moonlight as a commercial and non-profit river guide. I help develop activities that focus on mentoring and guiding Native youth and adults to be environmentally and socially responsible using traditional tribal knowledge.
CAREER
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$78,980
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+7.8% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Do
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.
Other Job Titles Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health May Have
Environmental Analyst, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist), Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Programs Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist, Hazardous Substances Scientist, Natural Resources Specialist, Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I'm typically working with my team to help our clients deal with environmental contamination and liabilities. That could mean we're collecting samples, writing reports, or implementing a remediation work plan. No two days are alike and I'm constantly seeking creative ways to meet our client's needs.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
- 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.
- Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
- Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (47%)
Bachelor's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Graduate
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Public Policy Analysis, General
Graduate
Environmental Science
Doctorate
Environmental/Envi...
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
I was the first Native American woman to receive a Colorado River Guide License. Getting certified as a river guide is necessary in this work. Be passionate about learning from others and sharing your own cultural knowledge.
Relationship-building skills are key. A lot of policy work is about building relationships. You need to be able to help policymakers understand that you and your organization are valuable to them, you're a resource, and you can help them craft policy that can be part of their legacy. Patience and perseverance are also important. Environmental wins are difficult and facing inaction gets frustrating. You'll need patience, an outlet to release your frustration, and the perseverance to keep going.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Make a list of pros and cons for the "right" and the "left" paths in front of you in order to help you figure out your first move. You need to remember that nothing has to be forever. The more things you experience the better it will be for you.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
