envirotools.org

Environmental problems are an ever growing concern. It is a complex and heated issue. However, even people that do not believe that human action has implications for the earth, are still concerned with: finding more affordable and renewable sources of energy, maintaining marine life, having a drinkable water supply, etc.

Concerns such as these are placed on the shoulders of environmental science. Environmental science is the study of interaction between physical, chemical, and biological components within environmental systems. The environmental jobs of the scientists include studying anthropogenic effects, and serve as “quality” monitors. They use the knowledge that comes from their study and monitoring, to develop methods to restore and maintain ecosystems.

Common Issues Addressed by Environmental Science are:

• Climate Change
• Conservation
• Ground Water Contamination
• Water Quality
• Water Temperature
• Biodiversity
• Soil Contamination
• Natural Resources
• Waste Management
• Toxic Waste Cleanup
• Sustainable Development
• Disaster Reduction
• Air Pollution
• Noise Pollution
• Light Pollution

Environmental jobs of a scientist often calls for investigation, research, work to control, and work to eliminate these issues, by using both biological and physical sciences. This can be done with computer technology, field research, lab sciences, engineering, etc. The job outlook for environmental jobs is excellent. Most people that have degrees in the environmental sciences are currently employed by government agencies, universities, or advocacy organizations. However, the growing need for clean and renewable energy is expanding the job market to the private sector. As the laws in the United States incorporate stricter environmental regulations and laws, many companies are hiring in house environmental specialists, or private consulting firms. In fact, by the year 2016 environmental science jobs are expected to rise by 25%-- making it one of the fastest growing professions in the United States.

Depending on the area of specialty study, an environmental sciences degree can be used under titles like biologist, geologist, horticulturist, etc.. However, the approach to environmental studies is often from an interdisciplinary approach. Many of the professional titles will work together on environmental causes. This is what allows all of the diverse pieces of science to be correlated into problem solutions and technology creation.

Imagine a microbial fuel cell that concerts the bacteria in ordinary wastewater into electricity, coal as a clean energy source, mercury absorbent container liners, etc.. these types of inventions are what the environmental sciences can bring us.

Environmental scientists are an important part of society, and will be an even more important part of the future. People that go into this field are not looking to become rich; they are working to save the planet. Entry level positions often require a minimum of a masters degree, with a mere average salary of just over 64,000.