📱 Install Findmino as an app for the best experience!

What does a typical day look like as a Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health?

Back to all jobs
Research & DevelopmentGrowingBright Outlook

Environmental Scientist and Specialist, Including Health

Mid-level

Also known as: Air Analyst, Ecological Modeler, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Consultant

Research & DevelopmentBachelor's Degree

Job 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.
Environmental SciencePublic HealthEnvironmental HealthPollution ControlSustainabilityScientific ResearchData AnalysisResearchScienceEnvironment

A Day in the Life

You arrive at the regional environmental consulting office in Raleigh, North Carolina, just before 8 AM. Your first hour is spent checking a backlog of emails, many from project managers and clients. You open your project management software, Asana, to review today’s tasks, which include finalizing a water quality report and preparing for a soil sampling visit. A quick glance at the weather forecast confirms good conditions for fieldwork tomorrow.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Adobe AcrobatAdobe IllustratorAutodesk AutoCADBentley MicroStationC++ESRI ArcGIS softwareIBM SPSS StatisticsMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WordSAP softwareStructured query language SQL
In-demand software
ESRI ArcGIS softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+6.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

7,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

93,400

in 2025 → 99,200 (2035)

Typical entry education

Bachelor's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Environmental Scientists is growing rapidly, with a projected employment change of over 6% between 2025 and 2035, leading to about 7,300 job openings each year. The median annual wage is around $82,220. With experience, you can advance to roles like Environmental Manager, Senior Research Scientist, or Environmental Policy Analyst, specializing in different aspects of environmental protection and policy.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Environmental Technician
  • Laboratory Assistant
  • Field Monitor

Where it can lead

  • Environmental Manager
  • Senior Research Scientist
  • Environmental Policy Analyst

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly impact environmental scientists by enhancing data analysis, predictive modeling, and remote monitoring capabilities. AI-powered tools can process vast amounts of environmental data, identify patterns, predict pollution events, and optimize remediation strategies. This will allow scientists to focus more on complex problem-solving and strategic planning, making their work more efficient and impactful in the next 5-10 years.

Similar Jobs

Oceanographer

Mid-level

Forensic Scientific Technician

Mid-level

Microbiologist

Mid-level

Biologist

Mid-level

Salary

$82,220

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Environmental Science

Bachelor • Nature & Environment • 4 years

Environmental Geosciences

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Public Health, General

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology

Bachelor • Natural Sciences & Mathematics • 4 years

Aquatic Biology/Limnology

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Epidemiology

Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years

Current Vacancies

IndeedLinkedIn