Environmental Scientist

Alternate Titles

Biologist (including marine biologist and fish biologist), ecologist, climate change scientist, and environmental planner.

Brief Job Description

Environmental scientists in the marine energy industry use their knowledge of environmental sciences to protect people, communities, and ocean ecosystems from environmental hazards related to marine energy developments. They help researchers and developers comply with site-specific environmental regulations and investigate how to mitigate human health, cultural, or environmental hazards. 

Education and Training Level Description

Environmental scientists must have at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as environmental science, anthropology, environmental studies, marine biology, aquatic chemistry, and geology. Employers value work experience in related fields. This work experience can be acquired through college cooperative programs, internships, or other avenues. To advance in the field or qualify for higher-level environmental scientist jobs, a graduate degree in a related field is often preferred. 

Job Profile

Environmental scientists help mitigate environmental hazards during project development, construction, and operation and maintenance. During the project development stage (prior to construction), environmental scientists conduct impact studies and design mitigation strategies for communities, wildlife, aquatic life, and ecosystems. These studies determine if a site is suitable for marine energy development, ensure the development will comply with any environmental regulations at the site, and identify ways to minimize the environmental and cultural impact of the development on the surrounding land, water, species, and community. During the construction and operation and maintenance stages, environmental scientists assess the ongoing environmental impacts of the marine energy infrastructure and identify restoration strategies as needed. If a development does not comply with environmental mitigations or is creating environmental or cultural hazards, environmental scientists will identify mitigation strategies.

Environmental scientists travel to sites to monitor environmental conditions and collect data and often work in an office or laboratory to assess collected data and make mitigation recommendations. They are often employed by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, development companies, marine energy operating groups, or environmental consulting firms that contract with marine energy developers and operators. Environmental scientists often work with local, state, and federal regulators as well as engineers, specialty scientists, technicians, and project managers throughout the assessment and permitting process. Environmental scientists may specialize in a certain area of environmental science, such as biology or geology.

Entry-level environmental scientists often perform more basic field and lab work, whereas more advanced environmental scientists perform more complex data analysis, write reports, and communicate progress and findings to many different audiences. 

Environmental scientists typically:

• Plan and conduct environmental fieldwork to study the impacts of a potential or existing marine energy site on the community and environment development site
• Have a thorough understanding of relevant environmental regulations
• Collect soil and water samples for analysis
• Monitor impacts on wildlife and ecosystems
• Analyze the samples, geographic, cultural, and other environmental data sources to assess hazards and impacts
• Develop plans that outline how to prevent, mitigate, or restore areas impacted by marine energy development and operations
• Provide information and plans to marine energy developers, regulators, and the public on potential environmental and human hazards
• Create technical reports and presentations to explain the results of their studies and recommendations for mitigation and restoration.

Job Skills

Environmental scientists typically need:

• Analytical skills. Environmental scientists often use scientific methods and data analysis in their research. They base their conclusions on careful analysis of scientific data. They must consider all possible methods, interactions, and solutions in their analyses.
• Critical-thinking skills. Environmental scientists must draw logical conclusions from observations, laboratory experiments, testing results, and other methods of research. They base their findings on sound observation and careful evaluation of data. 
• Interpersonal skills. Environmental scientists typically work on teams with scientists, engineers, and technicians. Team members must be able to work together effectively to achieve their goals.
• Problem-solving skills. Environmental scientists try to find the best possible solution to problems that affect the environment and cultures. They must be able to identify and anticipate problems to prevent losses for their employers and mitigate environmental and cultural impacts.
• Speaking skills. Environmental scientists must be able to explain their findings to clients, professionals, or community members who do not have expertise in their area. They often give presentations to colleagues, managers, policymakers, and the general public.
• Writing skills. Environmental scientists write technical papers, reports, and articles that explain their methods, findings, and recommendations.

More Information, Job Opportunities, etc.

For more information on environmental science jobs, see: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Resources

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Scientists and Specialists
• U.S. Department of Energy Wind Technologies Office Career Map: Environmental Scientist