Environmental scientists and specialists rely on their knowledge in the field of natural sciences to protect both human health and the environment. These professionals may clean up areas that are polluted, work with corporations to reduce waste, and advise policyholders.
Environmental scientists and specialists are responsible for analyzing environmental issues and developing solutions for these issues. For example, some environmental specialists and scientists work to clean up lands and water contaminated extensively by pollution. Other environmental scientists and specialists are responsible for accessing the risk that a new construction project may pose to the environment. Based on the assessed risks, the environmental scientists and specialists make recommendations to businesses and the government to minimize the negative impact on the environment these projects will have. Sometimes, environmental scientists and specialists will need to conduct research and assess manufacturing practices. For example, an environmental scientists or specialist may advise a corporation against the use of a certain chemical to prevent harm to the environment.
The federal government and most local and state governments have regulations to ensure that the air remains clean enough to breathe, the water remains safe enough to drink, and that there are not hazardous substances in the soil. These regulations place a number of limits when it comes to development. This is especially true in areas near sensitive ecosystems like wetlands. Environmental specialists and scientists must ensure that regulations are abided by when working for the government. Other environmental specialists and scientists work for consulting firms in order to help companies abide by policies and regulations.
Working in Environmental Science Education
Environmental scientists and specialists usually need to have a bachelor's degree in a science-related field like biology, engineering, chemistry, geosciences, or physics for entry-level jobs. Of course, a bachelor's degree in environmental science is usually preferred for these positions. If an environmental scientist or specialist wants to have an advanced position, a master's degree will likely be necessary. In general, environmental scientists and specialists who possess a doctoral degree make up a very minor segment of this field. In most cases, this level of training is only needed for basic research positions and a few postsecondary teaching positions.
Work Experience
Many environmental scientists and specialists choose to work as scientists in related fields to begin their career. Some of these fields include engineering and hydrology. Afterwards, these professionals move on to a career in environmental science, which is a more interdisciplinary field.
The Amgen Scholars Program at NIH is a partnership between the Amgen Foundation, the Foundation for the NIH, and the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education. Amgen Scholars at NIH will spend the summer working at NIH's main campus in Bethesda, Maryland side-by-side with some of the world's leading...
Read MoreThe GSOAR program is a partnership between the NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education and the Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity. GSOAR students will spend the summer working at the NIH side-by-side with some of the world's leading scientists, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. During...
Read MoreThis intensive 8 week laboratory-based biological research program is for undergraduates during the summer following their sophomore or junior years. The program goal is to expose college science students (who will be juniors or seniors in the fall of 2016) to the rewards of laboratory research directed toward solving important...
Read MoreNEHA is offering an internship program for environmental health students for summer 2018. The purpose of this internship is to allow students to gain a firsthand perspective on the day-to-day responsibilities of environmental health professionals, make invaluable connections with those working in the field, and encourage students to consider careers working in local, state, or tribal environmental health...
Read MoreThe Helen Rodriguez-Trias Women’s Health Internship Program seeks to develop the next generation of women’s health activists by providing interns with hands-on experience in women’s health policy and advocacy, membership/fundraising and communications. Becoming an NWHN intern allows you to develop health research skills and explore the worlds of public policy, health...
Read MoreThe purpose of this program is to increase the number of community college students who participate in the NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP). The long-term goal is to increase the number of community college students who transfer to four-year colleges and universities and consider careers in the biomedical sciences. In...
Read MoreThe Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) offers a summer research internship for students interested in exploring careers in cancer epidemiology, biostatistics, and genetics. The program is open to high school, college, post-baccalaureate masters-level students, and graduate students, including medical and dental students. Successful applicants join the Division for...
Read MoreThe four-week Summer Program in Epidemiology integrates mathematics and quantitative methods to provide students with an understanding of the skills and processes necessary to pursue a career in public health. The breadth and scope of public health are vast and require an interdisciplinary approach, which can encompass various fields ranging...
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