Main Responsibilities

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.