Occupation
Environmental scientist
Environmental scientists investigate how human activity affects air, water, soil, and ecosystems, and what can be done about it. A large share of the work is regulatory: site investigations, permit applications, monitoring programmes, and impact assessments. Findings usually have to be defensible to a regulator, not just scientifically interesting.
Also known as: Environmental consultant · Contaminated land specialist · Environmental analyst
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Occupation content
Part of Natural sciences and research
A visual day in the work
What the work involves
Design and carry out sampling programmes for soil, water, air, or waste
Interpret laboratory results against relevant environmental standards and guideline values
Investigate contamination sources and assess exposure pathways
Prepare impact assessments, permit applications, and monitoring reports
Advise clients or operators on remediation and compliance options
Maintain chain-of-custody and quality assurance records for every sample
Entry-route stepper
How people commonly enter
A degree in environmental science, geology, chemistry, or a related discipline
A college diploma in environmental technology, entering as a technician and progressing
Postgraduate study for specialist areas such as contaminated land or air quality
Graduate schemes with consultancies, regulators, utilities, or industrial operators
Typical training: Bachelor's degree
Licensing: Certification common, not usually required
Work-context map
Typical work context
- Outdoors
- Client sites
- Desk based
- Team based
- Involves travel
- Varied work
Outdoors · Client sites · Desk based · Team based · Involves travel · Varied work
Related interests
- Investigative (analytical)
- Realistic (hands-on)
- Conventional (organizing)
Investigative (analytical) · Realistic (hands-on) · Conventional (organizing)
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