Environmental Scientist

Imagine a developer would like to open a new resort near your home—complete with a golf course and day spa. With word of the new resort spreading, some people are concerned about how this will affect the natural environment in your area. The community has hired your team of scientists to conduct an important environmental impact assessment.

It’s your job to determine if the proposed resort will negatively affect any plants, animals, water, or air. You have spent weeks collecting soil and water samples and observing the area’s animals. In a report to the community, you’ll recommend whether or not the resort should be built, where it should be built, and what size it should be. With your report, the community will be able to make an informed decision for the good of the environment, and you feel good knowing that you are a part of the sustainable future of this area.

As an environmental scientist, you provide scientific knowledge and advice to decision-makers so that the environment is protected when development occurs. You spend a lot of time conducting research and studies out in the field—usually in teams. You work a lot on your own in the lab conducting scientific studies, and at the office reviewing proposals and writing reports. The work you do is very valuable to society and earns the respect of the communities in which you work.