Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Work Activities
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Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
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Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
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Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
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Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
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Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
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Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
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Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
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Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
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Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
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Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
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Develop methods to minimize the impact of production processes on the environment, based on the study and assessment of industrial production, environmental legislation, and physical, biological, and social environments.
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Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
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Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
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Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
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Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.
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Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.
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Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
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Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
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Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.
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Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
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Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.
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Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Education Bachelor's degree
- Work Experience No work experience
- Training No on-the-job training
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Investigative: People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.They do well at jobs that need:
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Attention to Detail
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Integrity
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Dependability
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Analytical Thinking
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Cooperation
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Initiative
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Water samplers
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Water analyzers
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Soil core sampling apparatus
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Radiation detectors
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Air samplers or collectors
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Graphics or photo imaging software
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Geographic information system
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Data base user interface and query software
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Compliance software
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Analytical or scientific software
