Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.77
Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.74
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.70
Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.70
Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.68
Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.67
Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.66
Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.66
Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.63
Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.63
Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.63
Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.62

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Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.61
Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.61
Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.60
Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.60
Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.56
Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.55
Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.50
Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.48
Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.46
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.46

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening75
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.
Complex Problem Solving75
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Science75
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing75
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Learning69
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Coordination66
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Monitoring66
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Learning Strategies56
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

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Mathematics56
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Time Management56
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing53
Teaching others how to do something.
Management of Personnel Resources53
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Negotiation50
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion50
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Analysis50
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation50
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Operations Analysis41
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Quality Control Analysis41
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring35
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Financial Resources28
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources28
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operation and Control25
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Programming25
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

English Language88
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Biology72
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Customer and Personal Service67
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Law and Government63
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Computers and Electronics61
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Public Safety and Security58
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Chemistry55
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Administrative53
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Education and Training52
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Mathematics52
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management50
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Geography48
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

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Engineering and Technology41
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Physics41
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Communications and Media38
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Transportation37
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Telecommunications33
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mechanical32
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing27
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Design26
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Sociology and Anthropology21
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Economics and Accounting20
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources19
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Building and Construction18
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
History and Archeology15
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Sales and Marketing15
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Psychology10
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Foreign Language8
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Food Production6
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Medicine and Dentistry5
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Philosophy and Theology4
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Therapy and Counseling4
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Deductive Reasoning78
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity78
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Inductive Reasoning75
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility72
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering72
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Flexibility of Closure60
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

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Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Far Vision53
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas53
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning53
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Originality53
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Perceptual Speed41
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination41
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization38
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Auditory Attention25
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Depth Perception25
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Finger Dexterity22
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Multilimb Coordination22
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Spatial Orientation22
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Arm-Hand Steadiness19
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision19
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Glare Sensitivity19
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Manual Dexterity19
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Night Vision16
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision16
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Trunk Strength16
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Extent Flexibility13
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Gross Body Coordination13
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium13
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Rate Control13
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time13
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation13
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization13
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Dynamic Strength10
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Speed of Limb Movement10
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Static Strength10
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Stamina6
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Explosive Strength3
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed3
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards91
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Getting Information89
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers86
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information85
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization85
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events84
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates82
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems82
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings79
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge78
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing Information77
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information75
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships75
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others74
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work69
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Scheduling Work and Activities65
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information64
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others63
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials62
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others54
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public53
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Developing and Building Teams52
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others51
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates51
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Thinking Creatively51
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Training and Teaching Others51
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others46
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People45
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing Objectives and Strategies44
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Performing General Physical Activities42
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Performing Administrative Activities40
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment36
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources30
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Selling or Influencing Others28
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment27
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Staffing Organizational Units26
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Assisting and Caring for Others22
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Controlling Machines and Processes19
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment17
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment17
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Handling and Moving Objects16
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability82
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity81
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Intellectual Curiosity80
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cautiousness70
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Innovation68
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Achievement Orientation67
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Adaptability65
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Cooperation58
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Perseverance56
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Initiative53
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Tolerance for Ambiguity52
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

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Self-Confidence48
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Social Orientation46
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Leadership Orientation45
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Self-Control45
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity44
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Stress Tolerance44
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Empathy27
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism20
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Humility19
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative100
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic63
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional55
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Social29
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Enterprising26
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic15
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day94%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day75%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day80%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually50%
- More than half the time41%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important52%
- Very important38%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important58%
- Very important15%
- Important14%
- Fairly important12%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others34%
- Contact with others most of the time39%
- Contact with others about half the time26%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom19%
- Some freedom61%
- Limited freedom17%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important42%
- Very important15%
- Important34%
Time Pressure
- Once a week or more but not every day75%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day58%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom17%
- Some freedom47%
- Limited freedom26%

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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day58%
- Never34%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important42%
- Important38%
- Fairly important12%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Important results28%
- Moderate results60%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive26%
- Slightly competitive14%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day28%
- Once a month or more but not every week35%
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours11%
- 40 hours82%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility11%
- Moderate responsibility16%
- Limited responsibility19%
- No responsibility17%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important17%
- Very important27%
- Important24%
- Not important at all24%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month45%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a month or more but not every week42%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never17%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)75%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)15%
Consequence of Error
- Serious42%
- Fairly serious45%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week39%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never15%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- High responsibility20%
- Moderate responsibility12%
- Limited responsibility44%
- No responsibility18%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never20%
Public Speaking
- Once a month or more but not every week36%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time17%
- Never16%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never28%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a year or more but not every month34%
- Never36%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never32%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
- Never42%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time25%
- Less than half the time58%
- Never16%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time76%
- Never15%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never38%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never35%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
- Never57%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Less than half the time20%
- Never66%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated19%
- Not at all automated71%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never57%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time26%
- Never68%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time32%
- Never67%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never71%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never77%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never79%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
- Never76%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never83%
Exposed to High Places
- Never88%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never91%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never93%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never94%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never93%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)96%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all99%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
ADMS pollution modeling software, Laboratory information management system LIMS, Lakes Environmental EcoRisk View, Wolfel IMMI
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, Microsoft Access, Structured query language SQL, Tucows ChemBase
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcGIS software, ESRI ArcInfo, Geographic information system GIS software, Geographic information system GIS systems
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Illustrator, Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite, Graphics software, SmugMug Flickr
Map creation software
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software, Golden Software Surfer, Mapping software, RockWare ArcMap
Compliance software
Ecotech WinAQMS, Emissions tracking software, Material safety data sheet MSDS software, MIRS Compliance
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint Server
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Sun Microsystems Java
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Development environment software
Microsoft Visual Basic
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Project management software
Microsoft Project

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
Compile environmental or climatological data.
Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
Assess compliance with environmental laws.
Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Advise others on matters of public policy.
Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
Plan environmental research.

Show all 19 →

Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Supervise trainees.
Direct technical activities or operations.
Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Environmental Analyst

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology