Spotlights
Environmental Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Compliance Analyst, Environmental Data Analyst, Environmental Specialist
America has a significant role in global environmental dynamics—mainly because of our high levels of resource consumption, waste production, and other environmental impacts. But as a nation, we’re trying to do better—and Environmental Analysts are key players in making that happen!
They evaluate and help mitigate the environmental impact of industrial processes, urban development, and other activities. They do this by conducting environmental audits, analyzing pollution, waste management, and resource use data, and then developing strategies to minimize negative impacts.
Their duties include identifying pollution sources, assessing regulatory compliance, offering viable solutions, and promoting sustainable practices. All in all, Environmental Analysts are crucial in assisting organizations and communities as they strive to reduce ecological footprints!
- Contributing to environmental protection efforts
- Developing strategies for pollution reduction and resource conservation
- Helping organizations meet their sustainability goals
Working Schedule
Environmental Analysts typically work full-time, with occasional overtime required during project deadlines. Travel may be necessary for site assessments or to attend environmental conferences.
Typical Duties
- Conduct impact assessments and analyze environmental data using modeling and simulation tools
- Analyze samples using Environmental Protection Agency laboratory guidelines
- Audit and evaluate compliance with applicable environmental regulations
- Inspect stormwater controls and review Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans; ensure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards
- Develop data-driven action and mitigation plans
- Test and treat Acid Mine Drainage water
- Research Material Safety Data Sheets, perform Toxic Substances Control Act assessments, authorize chemical use, and administer chemical tracking, as applicable
- Implement compliance-related programs related to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and other legislation
- Conduct monitoring and reporting to government agencies, as required
- Maintain records related to waste characterization
- Prepare reports detailing findings. Use Geographic Information Systems and computer-aided drafting tools to create report maps. Offer recommendations for changes
Additional Responsibilities
- Train and supervise junior Environmental Analysts; lead research projects
- Research trends, best practices, and policy updates
- Engage in public outreach and education. Participate in local initiatives
- Keep up-to-date on regulatory changes and emerging issues
Soft Skills
- Analytical
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Deductive and inductive reasoning
- Detail-oriented
- Independent
- Integrity
- Monitoring
- Objective
- Organized
- Perceptive
- Problem-solving
- Reading comprehension
- Safety-oriented
- Strong communication skills
Technical Skills
- Environmental areas (e.g., air quality, water resources)
- Environmental data collection and analysis tools
- Environmental regulations and compliance measures
- Environmental science and ecology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Hazardous waste and materials handling
- Project management
- Report writing and presentation
- Statistical and data modeling tools
- Environmental consulting firms
- Government agencies
- Manufacturing and industrial companies
- Non-profits
- Public utilities/energy companies
- Research institutions
Environmental Analysts are essential in evaluating and mitigating environmental impacts. The job requires an in-depth understanding of ecological systems and a commitment to continuous learning to keep up-to-date with changing regulations.
Analysts often work in multidisciplinary teams under high-pressure situations. Work hours may go beyond typical “office hours,” especially during emergencies and periods of intensive fieldwork. Travel is often involved, too, sometimes during inclement weather conditions.
Despite the demands, the role is rewarding because it allows analysts to protect our environment and boost sustainability efforts.
The field of environmental analysis is rapidly evolving due to the demand to address climate and environmental issues!
There’s increased reliance on advanced technologies such as remote sensing, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) for more precise, comprehensive data collection and analysis. These tools allow analysts to monitor real-time changes, predict trends, and develop effective mitigation strategies.
Meanwhile, public demand is also driving transparency and accountability when it comes to environmental reporting. This is leading to stricter reporting standards and practices, and analysts help to ensure compliance in these areas.
Sustainability is another hot topic as communities, organizations, and governmental agencies focus on sustainable practices. Environmental analysts are on the frontlines of this push, devising and implementing strategies that balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
Individuals who become Environmental Analysts likely had a passion for nature and the environment from a young age. They might have been interested in outdoor activities, science, and environmental clubs, and may have been drawn to subjects like biology, geography, and environmental studies.
- Per Zippia, education levels based on job postings show that 75% of workers in this field hold at least a bachelor’s and 15% have a master’s
- Common majors for this field are environmental science, ecology, geology, biology, and chemistry
- Relevant college class topics include:
- Air and Water Quality Management
- Climate Change and Sustainability
- Data Analysis and Statistics
- Ecology and Ecosystem Management
- Environmental Law and Compliance
- Environmental Science and Policy
- Geographic Information Systems
- Hydrology and Water Resources
- Toxicology and Public Health
- Waste Management and Pollution Control
- Graduates may have to first build up job experience as interns, research assistants, or environmental scientists
- In addition, analysts can expect 6-12 months of on-the-job training
- Optional certifications that can boost one’s credentials, too, such as:
- Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals’ Certified Environmental Professional
- American Institute of Professional Geologists’ Professional Geologist
- Association of Energy Engineers Certified Energy Manager
- Institute of Hazardous Materials Management’s Certified Hazardous Materials Manager
- National Registry of Environmental Professionals’ Certified Environmental Scientist
- Society of Wetland Scientists’ Professional Wetland Scientist
- U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional
- Grad students may wish to pursue advanced specialization certificates such as a graduate certificate in Environmental Geographic Information Science
- Look for accredited colleges offering majors in environmental science, ecology, geology, biology, chemistry, or related fields
- Think about your schedule and flexibility when deciding whether to enroll in an on-campus, online, or hybrid program
- Seek programs with fieldwork, internships, and research opportunities
- Consider the cost of tuition, discounts, and local scholarship opportunities (in addition to federal aid)
- Consider the program’s faculty awards and accomplishments
- Check out the program’s facilities if you plan to attend in person. Well-funded programs should have cutting-edge research spaces and equipment
- Look for affiliated centers and institutes. Popular programs often
collaborate with external partners, which can augment your learning experience - Review graduation rates and post-graduate job placement statistics
- Get a jump start on college by taking prep classes in high school, such as math, chemistry, biology, and environmental science
- Developing strong technical writing and presentation skills will also pay off, too!
- If offered, consider taking electives related to renewable energy, sustainability, public policy, and computer-aided drafting
- Learn everything you can about the career field before signing up for classes. Know what you want to specialize in, and read job descriptions posted on employment portals
- Get practical experience through sustainability-related internships, cooperative experiences, part-time jobs, or volunteerism
- Participate in your school or community’s environmental clubs
- Ask a seasoned Environmental Analyst if you can shadow them at work or if they’ll do an informational interview with you
- Familiarize yourself with current global environmental trends. Participate in relevant online forums and discussion groups like EnviroLink on Feedspot or Reddit’s Environment forums
- Read online articles like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s environmental blog, the Business & Policy section of Treehugger, or the Biodiversity section of England’s Natural History Museum
- Keep track of your work and academic accomplishments for your resume and college applications
- Sign up for notifications on job portals like Indeed, SimplyHired, Monster, USAJobs, and Glassdoor
- According to PayScale, a whopping 85% of jobs are found through networking—so make a profile on LinkedIn and other networking platforms!
- Review job ads and look for keywords to list on your resume, such as:
- Environmental Assessment, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Compliance, Ecology, Pollution Control, Sustainability, Climate Change, Environmental Policy, Water Quality, Air Quality, Environmental Impact Analysis, Waste Management, Environmental Auditing, Environmental Modeling
- Review Environmental Analyst resume templates and sample interview questions such as:
- “How do you approach developing strategies for reducing the environmental impact of a company’s operations?”
- “Explain your understanding of sustainability and how it applies to businesses.”
- “What is your experience with conducting environmental assessments?”
- “Describe a situation in which you had to communicate complex environmental information to a non-technical audience.”
- Do your research on potential employers. Learn about their services, missions, and areas of specialization. Check out the career pages on their websites
- Ask your school to connect you with company recruiters. Take advantage of chances to intern with large companies. They may offer you a job later!
- Ask your school’s career center for help with resumes, mock interviews, and job fair information
- Dress professionally for job interviews and demonstrate a keen awareness of trends in the industry
- Ask previous professors and supervisors to write recommendation letters or request their consent (in advance) to list them as references
- Make it clear to your supervisor that you’re interested in advancement
- Get advice and talk through options. There are endless possibilities within the Environmental Analyst field!
- Stay proactive about professional development. Take continuing education courses or complete a higher-level degree
- Knock out additional certs when qualified to do so, like the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals’ Certified Environmental Professional
- Try to gain diverse experience across different environmental projects, then consider specializing in a niche such as Renewable Energy Analysis
- Be active in professional organizations (see our list of Recommended Resources for more information)
- Stay current on regulatory changes so you can ensure organizational compliance with the most up-to-date standards
- Realize that smaller organizations may have fewer opportunities for advancement, so you may have to switch employers to advance your career
Websites
- Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals
- Alliance to Save Energy
- American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
- American Council on Renewable Energy
- American Institute of Professional Geologists
- American National Standards Institute
- Association of Energy Engineers
- Biomass Thermal Energy Council
- Center for Sustainable Energy
- Coalition for Energy Savings
- Environmental Defense Fund
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Institute of Hazardous Materials Management
- International Renewable Energy Agency
- International Society for Sustainability Professionals
- National Association of Environmental Professionals
- National Registry of Environmental Professionals
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- National Wildlife Federation
- Nature Conservancy
- Renewable Energy World
- RMI
- Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
- Society of Wetland Scientists
- Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
- U.S. Green Building Council
- World Wildlife Fund
Books
- A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future, by Sir David Attenborough
- Environmental Science, by G. Tyler Miller and Scott Spoolman
- Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson
- The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, by Elizabeth Kolbert
Environmental Analysts play a crucial role in guiding sustainable practices and policies to protect our natural world for future generations.
But if a career as an Environmental Analyst isn’t the right fit, consider related fields that might intrigue you, such as:
- Biochemist
- Chemist
- Conservation Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Educator
- Environmental Engineer
- Environmental Science and Protection Technician
- Geoscientist
- Hydrologist
- Materials Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
- Park Ranger
- Public Health Officer
- Renewable Energy Specialist
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Water Resource Specialist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoologist
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