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What is an associate environmental scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Martha Carlson Mazur PhD
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An associate environmental scientist is a research professional who works with other researchers in performing scientific studies surrounding the environment and ecosystems. These professionals perform observations and studies of specific aspects of the environment, such as wetlands, forests, oceans, and their associated flora and fauna. They gather samples, perform analyses, generate reports and summarize findings for upper management, clients, and government agencies. They also offer recommendations regarding new environmental policies and procedures and seek to educate the public on environmental issues.

An associate environmental specialist typically has a bachelor's or a master's degree in biology, zoology, chemistry, environmental science, or a related field. However, employers may consider candidates who have comparable knowledge and expertise. An associate environmental scientist should possess strong communication, analytical, problem-solving, and organization skills and should have a working knowledge of the natural world and ecosystems.

If you have a background in environmental science, a career as an associate environmental scientist can be a very rewarding one that can make a positive impact. As an associate, you can make up to $59,000 a year, and the career field is expected to grow 8% in the next ten years.

What general advice would you give to an associate environmental scientist?

Martha Carlson Mazur PhDMartha Carlson Mazur PhD LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Bellarmine University

Be a contributing member of the communities you occupy. Forming authentic relationships builds the network that will lead to opportunities for advancement.
ScoreAssociate Environmental ScientistUS Average
Salary
4.5

Avg. Salary $57,206

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.77%

Asian 5.03%

Black or African American 3.09%

Hispanic or Latino 6.19%

Unknown 3.68%

White 81.24%

Gender

female 43.07%

male 56.93%

Age - 37
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 37
Stress level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Associate environmental scientist career paths

Key steps to become an associate environmental scientist

  1. Explore associate environmental scientist education requirements

    Most common associate environmental scientist degrees

    Bachelor's

    57.3 %

    High School Diploma

    12.5 %

    Master's

    8.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific associate environmental scientist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patients24.50%
    Cleanliness22.73%
    Patient Rooms14.76%
    MSDS6.43%
    Environmental Compliance2.81%
  3. Complete relevant associate environmental scientist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New associate environmental scientists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an associate environmental scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real associate environmental scientist resumes.
  4. Research associate environmental scientist duties and responsibilities

    • Conduct or manage all OSHA require emergency equipment require to be inspect on a monthly/weekly basis.
    • Lead cross-functional teams, leveraging EHS capabilities throughout organization.
    • Track chemical usage to ensure production laboratories are abiding by all applicable EPA and OSHA regulations.
    • Flag targeted species, enter GPS waypoints and complete datasheets.
  5. Prepare your associate environmental scientist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your associate environmental scientist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an associate environmental scientist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable associate environmental scientist resume templates

    Build a professional associate environmental scientist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your associate environmental scientist resume.
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
    Associate Environmental Scientist Resume
  6. Apply for associate environmental scientist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an associate environmental scientist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first associate environmental scientist job

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Average associate environmental scientist salary

The average associate environmental scientist salary in the United States is $57,206 per year or $28 per hour. Associate environmental scientist salaries range between $39,000 and $83,000 per year.

Average associate environmental scientist salary
$57,206 Yearly
$27.50 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do associate environmental scientists rate their job?

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Associate environmental scientist reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2021
Pros

Firstly, the most important is to protect our planet for us and the future generations. Secondly our planet is not going to support the pressure and negative impacts because of the big Increased human population . Finally our planet needs more and more environmental specialists to regulate and control all human activities, especially the ilegal ones.

Cons

I don’t like when big companies they know what’s wrong and what’s right, but still the destroy, like cutting trees in Brazil and the other side big companies even knowing those trees are ilegal, but still they continuing to porches. There for I can’t understand and I don’t like.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2020
Cons

Can be stressful at times


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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