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Environmental geologist vs field scientist

The differences between environmental geologists and field scientists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an environmental geologist and a field scientist. Additionally, a field scientist has an average salary of $76,601, which is higher than the $64,927 average annual salary of an environmental geologist.

The top three skills for an environmental geologist include surface water, OSHA and remediation projects. The most important skills for a field scientist are field testing, data collection, and geotechnical.

Environmental geologist vs field scientist overview

Environmental GeologistField Scientist
Yearly salary$64,927$76,601
Hourly rate$31.21$36.83
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs16,39588,454
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Average age3939
Years of experience66

What does an environmental geologist do?

An Environmental Geologist helps prevent the contamination of soil and groundwater. They study the physical characteristics and composition of the Earth and its natural resources.

What does a field scientist do?

The duties of a field scientist depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. In general, their responsibilities typically include conducting studies and scientific research, visiting various sites to observe and gather samples, performing laboratory analyses and experiments, maintaining records of all operations, and coming up with conclusions from the research findings. When it comes to employment opportunities, a field scientist may work for learning institutions, government agencies, and private companies, where they usually work together with other scientists and experts.

Environmental geologist vs field scientist salary

Environmental geologists and field scientists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Environmental GeologistField Scientist
Average salary$64,927$76,601
Salary rangeBetween $50,000 And $84,000Between $52,000 And $111,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-Syngenta
Best paying industry-Internet

Differences between environmental geologist and field scientist education

There are a few differences between an environmental geologist and a field scientist in terms of educational background:

Environmental GeologistField Scientist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 84%Bachelor's Degree, 82%
Most common majorGeologyEnvironmental Science
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Pennsylvania

Environmental geologist vs field scientist demographics

Here are the differences between environmental geologists' and field scientists' demographics:

Environmental GeologistField Scientist
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 81.0% Female, 19.0%Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 5.0% White, 81.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 5.0% White, 81.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between environmental geologist and field scientist duties and responsibilities

Environmental geologist example responsibilities.

  • Lead LDEQ-required underground storage tank (UST) assessments and remediation.
  • Perform or manage contracted asbestos evaluations including: site assessment reports and management /abatement plan specification preparation.
  • Coordinate and oversee drilling operations, and log and sample borings to ASTM standards.
  • Provide technical consultation in handling environmental hazards using GIS technologies as a risk assessment and decision making tool.
  • Develop GIS base new methods in the use of aerial photos and field data for rock mass classification and geomorphic features.
  • Assist with Geotechnical investigations including percolation testing and compaction testing using the nuke gauge.
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Field scientist example responsibilities.

  • Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
  • Collect groundwater samples following EPA low-flow sampling procedure.
  • Perform wetland delineations with GPS unit.
  • Create GIS maps for publications, flyers, and use for colleagues.
  • Assist with soil filing assessment paperwork and GPS wetlands and streams find within the corridor.
  • Conduct large scale aviary EPA list species and wildlife survey for change of land use project.
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Environmental geologist vs field scientist skills

Common environmental geologist skills
  • Surface Water, 11%
  • OSHA, 10%
  • Remediation Projects, 7%
  • Oil Gas, 6%
  • Technical Reports, 5%
  • Regulatory Agencies, 4%
Common field scientist skills
  • Field Testing, 34%
  • Data Collection, 17%
  • Geotechnical, 6%
  • Asbestos, 5%
  • Storm Water, 4%
  • EPA, 4%

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