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Job outlook for environmental scientists in the United States
Environmental scientist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected environmental scientist job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 3,800 new jobs for environmental scientists are projected over the next decade.
Environmental scientist salaries have increased 6% for environmental scientists in the last 5 years.
There are over 71,661 environmental scientists currently employed in the United States.
There are 56,425 active environmental scientist job openings in the US.
The average environmental scientist salary is $60,208.
Are environmental scientist jobs in demand?
Environmental scientist job and salary trends over time
Environmental scientist jobs over time
Environmental scientist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 71,661 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 79,864 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 80,478 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 77,521 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 78,455 | 0.02% |
Average environmental scientist salary over time
Environmental scientist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,208 | $28.95 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $58,671 | $28.21 | +0.3% |
| 2023 | $58,482 | $28.12 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $57,060 | $27.43 | +0.7% |
| 2021 | $56,657 | $27.24 | +2.1% |
Environmental scientist jobs by state
Most common states for environmental scientists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 142 | 19% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 120 | 16% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,252 | 15% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 934 | 15% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 137 | 14% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 123 | 14% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 85 | 14% |
| 8 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 179 | 13% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 170 | 13% |
| 10 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,110 | 12% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 127 | 12% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 86 | 12% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 72 | 12% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 393 | 11% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 119 | 11% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 999 | 10% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 209 | 10% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,167 | 9% |
| 19 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 508 | 9% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 152 | 9% |
Most common cities for environmental scientists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 2 | 7% | $46,983 |
| 2 | Juneau | 2 | 6% | $55,572 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $65,869 |
| 4 | Dover | 2 | 5% | $63,736 |
| 5 | Tallahassee | 4 | 2% | $36,448 |
| 6 | Hartford | 2 | 2% | $56,070 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $55,018 |
| 8 | Des Moines | 3 | 1% | $54,842 |
| 9 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $84,976 |
| 10 | Baton Rouge | 2 | 1% | $51,953 |
| 11 | Chicago | 6 | 0% | $66,475 |
| 12 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $69,144 |
| 13 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $61,188 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $47,427 |
| 15 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $70,376 |
| 16 | Jacksonville | 2 | 0% | $36,701 |
Environmental Scientist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of environmental scientist experts
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
University of Rhode Island
University of Houston
Bellarmine University
Lawrence University
Michigan State University
American University
University of New Hampshire
Washington State University
New Mexico State University
Utah State University
Kent State University
Ohio State University
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Drake University
Gonzaga University
Quinnipiac University
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Chris Karmosky: Meteorology is a good profession to enter now for several reasons. We are starting to see some of the more severe impacts of climate change come to light, and meteorologists serve a vital role in the protection of life and property during severe weather events. These events include enhanced flooding from ever-stronger rainfall, more intense and frequent hurricanes, water management difficulties due to prolonged severe drought, and the risks posed by sustained heat waves. Meteorologists communicate these risks to both stakeholders and the broader public. At the same time the world is facing these risks, the meteorological community is making great strides with forecast modeling. Nearly all hurricane landfall forecasts have been correct within 50 miles over the last 5 years—this was not true 20 years ago! People entering the field today will be instrumental to incorporating further advances in incorporating artificial intelligence into forecasting. We are certainly not at the point yet where AI can entirely supplant humans at creating weather forecasts. Meteorologists add important local knowledge of the regions they serve, will still need to quality check AI model output, and will still be necessary to collect and synthesize the data that goes into AI and traditional computer models. So it is certainly an exciting time of technological transition.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: Our degree allows students to obtain their GSP as well as sit for a number of certification exams, like the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Having these credentials may set them apart from others as well as boost their salary potential from the start.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: Employers are looking for a well-rounded engineer or specialist. They want to see individuals that have the technical area knowledge and also the capability to communicate, work on a team, problem solve, and project manage.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Virginia Charter PhD, PE, FSFPE: The best advice I can give to new graduates is to always be willing to learn. This field is changing constantly with new challenges to protect people, property and the environment. A willingness to learn and soak up everything you can when starting out will set you on a path to success.
Stentor Danielson
Associate ProfessorSlippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Stentor Danielson: Remember that if a company is advertising a job, that means they need you (and your skills and energy and talents) as much as you need them, so don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth. Talk to other people in similar roles (at your company and elsewhere) to make sure you're not getting a raw deal.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stentor Danielson: Technical skills (e.g. GIS) are always important, but I think students often overlook the importance of social skills – joining or leading a team, managing a project, communicating information effectively, community outreach, respecting diversity among coworkers and clients (I'm a big advocate of learning a second language). Good social skills will make your work more effective and open up new opportunities.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Stentor Danielson: Environmental jobs can be some of the most important and rewarding ones out there as our society goes through this crucial moment of transition to a more sustainable future. We need people with all different skill sets and interests to make it happen.
Simona Trandafir
Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program DirectorUniversity of Rhode Island
Environmental/Natural Resources Management And Policy
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Simona Trandafir: I recommend focusing on sectors and roles where the demand for environmental expertise is growing, such as sustainable energy, environmental consulting, and governmental agencies. Gaining certifications in various fields such as environmental impact assessment, energy management and sustainability reporting can be beneficial. Also, consider roles that involve economic analysis of environmental policies or management of natural resources, as these tend to offer higher compensation due to their specialized nature. Building a strong professional network and pursuing opportunities in larger, economically diverse cities or regions can also lead to higher salary prospects.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Simona Trandafir: In the next few years, there may be a growing emphasis on skills related to data analysis and modeling due to the increasing availability of environmental data. Proficiency in tools for spatial analysis and environmental simulation software will be highly desirable. Additionally, skills in sustainability reporting and green finance will become more prevalent as businesses and governments will focus more on sustainable practices and investments. Also, effective communication skills, particularly in translating complex ecological and economic data to various stakeholders, will remain desirable.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Simona Trandafir: I would advise graduates to leverage the interdisciplinary nature of their studies. Utilize your understanding of both economic theory and environmental science to address complex sustainability issues. It's important to stay informed about current and emerging environmental policies and to develop an adaptive mindset to respond effectively to the dynamic nature of global environmental challenges. Engaging in continuous professional development and participating in industry conferences can also greatly benefit their career growth and networking opportunities.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Scott Rowland: If I knew that... I think collecting images with drones and processing drone data (including Lidar) will become more important. In Hawai‘i, knowledge of hydrology and coastal processes will /remain/ important.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Rowland: Have an idea of what starting salaries are in your area. Don't over-sell yourself. Be realistic about what skills you have and about how long you are willing to commit to the company.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Scott Rowland: (in no particular order) Be willing to learn new skills on the job, and make sure to /not /say you can do something that you actually cannot do. Be willing to take jobs that involve travel or working overtime. Turn reports in on time, better yet before on time. If you know/see that a colleague is having trouble with a task, ask if they would like a hand and if they say no, leave it at that. Listen more than you speak. Get to work (including job sites) on time with all the proper tools, supplies, and PPE. /Wear/ your PPE, even if others aren't.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, focus on developing specialized skills that are in high demand but low supply within the field, such as expertise in renewable energy systems or advanced waste treatment technologies. Gaining certifications relevant to these areas can also be beneficial. Furthermore, demonstrating your impact through quantifiable achievements and taking initiative in key projects can position you for promotions and higher salary opportunities.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: As you progress with your career in environmental engineering, my primary advice is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The field is dynamic, with regulations and technologies evolving rapidly. Stay informed about industry trends, engage in professional development opportunities, and cultivate a network of peers and mentors. This proactive approach enriches your understanding and enhances your ability to contribute effectively to your workplace and community.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Mim Rahimi Ph.D.: In the next 3-5 years, skills in data analysis and technological proficiency, particularly in areas like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and environmental modeling software, will become important. Additionally, soft skills such as effective communication and project management will be essential as projects often involve multidisciplinary teams and require the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Martha Carlson Mazur PhD: Be a contributing member of the communities you occupy. Forming authentic relationships builds the network that will lead to opportunities for advancement.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Martha Carlson Mazur PhD: The art of paying attention is the top emerging skill that students need to acquire before entering the workforce in Environmental Science. We have so many distractions vying for our attention in today’s high-tech world that we need to be mindful of where we choose to direct our thoughts to optimize our productivity. Likewise, paying attention to changes in the environment is of utmost importance in the work that we do, and paying attention to our own needs will keep us going in the hard but rewarding work of changing the world.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Martha Carlson Mazur PhD: Be clear to yourself on what you value and how you want to use your unique skills and knowledge to change your piece of the world. Then, connect with people to find shared values and build relationships to enact your vision while being open to opportunities you might not have considered.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Marcia Bjornerud: Be open to taking short-term jobs for a few years to get a sense of the range of career opportunities in environmental sciences and which match your skills and temperament best. Think creatively about how your interdisciplinary training in environmental sciences can be applied even in fields that are not obviously 'environmental' - e.g. city/regional government, transportation, healthcare, etc. All human activities are embedded within and dependent on the natural environment. Also, the habit of 'systems thinking' that is central to environmental science can be applied to complex human systems.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marcia Bjornerud: Be a well-rounded scientist, with strong foundations in all the natural and physical sciences. Emphasize the conceptual and technical skills you have gained as a student -- not just the courses you have taken – on your resume. Find a mentor through alumni networks who can help provide an on-ramp into professional life.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Marcia Bjornerud: Capacity to apply concepts from chemistry, biology and geosciences to 'wicked' (complex, entangled) environmental problems. Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software. Knowledge of statistical methods for analyzing large data sets. Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the public.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Justin Kunkle PhD: Forestry is a good profession to enter now due to the increasing focus on environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and the growing demand for professionals who can manage forests effectively. There are also opportunities for innovation and technological advancements in the field.
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her)
Associate Professor and Department ChairAmerican University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Honestly, I don't think most people get into Environmental Science with the goal of maximizing their salary potential. Nor do I think this field is the best choice if that's your top concern. I think it's important to take stock of your financial goals (for example, saving for retirement, buying a house, being able to travel), put together a realistic budget (perhaps with the help of a financial advisor), and see what income you need. Then you can look for jobs in that range. It's important to realize that budgeting, saving, investing and avoiding needless spending are just as important to financial health as maximizing your salary.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Think about your strengths, interests, and goals, and then evaluate the options available to you. No job is going to be perfect, especially right out of college. You want something that will meet your financial needs and provide you with an opportunity to grow and gain experience so you can be competitive for other opportunities down the line that may be an even better fit.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Karen Knee (she/her): Computer skills (coding, data science, software design) as well as very human skills that can't be replicated by AI.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Dr. James Malley Jr: As you start your Environmental Engineering career, I suggest you go into the office every day, go in early and stay late, talk with, and learn from the senior members of your firm. In addition, work hard on improving what we like to call “the soft skills” such as being a good listener and clearly communicating with your co-workers, supervisors, and clients. Work on your writing skills so that the improve and also align with how your firm typically writes the work products asked of you.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. James Malley Jr: Some of this is market driven by the type of employer (public versus private), the location of the job (major metropolitan area versus a more rural or smaller city), etc. In the foreseeable future due to Environmental Engineering becoming popular around 1970 there are many people approaching retirement age (“the silver tsunami”) so jobs will likely be plentiful which will help. So, to maximize starting salaries you will want to do your homework and study the different employers, regions, etc. to see what salary ranges are realistic. Then pursue the opportunities that have the higher starting salaries if that is your priority (clearly an Environmental Engineer working for a major industry such as gas and oil will have a higher starting salary offer than one working for municipal governments) and also carefully interview the firms when they invite you to interview to find out how they handle things like overtime, bonuses, salary review frequency, etc.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. James Malley Jr: There is general agreement that “Big Data” will continue to be a major emphasis so learning the use of python or similar will be important. No doubt AI/ML will impact the Environmental Engineering field so becoming more familiar with AI/ML, specifically how it is used as well as recognizing when it is being used effectively and when it is being used incorrectly or producing results that are unrealistic and impractical. As your career advances in the next 3-5 years you will also find the soft skills already mentioned as well as developing better management and leadership skills will be important because surely by year 5 others will be working for you and you will be managing them.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Holly Henning: In the next 3-5 years, more students will be involved in quantifying the environmental impacts of agricultural practices in response to new regulations and ongoing producer and consumer interest in environmental practices. Students will continue to need strong communication skills to explain those practices to various stakeholders and engage in innovative partnerships with suppliers, by region and industry.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holly Henning: My advice to students is keep a beginners' mind as they learn their particular job. I always encourage students to seek out a mentor in their position and to ask questions and say yes when they are asked to volunteer for temporary roles that might help them learn more about their employer and the career paths available to them. I also encourage them to connect to other WSU graduates as Cougs love to help other Cougs.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Holly Henning: To maximize salary potential, an employee needs to first demonstrate a strong work ethic, a desire to learn and the ability to work on diverse teams. Employees that demonstrate their ability to contribute their unique expertise to a multi-disciplinary team are more likely to be involved with other learning opportunities. We encourage employees to continue their education by being involved in associations, working with our extension and research programs and field days and exploring ways to build their network and opportunities. In some careers, the ability to proactively represent an employer on social media and help others to see how great it is to work for their company can help them into higher paying positions.
Geno Picchioni
ProfessorNew Mexico State University
Applied Horticulture And Horticultural Business Services
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Geno Picchioni: BE TRAINABLE, OPEN-MINDED, AND APPROACHABLE. REMEMBER WHAT GOT YOU HERE: HARD WORK, PERSEVERANCE, DEDICATION, COLLEGIALITY. HONOR YOUR SUPPORT FAMILY.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Geno Picchioni: DO NOW WAIT FOR GRADUATION. BUILD AN EFFECTIVE RESUME WITH TANGIBLE FEATURES AND EXAMPLES, NOT MERELY LISTS. INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 1) COMMUNICATION, TECHNICAL, AND PEOPLE SKILLS; 2) JOB EXPERIENCE; 3) CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY; AND 4) DISTINCTION AND RECOGNITION.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Geno Picchioni: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES. COMMUNITY BUILDING.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: People like being environmental designers because they can see the fruits of their work in real world settings. Their visions can come to life and change places in positive ways. On the other hand there are times that the environmental aspect of a design can be overlooked and that can lead to frustrations.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Humanity today faces tremendous environmental challenges - chemicals in our water and air are causing major health problems, climate change is leading to increased disaster events, and biodiversity loss is at an all time high. Being an environmental designer allows people to address these challenges head on. It also gives people a chance to make other people's lives more livable, healthier, and happier.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Daniella Hirschfeld PhD: Environmental designers work at the intersection of natural processes and human systems. One key part of that job is to bring natural systems into cities and neighborhoods. For example, an environmental designer would be the on in charge of street trees for a city. Another key part of environmental design is making sure that natural processes such as flooding does not negatively impact people. This involves understanding how a river flows and what areas are dangerous for development. Enviornmental designers also need to ensure that when people build cities, homes, or infrastructure they do not negatively impact natural areas. This often involves designing stormwater infrastructure. Environmental design is a highly interdisciplinary area of work and requires collaboration with many other professionals. Environmental designers will often work with urban planners, architects, landscape architects, transportation planners, civil engineers, etc. Ultimately they stive to design and implements solutions that enhance the quality of a space for people while having minimal impacts on ecosystems.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Dr. Christopher Post PhD: Start local and get an internship while an undergraduate. Any position with the federal lands agencies (parks, forests, BLM, etc.) are tough to get and you have to work your way in to that federal system. Start local with regional/county/city parks and forests and work up to the federal level. Also keep that balance between the science (the biology and earth science) and the more social science/humanities (ethics, economics, communications) material you’ve learned as undergraduate. These jobs are all about communicating complex scientific/environmental issues with the general public so that context is very important. You have to be nimble and know both areas (the science and the social science) and their overlap.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Christopher Post PhD: Geographic Information Science—the ability to take field data and make it visual with maps so that you and others can witness and analyze spatial relations is the most important skill set in environmental careers right now and will continue as such. Everything in nature moves—albeit sometimes slowly—and understanding those interactions is key to unfolding humanity’s impacts on the environment, and vice versa.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Christopher Post PhD: Having field and lab experience as an undergraduate—showing you can put theory to practice via internships or other undergraduate research opportunities should best position a student for maximizing that starting salary.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Man-Yau Chan: There is an increasing demand for meteorologists because the field itself is growing bigger and more sophisticated. There are now forecasting systems for all sorts of things (e.g., urban pollution forecasting, cloud-cover forecasting for solar power). Every one of those areas needs meteorologists. There are also many places that need meteorologists, especially outside of the National Weather Service! Some exciting examples include the Navy, the Army, the Air Force, utility companies, and the US Department of Agriculture! I would like to highlight my own discipline: statistical meteorology. Statistical meteorologists are increasingly in demand because (1) they are essential for creating the computer systems used to correct weather forecasting, and (2) there are more and more weather forecasting systems. However, there is an undersupply of statistical meteorologists at the moment. In other words, there are many job opportunities!
Bryan Gentry
Director of CommunicationsUniversity of South Carolina - Columbia
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Bryan Gentry: We've found we get better responses over email than the phone because it gives you some time to think about it.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bryan Gentry: For students majoring in environmental science-related areas, my colleague Bryan Gentry can possibly connect you with someone in USC’s College of Arts and Sciences.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Bryan Gentry: My colleague Bryan Gentry can possibly connect you with someone in USC’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Keith Summerville
Levitt Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science, Paul and Claudia Schickler Executive Director, Jay N. Darling InstituteDrake University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Keith Summerville: 2. #1 is how to leverage analytics and generative AI to design and implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Keith Summerville: 1. To anyone getting a start in this field- build your professional network as early as possible- attend volunteer work days, try going to low cost local conferences or meetings (local Audubon Societies, Iowa Prairie Network, Society for Ecological Restoration Midwest Chapter, Ducks Unlimited). The more people in the field you know, the more opportunities you will be exposed to.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Keith Summerville: 3. Get as many internships as one can get during time at Drake and develop some fairly deep taxa or field of specialty expertise so that you can hit the ground running in a career.
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair
Professor/ChairGonzaga University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Scientist?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: Find work in another field! LOL. Seriously, the benefits of environmental work cannot be monetized.
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: Do field work as much as possible while you're young! Don't shun seasonal work or internships. There are a plethora of federal jobs right now, so it's a good time to get in with a federal agency.
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: We find that graphical information systems (GIS) skills are in high demand. Soft skills such as ability to work as a team, develop work plans, collaborate and communicate with diverse stakeholders, communicate technical and scientific information, are, and will be very important in the near and long term future.
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.
Professor of Biomedical SciencesQuinnipiac University
Microbiological Sciences And Immunology
What Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.: The first and foremost would be Critical Thinking. We live in a world where facts can be easily acquired, sometimes even by asking Siri/Alexa/ChatGPT/Google/etc. But critical thinking is timeless and priceless. I can ask anyone on the street what xyz is and they can look it up, but can they provide advice or interpret.
Also being a good steward towards science and being willing and able to communicate not just with peers as we are trained, but also with the public, the politicians, the board members. John Holdren*, stated that Scientists should be tithing at least 10 percent of their time to public service ... including activism. In the ever growing science denialism that is happening in our country being able to communicate science with the public is important. As Peter Hotaz states, "Anti-science propaganda is "killing Americans in unprecedented numbers,""
*Holdren is an American scientist who served as the senior advisor to President Barack Obama on science and technology issues through his roles as assistant to the president for science and technology, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and a Research Professor in Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government
What will help Environmental Scientists increase their earning potential?
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.: Be passionate! Be curious! When I write a letter of recommendation I write a little about the obligatory "IQ" elements, how well their exam/assignment/course grade were, then I speak to their EQ, are they kind, helpful, respectful, considerate, etc. and I try to include an example of something that I witnessed regarding EQ. But the majority of the letter discussing PQ and CQ, their passion quotient and their curiosity quotient. A can write a much much better LOR for a student with high PQ and CQ than I can for one with just good grades. What have they read and what do they do in their spare time (and don't say that you can't afford a hobby, you can't afford not to have a hobby or an outlet, otherwise stress takes too much of a toll. Some of my most memorable student conversations are conversations that involved their curiosity, like a conversation about Bonnie Bassler's quorum sensing. Make sure that as you go through life you embrace Einstein's quote 'There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.'
The second piece of advice is: Know what you know, know what you don't know, be willing to admit what you don't know, and don't be afraid to ask questions, but try not to ask questions about simple things that one can easily look up as that indicates laziness rather than inquisitiveness.
The third piece of other advice would be to never give up. As "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." Calvin Coolidge