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Job outlook for environmental specialist leads in the United States
Are environmental specialist lead jobs in demand?
Environmental specialist lead job and salary trends over time
Environmental specialist lead jobs over time
Environmental specialist lead job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,254 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,656 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,809 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,804 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,782 | 0.00% |
Average environmental specialist lead salary over time
Environmental specialist lead salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,427 | $30.01 | +3.7% |
| 2024 | $60,218 | $28.95 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $59,377 | $28.55 | +0.9% |
| 2022 | $58,822 | $28.28 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $57,527 | $27.66 | +0.4% |
Environmental specialist lead jobs by state
Most common states for environmental specialist leads
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 739,795 | 205 | 28% |
| 2 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 416 | 22% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 225 | 21% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 177 | 20% |
| 5 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 330 | 19% |
| 6 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 491 | 17% |
| 7 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 353 | 17% |
| 8 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 116 | 17% |
| 9 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 440 | 15% |
| 10 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 437 | 15% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 114 | 15% |
| 12 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 487 | 12% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 344 | 11% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 134 | 10% |
| 15 | Vermont | 623,657 | 60 | 10% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 56 | 10% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 585 | 9% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 117 | 9% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 82 | 8% |
| 20 | Delaware | 961,939 | 78 | 8% |
Most common cities for environmental specialist leads
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington | 1 | 3% | $58,781 |
| 2 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $56,698 |
| 3 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $86,402 |
Environmental Specialist Lead job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of environmental specialist lead experts
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
University of Rhode Island
University of Houston
Bellarmine University
Lawrence University
American University
University of New Hampshire
Washington State University
New Mexico State University
Utah State University
University of South Carolina - Columbia
Elon University
Tarleton State University
Kennesaw State University
University of Minnesota
Barnard College
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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.
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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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 Specialist Lead?
Geno Picchioni: BE TRAINABLE, OPEN-MINDED, AND APPROACHABLE. REMEMBER WHAT GOT YOU HERE: HARD WORK, PERSEVERANCE, DEDICATION, COLLEGIALITY. HONOR YOUR SUPPORT FAMILY.
What Environmental Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads increase their earning potential?
Geno Picchioni: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES. COMMUNITY BUILDING.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads 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.
Bryan Gentry
Director of CommunicationsUniversity of South Carolina - Columbia
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Specialist Lead?
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 Specialist Lead 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 Specialist Leads increase their earning potential?
Bryan Gentry: My colleague Bryan Gentry can possibly connect you with someone in USC’s College of Arts and Sciences.
What Environmental Specialist Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carol Boggs PhD: Human impacts on the environment are continuing to increase. The demand for professionals to mitigate the effects of climate change and land use impacts will continue to increase in response.
What will help Environmental Specialist Leads increase their earning potential?
Carol Boggs PhD: I actually don't know! But I would guess: People like being able to make a difference and to be able to see the impact of their work on improving ecosystems. People dislike paperwork, which is associated with nearly any job.
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Specialist Lead?
Carol Boggs PhD: Environmental engineers may be involved in designing or evaluating waste water systems. These can include urban waste water treatment systems, or managing run-off, flooding, coastal sea water incursions, etc. Environmental engineers may also work on landscape restoration projects, designing plans to adjust water flow through an ecosystem. Daily work may include both on-site field evaluations and office work.
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.
NOAA Chair Professor pf Civil and Environmental Engineering, Director of Earth System and Environmental Engineering at CUNY City CollegeWhat Environmental Specialist Lead skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.: Todays market requires many new skills that were not necessary covered in details in their colleges and universities. They should be focusing on strengthening those skills. Some of those skills are and will continue to be prevalent in the field of Environmental engineering are Improving their soft skills (such as oral and writing communication skills, presentation skills) Familiarity and ability to learn new technology (such as GIS, Remote sensing, software, etc) Data analytics will be the near future needs in almost all industries, Artificial Intelligent/Machine learning (AI/ML)
What general advice would you give to an Environmental Specialist Lead?
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.: Graduates entering today job market have to recognize ( and in fact expect) that the degree that they have earned has only prepared them for the job market at a very basic /fundamental level. Most of the actual learning comes in the job and they have to be ready and eager to learn new tools and skills. They should learn how to work as a team and be very positively engaged with every one in their job.
What will help Environmental Specialist Leads increase their earning potential?
Reza Khanbilvardi Ph.D.: To be in a position to maximize salary potential (at the beginning and during the work), one has to demonstrate and perform his/her job responsibilities by Being well organized, work on proper time-management skills Achieve tasks on time (and even before the deadline, if possible), Show the willingness to be involved in additional tasks/responsibility, Be collegian with all co-workers, Do not procrastinate .
Will Pluer Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EngineeringElon University
Physics & Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Environmental Specialist Lead resumes?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Sampling, modeling, and/or designing skills indicate that you know how to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real work situations. Technical writing skills are also broadly applicable.
What soft skills should all Environmental Specialist Leads possess?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Within the job, time management is probably the most important. An employer will be impressed if you're finishing work before your deadlines. To get the job in the first place, professionalism is very important. Submit a clean and attractive resume with your application and then show up to an interview dressed for the job.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Specialist Leads?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Software skills are useful entering a new job. You may need to learn new software for the company, but it will be much easier once you know the basics of how coding, design, and spreadsheet programs work. These skills are also broadly applicable whether you seek a job in consulting, government, research, etc.
What skills will help Environmental Specialist Leads earn the most?
Will Pluer Ph.D.: Networking. While it's not a skill that we explicitly teach, networking is probably the most valuable skill. By making connections and seeking advice or sharing expertise, you will advance in your workplace and ultimately earn more money. Networks will also allow you to find new jobs or bring your company more work.
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorTarleton State University
Department of Mechanical, Environmental and Civil Engineering
What skills stand out on Environmental Specialist Lead resumes?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: As far as the skills are concerned, the most striking would be proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD and ArcGIS as well as with technical report-writing or preparation. There are numerous industry-standard programs that are discipline-specific, such as HEC-HMS for hydrologic modeling; familiarity with these programs can make resumes stand out. Other items on the resume, such as assuming leadership roles in student and professional societies, internships with government or private organizations, and having passed the FE exam, are also attractive to recruiters.
What soft skills should all Environmental Specialist Leads possess?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: Being able to liaise with clients and contractors is perhaps the most important soft skill. The ability to play various roles in a team and also assume leadership will accelerate professional development and present more growth opportunities.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Specialist Leads?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: Familiarity with relevant regional, state, and federal regulations and compliance measures is critical for environmental engineers. Knowledge of environmental site assessments and remediation programs is a useful technical skill as well. On the project management side, skills such as preparing cost estimates and permit applications are important. Whereas earlier, many consulting firms would hire draftspersons to prepare design drawings and specifications, it is expected that the engineers perform these tasks these days - therefore, experience and proficiency with programs such as AutoCAD or Microstation or Civil 3D, and ArcGIS is imperative.
What skills will help Environmental Specialist Leads earn the most?
Kartik Venkataraman Ph.D.: I believe the ability to multi-task fast-paced projects and having excellent interpersonal communication skills will be the most beneficial, particularly in the private sector. Whilst it is not a skill, earning potential and marketability can be significantly boosted once the engineer receives their professional license - this is a credential any environmental engineer must aspire for, especially if they wish to grow into managerial positions.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What soft skills should all Environmental Specialist Leads possess?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: When it comes to job opportunities, the ability to successfully work in groups is really important. Students should talk about group projects that they've worked on, how they contributed to the overall project, and how they managed that group dynamic. If there was some sort of conflict in the group, such as a member who wasn't pulling their weight or someone who wasn't communicating effectively, being able to describe how they dealt with that problem and overcame it would really demonstrate to a potential employer that they are ready to be an effective part of a team. Writing is also really important. Students should be ready to submit a writing sample that demonstrates their ability to write well. And being able to use proper grammar and spelling is just the beginning. Preferably they should submit something long enough to show that they can put together a cohesive narrative that makes a persuasive argument like a term paper.
What skills will help Environmental Specialist Leads earn the most?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: Ultimately, if they want to move up the ladder to the higher rungs with better salaries, students need to demonstrate leadership skills. They need to prove to an employer that they have what it takes to move on to those next steps where they may be giving orders instead of following them. Students should be on the lookout for opportunities to demonstrate that kind of talent, like taking on leadership roles within a student organization at their university or maybe working as a tutor or student instructor for a course they excelled in. Participation in learning activities beyond the regular curriculum can also help here, such as pursuing a minor that might make them stand out from their peers or doing a study abroad program that gave them some insight or perspective that others may not have.
Erin Surdo Ph.D.
Teaching Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Minnesota
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering
What skills stand out on Environmental Specialist Lead resumes?
Erin Surdo Ph.D.: Students with strong oral communication and project management skills and technical background in material balances and fluid mechanics often succeed in environmental engineering careers.
Logan Brenner Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Environmental ScienceBarnard College
Environmental Science Department
What skills stand out on Environmental Specialist Lead resumes?
Logan Brenner Ph.D.: It is really impressive to see some type of research experience outlined on a resume and related output, such as a presentation or poster at a conference or some other public venue or an article. It is important that you clearly explain the research project on the resume or CV to highlight its relevance to whatever job you are applying for. Maybe the content is relevant, or instead, it is the skills that you learned. Honestly, it is becoming much more commonplace to see a research project on a resume, so I would almost say that it is a critical component. Conducting research indicates that you can work independently and/or in a team, solve problems, and think creatively and critically. Summarizing your findings in a conference presentation or a write-up shows that you can distill and communicate your most important and compelling conclusions and that you can finish a project.
What soft skills should all Environmental Specialist Leads possess?
Logan Brenner Ph.D.: It is rare that someone will solve a problem, answer a research question, or make a discovery on their own. As is the case in many science fields, collaboration is key, so working in a team is critical. To do this effectively, you must collaborate with people who may have different work styles than you, be comfortable with delegation and self-assigning responsibilities, communicate and resolve conflict, know when to be a leader, and follow someone else's lead, and manage your time. From an environmental science perspective, our world is becoming ever more complex, and the best way to address complex problems is with a group of diverse minds. We need to have an open mind, start approaching problems creatively, and consider the value of having varied educational and professional training and multiple perspectives.
Your science will mean little and have minimal impact if you can't explain it to anyone who asks. As an environmental scientist, you will undoubtedly have to communicate your work to varied audiences ranging from professionals in your field to the general public. Therefore, you need to recognize your audiences and meet them at their level to get your ideas across. What is most impressive is not a lecture full of unnecessary jargon that obscures your point but instead a few succinct and eloquent sentences using universally understood language.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Environmental Specialist Leads?
Logan Brenner Ph.D.: Keep in mind the field of environmental science is quite broad, and so the hard or technical skills that are necessary for one specialty may be less important in another. Being able to code and work with big data are two skills that are becoming more important each day. Try to become semi-proficient in at least one coding language, but you will likely have to learn another in the not-so-distant future. While math was never my favorite subject, I admit that many of my classes became relevant in my work. It is hard to know when in your career applying what you learned about partial derivatives will become necessary, but it will, and you will wish you paid better attention in Calculus Class (speaking from experience). Being able to model, often a combination of coding and math, is a complex but valuable skill. When applied, this could mean using or understanding climate models, groundwater flow, population growth, viral spread, or predictions of any kind. Being able to model is a powerful tool.
What skills will help Environmental Specialist Leads earn the most?
Logan Brenner Ph.D.: Suppose by earn we are referring to earning money. In that case, you want to hone skills applicable to a wide variety of careers and fields. Many people call these transferrable skills. Being able to code and work with large amounts of data are critical skills to any STEM field and are becoming more relevant in nearly every sector. If you can get experience coding or working with data in a classroom setting, that is great. If you can also get some hands-on experience applying those skills to a research project, independent study, or during an internship, even better. Being comfortable working with numbers, i.e., proficient in math, is also valuable. Numerous soft skills will also help you excel in the workplace, such as being flexible and ready to pivot when your work takes you in a new direction, ease with public speaking and communication, and self-confidence. Believing in yourself will make it easier for others to believe in you. This is much easier said than done, and many successful people struggle with imposter syndrome and managing their own self-confidence. It is totally normal but something that you should prioritize throughout your professional career.