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Field scientist vs environmental programs specialist

The differences between field scientists and environmental programs specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a field scientist and an environmental programs specialist. Additionally, a field scientist has an average salary of $76,601, which is higher than the $55,129 average annual salary of an environmental programs specialist.

The top three skills for a field scientist include field testing, data collection and geotechnical. The most important skills for an environmental programs specialist are environmental quality, environmental regulations, and EPA.

Field scientist vs environmental programs specialist overview

Field ScientistEnvironmental Programs Specialist
Yearly salary$76,601$55,129
Hourly rate$36.83$26.50
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs88,45418,178
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age3939
Years of experience66

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.

What does an environmental programs specialist do?

Environmental program specialists ensure that all environmental protocols and standards are followed in the work area. They work with janitorial services to ensure that cleanliness is maintained and wastes are correctly disposed of. If the standards have not been followed, they investigate and report it to the administration and assess the event's effect on the environment. They also conduct hands-on experiments to look for issues and provide remedies according to environmental standards.

Field scientist vs environmental programs specialist salary

Field scientists and environmental programs specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Field ScientistEnvironmental Programs Specialist
Average salary$76,601$55,129
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $111,000Between $35,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAWashington, DC
Highest paying stateCaliforniaMassachusetts
Best paying companySyngentaPort Authority of New York and New Jersey
Best paying industryInternetTechnology

Differences between field scientist and environmental programs specialist education

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

Field ScientistEnvironmental Programs Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorEnvironmental ScienceBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Field scientist vs environmental programs specialist demographics

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

Field ScientistEnvironmental Programs Specialist
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 72.5% Female, 27.5%Male, 52.2% Female, 47.8%
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 field scientist and environmental programs specialist duties and responsibilities

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.
  • Show more

Environmental programs specialist example responsibilities.

  • Lead numerous consultation meetings with USACE, BOEM, USCG, NMFS, USFWS and other state and federal agencies.
  • Develop GIS datasets, queries and reports from the dBase database.
  • Develop GIS database and produce GIS products with Esri products for direct use in statewide drinking water assessment program.
  • Use diagnostic tools for troubleshooting, identify and repairing air quality ambient monitoring equipment and meteorological instruments according to EPA standards.
  • Collect soil and groundwater samples; conduct environmental reviews and investigations; and perform oversight activities for various environmental management activities.
  • Coordinate a restoration and conservation grant program locating, surveying and controlling invasive wetland species.

Field scientist vs environmental programs specialist skills

Common field scientist skills
  • Field Testing, 34%
  • Data Collection, 17%
  • Geotechnical, 6%
  • Asbestos, 5%
  • Storm Water, 4%
  • EPA, 4%
Common environmental programs specialist skills
  • Environmental Quality, 14%
  • Environmental Regulations, 13%
  • EPA, 9%
  • Water Quality, 7%
  • GIS, 6%
  • Public Health, 6%

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