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Field scientist vs environmental resource specialist

The differences between field scientists and environmental resource 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 resource specialist. Additionally, a field scientist has an average salary of $76,601, which is higher than the $53,520 average annual salary of an environmental resource specialist.

The top three skills for a field scientist include field testing, data collection and geotechnical. The most important skills for an environmental resource specialist are scientific data, natural resources, and GIS.

Field scientist vs environmental resource specialist overview

Field ScientistEnvironmental Resource Specialist
Yearly salary$76,601$53,520
Hourly rate$36.83$25.73
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs88,45423,711
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age3939
Years of experience66

Field scientist vs environmental resource specialist salary

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

Field ScientistEnvironmental Resource Specialist
Average salary$76,601$53,520
Salary rangeBetween $52,000 And $111,000Between $34,000 And $83,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companySyngenta-
Best paying industryInternet-

Differences between field scientist and environmental resource specialist education

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

Field ScientistEnvironmental Resource Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 82%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorEnvironmental ScienceBiology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Field scientist vs environmental resource specialist demographics

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

Field ScientistEnvironmental Resource Specialist
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 72.5% Female, 27.5%Male, 60.9% Female, 39.1%
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 resource 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 resource specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage all compliance recordkeeping, sampling, monitoring, auditing, testing and training activities.
  • Analyze workload patterns and prepare statistical data to reflect findings and inclusion to PowerPoint presentation for decision makers.
  • Conduct document quality analysis on environmental contractor bids submit for Superfund sites through research and background investigation.

Field scientist vs environmental resource specialist skills

Common field scientist skills
  • Field Testing, 34%
  • Data Collection, 17%
  • Geotechnical, 6%
  • Asbestos, 5%
  • Storm Water, 4%
  • EPA, 4%
Common environmental resource specialist skills
  • Scientific Data, 19%
  • Natural Resources, 13%
  • GIS, 13%
  • NPDES, 11%
  • Public Outreach, 9%
  • Water Quality, 9%

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