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Job outlook for field scientists in the United States
Field scientist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected field scientist job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 3,800 new jobs for field scientists are projected over the next decade.
Field scientist salaries have increased 6% for field scientists in the last 5 years.
There are over 22,815 field scientists currently employed in the United States.
There are 88,454 active field scientist job openings in the US.
The average field scientist salary is $76,601.
Are field scientist jobs in demand?
Field scientist job and salary trends over time
Field scientist jobs over time
Field scientist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22,815 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 25,106 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 25,011 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 23,880 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 24,307 | 0.01% |
Average field scientist salary over time
Field scientist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $76,601 | $36.83 | +2.6% |
| 2025 | $74,645 | $35.89 | +0.3% |
| 2024 | $74,405 | $35.77 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $72,595 | $34.90 | +0.7% |
| 2022 | $72,083 | $34.66 | +2.1% |
Field scientist jobs by state
Most common states for field scientists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 241 | 32% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 172 | 25% |
| 3 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 230 | 22% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 135 | 22% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,256 | 21% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 284 | 21% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 204 | 21% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 123 | 21% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 273 | 20% |
| 10 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 176 | 20% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,615 | 19% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 929 | 17% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 127 | 17% |
| 14 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,418 | 16% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 655 | 16% |
| 16 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 337 | 16% |
| 17 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 838 | 15% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 552 | 15% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 254 | 15% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 160 | 15% |
Most common cities for field scientists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Andover | 2 | 7% | $94,666 |
| 2 | Lawrenceville | 2 | 6% | $65,953 |
| 3 | Framingham | 2 | 3% | $97,562 |
| 4 | Sacramento | 3 | 1% | $107,944 |
| 5 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $96,858 |
| 6 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $83,195 |
| 7 | Macon | 1 | 1% | $64,399 |
| 8 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $45,802 |
| 9 | Tempe | 1 | 1% | $66,096 |
| 10 | Boston | 3 | 0% | $97,093 |
| 11 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $54,625 |
| 12 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $67,556 |
| 13 | Oakland | 1 | 0% | $108,710 |
| 14 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $108,227 |
Field Scientist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of field scientist experts
Kent State University
Drake University
Gonzaga University
Gannon University
Lafayette College
Kennesaw State University
Southwestern University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
Concordia University
Baylor University
Pace University, NYC
University of Puerto Rico-RP
Albright College
Dickinson State University
Michigan State University
Kansas State University
Missouri University of Science and Technology
University of Notre Dame
University of Wisconsin-Madison
What general advice would you give to a Field 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 Field 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 Field 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.
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 a Field Scientist?
Keith Summerville: 2. #1 is how to leverage analytics and generative AI to design and implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
What Field 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 Field 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 a Field Scientist?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: Find work in another field! LOL. Seriously, the benefits of environmental work cannot be monetized.
What Field 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 Field 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.
Liu Cao Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Engr.Gannon University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What general advice would you give to a Field Scientist?
Liu Cao Ph.D.: For graduates in environmental science embarking on their careers, it's essential to embrace a multidisciplinary approach and remain adaptable to the evolving landscape of environmental challenges. Prioritize gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work to apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, enhancing your employability. Networking is also key; engage with professionals in your field through industry conferences, workshops, and professional associations to expand your opportunities and gain insights into emerging trends. Continuously refine your skills, particularly in data analysis, GIS, and sustainability practices, and consider further education or certifications to specialize in high-demand areas. Finally, stay informed about global environmental issues and technological advancements, as this will enable you to contribute innovatively to your field.
What Field Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Liu Cao Ph.D.: In the evolving landscape of environmental science, key skills poised to gain prominence over the next 3-5 years, in my opinion, include data analysis and environmental modeling, essential for interpreting complex datasets and predicting trends. Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing will become increasingly vital for monitoring environmental changes and managing resources efficiently. Additionally, a deep understanding of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies will be crucial as professionals seek to address global warming's pressing challenges. These skills, combined with interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication, will equip environmental scientists to tackle the multifaceted issues facing our planet.
What will help Field Scientists increase their earning potential?
Liu Cao Ph.D.: Obtaining licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) can significantly enhance your career prospects and credibility. The requirements typically include passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and then passing the PE exam.
Internships, co-op programs, and volunteer work in your field can provide you with valuable experience and skills that are attractive to employers. Practical experience can also lead to higher starting salaries and better job opportunities.
The field of environmental science is rapidly evolving, influenced by global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. Keeping abreast of industry trends and technological advancements can make you more competitive in the job market. Employers value professionals who are proactive about their continuing education and professional development.
What Field Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: The current most prevalent skill sets and qualifications for students interested in the ecology and environmental fields include good communication through speaking and writing. It is important to be able to communicate as an effective team member, communicate with private landowners, volunteers, and to the public for education purposes. Writing skills will be important for correctly recording data, completing certifications, helping to write grants (and other fundraising efforts) and completing reports.
Be in good physical condition to complete fieldwork and gather data. Sometimes you will be deep in the field and off-trail. The better shape you are in, the better your ability to deal with hot, cold, or humid weather conditions and bothersome insects. Physical exhaustion leads to increased errors in the field.
When in the field, certain professions prefer combinations of the following skills: Use of GPS units, ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles and/or ATVs, boating experience, chainsaw, herbicide and pesticide application, identification of flora and fauna, ability access soil and water quality, and prescribed fire experience.
Have standard IT skills to gather data via phone or tablet and be familiar with standard programs such as WORD, EXCEL, and ACCESS.
Future skills will include the ability to gather data remotely from the field (e.g., Lidar spatial data, acoustic recordings, remote cameras, drone data, eDNA) and onto the Could. It will also be beneficial to speak more than one language and be able to develop a strong web presence for your project and organization.
What will help Field Scientists increase their earning potential?
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: Learn to be a team player and be reliable enough to complete tasks by yourself. Make sure your online presence is one of a professional in your field. Potential employers will search you out online. Have these searches lead to the professional you. The ecology and environmental biology fields are competitive. As a growing professional in these fields, you will begin with lower salaries compared to biology majors in other fields such as the medical, pharmaceutical, and research lab professions. Most government organizations that deal with ecology-based issues, such as natural resources or environmental monitoring, have lower budgets compared to other government departments. Also, non-government organizations that work in these fields are mainly non-profit. The best way to get into these competitive fields is via internships and temporary positions. Experience is key. Temporary positions are low pay, but they provide the building blocks of experience to get you more permanent and better pay positions or entry into graduate school with an assistantship. Graduate assistantships provide opportunities for graduate students to get paid, have benefits, and have tuition covered. That is a good deal. Look for jobs in places you would never think to look. Examples of unique employers in these fields include private consulting organizations, research labs doing environmental work, and Department of Defense.
What general advice would you give to a Field Scientist?
Aaron Haines Ph.D., Certified Wildlife Biologist ®: Having more technical skill sets can help you get entry level positions that can lead to higher pay positions. These include the ability to extract DNA from biological samples and understand the process of DNA sequencing, be familiar with geographical information systems (GIS) software such as ArcPro, ArcGIS, QGIS, be familiar with programming language such as Phyton and R statical programming, and government policies that impact your field of study.
Be a member of a professional organization and attend their conferences. This will allow you the opportunity to learn from others, network, and meet potential future employers.
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.
Dr. Ervin R. VanArtsdalen Professor of GeologyLafayette College
Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences
What skills stand out on Field Scientist resumes?
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.: We base our Environmental science program on a solid science foundation, including calculus and chemistry and foundational courses in Biology, Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Geology, and Hydrology, as well as environmental engineering and environmental studies.
What soft skills should all Field Scientists possess?
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.: Good communication skills, including writing and verbal communication, are essential.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Field Scientists?
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.: A strong multidisciplinary set of science and engineering courses along with GIS and multidisciplinary courses in environmental courses in Policy, social sciences, and the humanities. Being well-rounded, as well as having a depth of knowledge, is essential. We infuse interdisciplinary problem solving into our curriculum, including a team-based capstone seminar course.
What skills will help Field Scientists earn the most?
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.: A deep foundation in the sciences with a focus on problem-solving along with the ability to function at the nexus of economics, politics, and policy.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What general advice would you give to a Field Scientist?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: I think it's tough to negotiate higher salaries when you're first starting out, but I think it's perfectly reasonable during a job interview to ask what the advancement potential is like for the position. What is the next step up the ladder and how long does it usually take for a new employee to get promoted to that step? What is the salary like for that position? That way you can have an idea what your future earning potential is going to be like before you take a job. If the employer says that you won't get promoted to the next step for 5 years or that the next step only pays $0.50 an hour more than the entry level step, that's probably a red flag that this is an employer you should avoid. Make sure you also ask about overtime. If you get paid time and a half for working over 40 hours, that gives you an opportunity to pad your paycheck if you can put in a few extra hours. Also, I think it's important to consider non-financial benefits for a position when you think about your total compensation. Will the employer pay for you to get additional certifications in that field? Will the employer pay for you to go to grad school and get your Master's at some point? Will the employer match donations you make to charitable organizations you are passionate about? There are a lot more considerations, when it comes to compensation, than just the base salary or hourly rate.
What Field Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: I think the best advice I can offer recent graduates is to be as flexible as possible. Being willing to relocate, for example, vastly expands the number of potential jobs they can apply to. Applying for positions that might not be exactly where they want to go, but might give them the experience or skills they need to get to their desired career after a year or two also will help open more doors. So if you can't find your ideal job right away, consider that internship or volunteer opportunity that will make you more marketable in the future.
What will help Field Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.: In environmental science, GIS is becoming a requirement for a lot more jobs. It has always been a useful skillset, but it has been integrated into a lot more jobs in the environmental field than 5 or 10 years ago. We require all of our environmental science majors to take at least one GIS class for this reason, but we have several others available as electives and our students can even pursue a GIS certificate through our Geography department using elective credits for our degree program. Coming from an environmental consulting background, I also tell students to consider getting their 40-hour HAZWOPER certification if they are interested in that field. It's required for any job where you deal with hazardous materials or work on contaminated sites, so having one of those already under your belt when you apply for a job makes you much more appealing to employers since they don't have to pay for you to get it if they hire you.
What skills stand out on Field Scientist resumes?
Dr. Romi Burks: Certainly, a strong scientific background and understanding of the scientific process would rank as #1 in terms of skills. An environmental scientist needs both to be able to conduct quality sound science but also recognize the strengths and weaknesses in other work.
An Environmental Scientist needs strong communication skills, both oral and written. It is often necessary to explain and/or justify the research associated with the environment and/or "translate" complex environmental phenomena, problems, and solutions into ideas that people understand. Construction of metaphors and parallel situations help.
In terms of "additional skills," a working knowledge and ability to use and incorporate GIS (in simple terms, mapping - but in more complex terms, geographical spatial analysis) set apart many in the field, and the technical nature of this skill set often garners more money in terms of career prospects.
To the rest, I would add another quality environmental scientists that readily employ includes critical thinking skills. In this case, professionals must analyze situations for any ethical concerns that could exist and also for the solution that takes into account multiple perspectives. Such work also requires a strong degree of organization.
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of BiologyWest Virginia Wesleyan College
Department of Biology and Environmental Science
What skills stand out on Field Scientist resumes?
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.: Data collection, management, and analysis skills stand out on an Environmental Scientist's resume. Specifically, knowing how to design experiments, collect many different kinds of data (e.g., soil or water samples, GPS points, wildlife surveys), creating or maintaining a database for samples, and analyzing changes over time or impact of those data make you very marketable. Additionally, knowledge and practice of state and federal environmental protection laws stand out.
What soft skills should all Field Scientists possess?
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.: Communication skills are essential as an Environmental Scientist. You need to communicate with a lot of different people and organizations over a variety of mediums. Having good people skills is very important when communicating with team members, the public, government officials, and property and business owners, especially when the data collected impacts them. Presentation skills are also very important in order to present data at government agencies, scientific meetings, and public talks.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Field Scientists?
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.: Data collection, management, and analysis skills. Specifically, knowing how to design experiments, collect different kinds of data, creating or maintaining a database for samples, and analyzing changes over time or the impact of those data.
What skills will help Field Scientists earn the most?
Joseph Niederhauser Ph.D.: Having technical skills will help you get a job, but more advanced degrees, certificates, and experience using those skills will help you earn more. Even volunteering for state or federal agencies will help you get those skills and experience. Many federal agencies, especially the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, offer directorate programs to get experience prior to finishing your degree, and when you complete your degree, the program will help to place you into a job within the agency.
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.
ProfessorConcordia University
Department of Geography, Planning and Environment
What skills stand out on Field Scientist resumes?
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.: A multidisciplinary understanding of environmental problems (Earth systems and climate science, environmental biology, environmental chemistry) is crucial considering the increasing number of challenges, including climate change, severe weather events, the loss of biodiversity, pollution, and the unsustainable use of the Earth's resources that we face in the Anthropocene.
What soft skills should all Field Scientists possess?
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.: Critical thinking skills to:
- understand the underlying processes relevant to environmental and sustainability sciences
- acquire and interpret analytical data
- understand physical processes of our planet and interpret data related to climate change and sustainable environmental management
- assess the situation within a given ecosystem in an integrated fashion
What hard/technical skills are most important for Field Scientists?
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.: - Geographical Information Systems, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis
- Statistics
- Computer programming
What skills will help Field Scientists earn the most?
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.: - Solid, interdisciplinary, environmental foundations in sustainability from a science perspective
- Tools to solve practical problems in the field of environmental science, including programming, geospatial
technologies and statistics
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Field Scientists?
Dr. Stacy Atchley Ph.D.: National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) exam. Required, particularly in the environmental sector, to certify geoscience competencies.
What will help Field Scientists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stacy Atchley Ph.D.: Graduate degrees (M.S. and/or PhD); geospatial numerical modeling skills and associated expertise in data analytics (geostatistics, including machine learning and related artificial intelligence).
Anne Toomey Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorPace University, NYC
Department of Environmental Studies and Science
What's a good job out of college for Field Scientists?
Anne Toomey Ph.D.: This is purely a guess, but I suspect that ways that people have adapted to the pandemic this year will continue. I think there will be a lot more flexibility in terms of where people can work, and thus revised expectations in terms of amount of time in the office vs. working from home.
On the other hand, because of the social direction the environmental field is going in, I suspect there will be a lot of jobs that require a lot of time connecting with people and communicating. So while new graduates may spend less time than previous generations in the office, they may find themselves engaging with the public more.
What will help Field Scientists increase their earning potential?
Anne Toomey Ph.D.: Broadly speaking, I think the most important skill any recent graduate can have is to be flexible and versatile, able to adapt to constantly changing conditions. The biggest learning curve for most recent graduates is to figure out a way forward when the path isn't totally clear. I see this frequently among undergrads - they tend to get stuck when they hit a barrier and often don't know how to figure out a way forward on their own. In college, there are many support systems (e.g. you can go to your professors' office hours if you have a question) - but when you have a boss, you can't ask them for help every step of the way. You need to figure things out on your own and come up with alternative ideas when the original plan doesn't work out. Graduates who can do this will be a step ahead of the game.
In the environmental field, understanding the social side of things is paramount. I think that science communication is going to be a bigger deal and that requires good writing skills, speaking skills, and how to create online content people will pay attention to. Environmentalism has also recently come under a lot of critique due to its prior lack of engagement with racism and justice, and I think that this is an area where the next generation of environmentalists will have a lot to contribute.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Field Scientists?
Elvia Melendez-Ackerman Ph.D.: An unwritten rule is that the more marketable college graduates not only finish with an appropriate selection of content courses but also with a myriad of hands-on experiences where the student has had the opportunity to develop and strengthen scientific and technical skills, but just as important are the soft skills expected in their chosen profession. Many of these hands-on experiences occur off campus and indeed these are highly encouraged by academic advisors. For most students graduating after 2020, the pandemic reduced the number of opportunities in which they engaged in these types of activities, reducing their number of hours spent in "job-like" settings. It is in these settings where students can develop and demonstrate their leadership, teamwork and, organizational skills and, their ability to get the job done.
Because these off-campus experiences are carried out under supervision, they become important sources of letters of recommendations for employment from experts that truly know how they can perform under different situations. In the short-term, COVID-19 and events with similar outcomes (i.e.. shutdown of educational facilities) could be viewed as a selective factor that would favor those students that engaged early in their undergraduate degree in complementary activities (i.e., internships, volunteer work in research projects, research for credit, etc.). Within that context, shutdowns related to the pandemic might have impacted job preparedness of students from different socio-economic backgrounds differently. For those students that needed to work to pay for college, engaging early in ancillary professional activities might not have been an option. Socio-economic disparities in terms of access to technology (good computer, high speed internet) may have also led to unequal learning experiences. I taught a course in drone technologies where we managed to purchase GIS software licenses to allow students to work on simple spatial analyses remotely, but some students just did not have the computing capacity to operate these at home and ended up having to watch others.
For employers looking to hire recent college graduates that can do reliable fieldwork and perform well under fieldwork conditions (e.g., research areas related to environmental, social, or social-environmental work), the pool of experienced students would now be reduced. At the same time, college graduates will have a tougher time accruing the much-needed experience time that will make them competitive.
What soft skills should all Field Scientists possess?
Elvia Melendez-Ackerman Ph.D.: To me the following are almost universal. College graduates should be responsible, reliable, have good organizational skills, great capacity work both in groups and independently. Ideally a college graduate shows good leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. These last three often appear as requirements in job applications, but even if unlisted you better believe that a prospective employer is looking for those skills when reviewing an application. The pandemic brought to the forefront the importance of communication skills (written and oral) and the importance of networking especially in their professional environments. It has also shifted the ways in which communication needs to be conducted in workplaces. Understanding and becoming proficient in these new communication strategies is more desirable than ever.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Field Scientist job market given the pandemic?
David Osgood: The post-pandemic workplace will be more complex, require more versatility, and likely experience greater interactions within an increasingly diverse workforce. This will primarily result from an increasing presence of virtual platforms for exchange of ideas and other routine business. Some practices will become easier as a result but new challenges will also emerge. Institutions are likely to adopt more flexibility into the workplace so they are prepared to react to employee demand for increased work-life balance (e.g. strain on child-support) or less predictability in supply and delivery (e.g. changes in transportation). The job market has always required specialized skills and in-depth disciplinary knowledge but, increasingly, positions will open for people that are able to effectively coordinate activities across disciplines and cultures. Institutions will become more co-dependent to increase the ability to adapt to market changes and changing regulations. Interdisciplinarity, the combination of more than one discipline into activities, will become a more explicit requirement within the working world to allow employers to bring complexity and flexibility into their business model. The interdisciplinary nature of fields such as environmental studies where psychology, biology, ecology, and ethics are equally leveraged to address problems, will be called upon to create a network of professionals that are able to work efficiently together. There could even be an increase in an emerging category of profession dedicated to helping a business or institution adapt, where interdisciplinary training will be a cornerstone.
What skills stand out on Field Scientist resumes?
David Osgood: Adaptability has always been an invaluable asset in the working world and will become more important in the post-pandemic environment. Individuals with interdisciplinary study, by virtue of the field, are more likely to have received formal training in being flexible and adaptable. The workplace was already becoming more complex leading up to 2020. Professionals cannot be intimidated by switching between software platforms or learning new means of interpersonal interactions as exchanges become increasingly virtual and as institutions become more interdependent.
Versatile communication in the workplace will be another area where the interdisciplinary skillset is increasingly marketable. The coming generation of professionals will need to easily toggle between the language of the economist and the biologist and have at least a rudimentary understanding of their respective methodologies and perspectives.
Adaptability as a skill will be important to address, for example, which pre-pandemic practices will become part of the new order in the working world and which practices will not. There will be a tendency to return to "business as usual". Institutions, however, will look toward tele-commuting and virtual meetings as a replacement for traditional business travel and will also forge more partnerships with other organizations. An interdisciplinary employee who is able to work across multiple platforms and recognize the inherent challenges and opportunities to a diverse working environment will be an invaluable asset. Similarly, the employee who is just as capable of independent work as they are at working with others, will stand apart.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Field Scientists to find work opportunities?
David Osgood: There is unpredictability moving forward in where, geographically, workforce demand will increase, especially as employers adapt to a post-pandemic setting. There will also be less demand on emerging professionals to relocate to specific regions of the country (or the world), as virtual work becomes more commonplace. At the same time, work in interdisciplinary fields such as environmental studies, is predicted to become more available in regions experiencing higher than average population growth, particularly in urban centers. Modern cities are attempting to make themselves more attractive to new professionals and so are creating incentives for businesses to start up or expand their operations. Areas experiencing higher growth, such as the sunbelt urban centers of Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Raleigh, among others, are requiring more interdisciplinary environmental professionals to keep up with development. Urban planning itself eventually demands more work at the intersection of multiple disciplines (e.g. public policy and environmental regulations, equity and diversity, public health and safety).
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Field Scientists?
Eric Brevik: At present, I think that is hard to say. Many of our graduates end up in the private consulting sector. Our most recent graduates were able to get good jobs. Of course, a prolonged economic setback, like the one we're currently witnessing, might have an impact on that success. So I think a lot of this depends on how long the pandemic lasts and how much of a hit the economy takes.
What type of skills will young Field Scientists need?
Eric Brevik: For our environmental science students, the following skills are very important: 1) understanding the science behind their jobs, 2) communication skills (both oral and written), and 3) quantitative skills. The first skill set is probably pretty obvious. Most people would think an environmental scientist should have a good science background. Many people overlook the second set, though. When I worked as an environmental consultant, I spent more time communicating than doing science. Working for a consulting company, we wrote proposals for jobs we wanted to get, wrote reports for jobs we had completed, and presented information orally to our clients. So communication skills are critical. And finally, good quantitative skills are important, particularly statistics, so you can tell your clients whether or not the levels of potential contamination you may have found at their site are actually a problem.
What experience really stands out on Field Scientist resumes?
Eric Brevik: Anything that provides a student experience that is related to what they are studying and want to do for a career. So for those who want to work in industry, an internship is a really good idea. Many of our environmental science students who do internships end up working for the company they intern with. If you want to go on to graduate school, working as an undergraduate researcher in one of our science labs really stands out.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Field Scientist job market given the pandemic?
Berkley Walker: First off, let's clarify which job markets I have some thoughts on. I am most familiar with folks going to graduate school, working as a postdoc, and looking for permanent PhD-level plant science or plant biochemistry jobs in academic and government positions. If you are a graduate student or postdoc still gaining experience for a permanent position, the market is unchanged. There are still funds for training graduate students and postdocs, in fact, this funding may have even increased a little since the pandemic. I have seen a greater pinch on the permanent job front. Universities have hiring freezes on new faculty and the situation for state science jobs is similarly tough. Plant science jobs at the federal level have been less affected, and they do seem to still be hiring.
While the situation right now looks pessimistic for permanent positions, there is no reason to think that these jobs will disappear forever. I expect there to be a strong market in the next one to two years for plant science PhD's, as universities and government agencies seek to fill positions that were on hold during the pandemic.
What Field Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Berkley Walker: Data science skills. Coursera and similar platforms offer excellent data science courses. These skills are in demand and will complement any in-person lab experience that you may miss out on if you have to delay an internship or graduate school. I would recommend courses in general bioinformatics, machine learning, and statistics.
I would also recommend that you connect with any professors whose work you are interested in from your undergraduate institution and ask for an opportunity to apply some of your computational skills. This is a good way to get meaningful experience and set up a solid letter of recommendation. It is very difficult to write a letter of recommendation for a student who I only interacted with in a classroom setting, regardless of how diligent they were.
What general advice would you give to a Field Scientist?
Berkley Walker: If you plan to go to graduate school, first get work experience in an academic or industrial lab. This will help you shift from an undergraduate to a graduate mindset where it is more about what you deliver and less about what you can regurgitate on a test.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Field Scientist job market given the pandemic?
Dr. J.M. Shawn Hutchinson Ph.D.: Communications and other "soft" skills continue to be cited by employers as both being valued and an area where students are underprepared. With the pandemic and more non-traditional work environments, I can easily see these "soft" skills becoming even more valuable.
What skills stand out on Field Scientist resumes?
Dr. J.M. Shawn Hutchinson Ph.D.: There is more demand for students with leadership and business/entrepreneurship training to complement strong foundational knowledge and technical skills from their major fields of study. But these technical skills extend well beyond fieldwork and include statistical analysis and expertise using geographic information systems. I've also noted an increase in the desire for students to have programming and scripting skills, as well (e.g., R, Python).
Given that supply often exceeds demand in the natural resource management area, students from traditional fields of study can set themselves apart from their peers and bolster their academic credentials with relevant minors, secondary majors, and certificates to document their enhanced knowledge and skill sets. Based on my interactions with students and employers through the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Secondary Major at Kansas State University, breadth of knowledge (including social science perspectives), an appreciation for interdisciplinary approaches to solutions, and the ability to work in diverse teams is often highlighted.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Field Scientists to find work opportunities?
Dr. J.M. Shawn Hutchinson Ph.D.: I have certainly noticed that private-sector employment opportunities seem to be on the rise and often overlooked by students. I often place my environmental geographers and GIS specialists in companies including engineering consultant firms and those in the transportation sector.
Joel Burken Ph.D.
Curators’ Distinguished Professor & ChairMissouri University of Science and Technology
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Field Scientist job market given the pandemic?
Joel Burken Ph.D.: To this point we've seen little impact for our graduates in Civil, Architectural and Environmental in getting positions. Graduates from last academic year placed into full-time positions at a reported 96 percent rate, which is actually up. As a university our placement rate was 90 percent and starting salaries actually rose 5.7 percent. We had a few students lose internship positions last summer, but most had a start setback or found another opportunity, while some decided to take summer classes. We opened up to offer additional classes to give more options as well.
What Field Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joel Burken Ph.D.: We have recommended to advance their technical and professional training. We have a new BS+MS degree option for high performing students that make our MS engineering degrees very achievable in a few years, in Civil, Civil-Architectural and emphasis, or Environmental. We also have certificates in a variety of areas, including collaborative with Engineering Management to get more project management focus in their background, and also a certificate as a specific credential.
What general advice would you give to a Field Scientist?
Joel Burken Ph.D.: Get started and pursue your passions! I tell all of our students and graduates to find where their strongest skill sets and their passions intersect. If they are good at what they do (aligning with talents, skills) and they love what they do (passion for their work) in their profession, they will have a fulfilling and successful career in their profession. I specifically don't say they have a "job" or will "work" in their careers. I want them to know they are part of a great and noble profession in engineering, with a higher calling than a "Job". If they find their path, that 40- to 45-year career will be a great adventure, and they will look back as a Proud Miner alumni member.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Field Scientist job market given the pandemic?
Dominic Chaloner Ph.D.: Reflecting an ongoing trend, use of "Big Data" and large-scale (over both space and time) studies to better understand all aspects of environmental change (pollution, land-use change, loss of biodiversity, climate change). This is epitomized by the NEON Initiative (see Neonscience). More specifically, I also think there will be even more emphasis on understanding how environmental change is leading to disease outbreaks (in the broadest sense, including with food production), and what can be done to stop the spread before they become pandemics. The coronavirus pandemic has and will provide literally mountains of data that are going to need to be sifted through to stop a similar pandemic happening again; meantime, there is going to be a huge amount of funding in that area, and not just in the biomedical sciences.
What skills stand out on Field Scientist resumes?
Dominic Chaloner Ph.D.: Familiarity with remote sensing and other similar approaches and techniques to generate data efficiently and rapidly; coding to wrangle big datasets into a form that they can be used, and then modeling to make projections using those datasets.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Field Scientists to find work opportunities?
Dominic Chaloner Ph.D.: I still think the federal government despite the last four years of the Trump Administration and its antipathy to science. However, I think increasingly state governments and non-government organizations are developing and building their own expertise, especially in the Western and Northeast US. That said, as environmental change becomes even more evident in the Southeastern US, so there are going to be more opportunities for the projection and mitigation of the emerging effects of environmental change, such as because of sea-level rise, extreme storm events, and disease outbreaks.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Field Scientist job market given the pandemic?
James Tinjum Ph.D.: Many of our Geological Engineering alumni report that they have increased their productivity when consistently working from their home office. While some managers were worried at the onset that there would be losses in output due to lack of person-to-person interactions and also limits in innovation, this has not, largely, occurred. Because Geological Engineers typically work on remote project sites (i.e., the project sites tend not to be in their home city), we are seeing the ability of our alumni to work on projects around the nation and the world from the comfort of their home offices. Younger staff engineers are still traveling, extensively, for the investigation, siting, and construction/rehabilitation of infrastructure and energy projects, including siting/investigating utility-scale wind and solar sites and the hazard assessment and rehabilitation of coal combustion residual retention ponds and hydroelectric facilities.
What skills stand out on Field Scientist resumes?
James Tinjum Ph.D.: Active participation in undergraduate research opportunities, student organizations, and co-ops or internships with engineering firms tend to stand out. Many of our students are very active in the Geological Engineering Club, Engineers without Borders, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Department of Energy Wind Competition, to name a few.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Field Scientists to find work opportunities?
James Tinjum Ph.D.: Because many of our students and alumni work in energy resources (both extractive energy and sustainable/renewable energy), there is a tendency for many of our students to head south and west, to locations such Denver, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, and Seattle. However, approximately half of our alumni stay within a one-state radius, including significant opportunities in Chicago, Madison/Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.