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.
Field scientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real field scientist resumes:
- 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.
- Translate GIS networks into the InfoNet asset database to better characterize hydraulic system for the PWSA.
- Collect asbestos samples from industrial infrastructure.
- Complete oversight and air monitoring during mold and asbestos abatement projects.
- Install soil vacuum extraction units and oxygen injection units into contaminated soil to assist in environmental remediation.
- Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.
- Perform environmental and geotechnical exploratory boring field logging and reporting.
Field scientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 34% of Field Scientists are proficient in Field Testing, Data Collection, and Geotechnical. They’re also known for soft skills such as Problem-solving skills, Analytical skills, and Interpersonal skills.
We break down the percentage of Field Scientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Field Testing, 34%
Performed site clean-up, remediation and field testing of soil and water.
- Data Collection, 17%
Managed field crew data collection efforts and inspections of sanitary and storm wet weather infrastructure.
- Geotechnical, 6%
Key Contributions Contamination Assessments Geophysical Surveys Geotechnical Field Investigations Risk assessments
- Asbestos, 5%
Completed oversight and air monitoring during mold and asbestos abatement projects.
- Storm Water, 4%
Storm Water plan drawings, reports, and site visits.
- EPA, 4%
Certified NPDES Inspector contributing inspections on Granular Activated Carbon Systems to insure they are in compliance with DEQ and EPA regulations.
"field testing," "data collection," and "geotechnical" are among the most common skills that field scientists use at work. You can find even more field scientist responsibilities below, including:
Problem-solving skills. The most essential soft skill for a field scientist to carry out their responsibilities is problem-solving skills. This skill is important for the role because "environmental scientists and specialists try to find the best possible solution to problems that affect the environment and people’s health." Additionally, a field scientist resume shows how their duties depend on problem-solving skills: "identified site-specific analytical data gaps that were presented and resolved during u.s. epa scoping meetings. "
Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform field scientist duties is analytical skills. Field scientists responsibilities require that "environmental scientists and specialists base their conclusions on careful analysis of scientific data." Field scientists also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "perform water quality monitoring collecting data on ph , turbidity, dissolved oxygen , and temperature. "
Interpersonal skills. This is an important skill for field scientists to perform their duties. For an example of how field scientist responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "environmental scientists and specialists typically work on teams along with scientists, engineers, and technicians." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a field scientist: "team oriented professional with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. ".
Communication skills. field scientist responsibilities often require "communication skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "environmental scientists and specialists may need to present and explain their findings to audiences of varying backgrounds and write technical reports." This resume example shows what field scientists do with communication skills on a typical day: "maintained communication with regulatory agencies. "
The three companies that hire the most field scientists are:
- Hoffmann-LA Roche Inc98 field scientists jobs
- RGA Environmental, A Terracon Company15 field scientists jobs
- ERM4 field scientists jobs
Compare different field scientists
Field scientist vs. Technical fellow
An environmental service technician is an employee who works in a hospital or healthcare facility to maintain cleanliness and a healthy environment within the premises. Environmental service technicians are involved in traditional janitorial tasks as well as proper handling and disposal of biological waste. Although not responsible for laundering them, they are required to distribute linens and keep track of the linens used per department. Environmental service technicians must also refill toilet papers and other paper products to rooms when needed.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between field scientists and technical fellow. For instance, field scientist responsibilities require skills such as "field testing," "data collection," "geotechnical," and "asbestos." Whereas a technical fellow is skilled in "sql," "statistical analysis," "intellectual property," and "photoshop." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Technical fellows really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $75,007. Comparatively, field scientists tend to make the most money in the internet industry with an average salary of $78,711.On average, technical fellows reach higher levels of education than field scientists. Technical fellows are 9.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 14.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Field scientist vs. Environmental service technician
An environmental technician is responsible for identifying, evaluating, preventing, and controlling contamination of the environment. They study how it affects human health with the supervision of environmental engineers and environmental scientists. Environmental technicians work by monitoring the environment and look for possible sources of pollution and contamination that can possibly affect public health. They make sure that environmental violations are prevented. In addition, an environmental technician also investigates any complaint that is related to water quality, air quality, and food safety.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, field scientist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "field testing," "data collection," "geotechnical," and "asbestos." Meanwhile, an environmental service technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "environmental services," "customer service," and "cleanliness." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, environmental service technicians earn a lower salary than field scientists. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, environmental service technicians earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $31,196. Whereas field scientists have higher pay in the internet industry, with an average salary of $78,711.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Environmental service technicians tend to reach lower levels of education than field scientists. In fact, they're 7.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 14.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for field scientists in the next 3-5 years?
A. Alonso Aguirre Ph.D.
Department Chair & Professor, George Mason University
Field scientist vs. Water quality analyst
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a field scientist is likely to be skilled in "field testing," "data collection," "geotechnical," and "asbestos," while a typical water quality analyst is skilled in "laboratory equipment," "laboratory procedures," "water quality samples," and "water quality analysis."
When it comes to education, water quality analysts tend to earn higher degree levels compared to field scientists. In fact, they're 6.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Field scientist vs. Environmental technician
Types of field scientist
Updated January 8, 2025
