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Job outlook for staff environmental scientists in the United States
Staff environmental scientist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected staff environmental scientist job growth rate is 5% from 2018-2028.
About 3,800 new jobs for staff environmental scientists are projected over the next decade.
Staff environmental scientist salaries have increased 6% for staff environmental scientists in the last 5 years.
There are over 26,896 staff environmental scientists currently employed in the United States.
There are 124,536 active staff environmental scientist job openings in the US.
The average staff environmental scientist salary is $62,433.
Are staff environmental scientist jobs in demand?
Staff environmental scientist job and salary trends over time
Staff environmental scientist jobs over time
Staff environmental scientist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 26,896 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 29,597 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 29,485 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 28,152 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 28,656 | 0.01% |
Average staff environmental scientist salary over time
Staff environmental scientist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,433 | $30.02 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $60,839 | $29.25 | +0.3% |
| 2023 | $60,643 | $29.16 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $59,168 | $28.45 | +0.7% |
| 2021 | $58,750 | $28.25 | +2.1% |
Staff environmental scientist jobs by state
Most common states for staff environmental scientists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 235 | 34% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,667 | 24% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,433 | 24% |
| 4 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 318 | 24% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 254 | 24% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 151 | 24% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,865 | 22% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 296 | 22% |
| 9 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 164 | 22% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,719 | 21% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,874 | 21% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 203 | 21% |
| 13 | Alaska | 739,795 | 148 | 20% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 202 | 19% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,023 | 18% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 738 | 18% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 635 | 18% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 104 | 18% |
| 19 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,148 | 17% |
| 20 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 534 | 17% |
Most common cities for staff environmental scientists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Downers Grove | 1 | 2% | $64,687 |
| 2 | Fort Lauderdale | 1 | 1% | $41,498 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $57,554 |
| 4 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $72,958 |
| 5 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $41,464 |
Staff Environmental Scientist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of staff environmental scientist experts
Bellarmine University
Kent State University
Drake University
Gonzaga University
Quinnipiac University
Gannon University
American Institute of Professional Geologists
University of North Alabama
Lafayette College
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University
Southwestern University
West Virginia Wesleyan College
University of Minnesota
Concordia University
Barnard College
Bard College
Baylor University
What general advice would you give to a Staff Environmental Scientist?
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 Staff Environmental Scientist 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 Staff Environmental Scientists 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 a Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental Scientist?
Keith Summerville: 2. #1 is how to leverage analytics and generative AI to design and implement innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
What Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental Scientist?
Dr. Greg Gordon Professor/Chair: Find work in another field! LOL. Seriously, the benefits of environmental work cannot be monetized.
What Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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.
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.
Professor of Biomedical SciencesQuinnipiac University
Microbiological Sciences And Immunology
What Staff Environmental Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.: The first and foremost would be Critical Thinking. We live in a world where facts can be easily acquired, sometimes even by asking Siri/Alexa/ChatGPT/Google/etc. But critical thinking is timeless and priceless. I can ask anyone on the street what xyz is and they can look it up, but can they provide advice or interpret.
Also being a good steward towards science and being willing and able to communicate not just with peers as we are trained, but also with the public, the politicians, the board members. John Holdren*, stated that Scientists should be tithing at least 10 percent of their time to public service ... including activism. In the ever growing science denialism that is happening in our country being able to communicate science with the public is important. As Peter Hotaz states, "Anti-science propaganda is "killing Americans in unprecedented numbers,""
*Holdren is an American scientist who served as the senior advisor to President Barack Obama on science and technology issues through his roles as assistant to the president for science and technology, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and co-chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and a Research Professor in Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government
Liu Cao Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Engr.Gannon University
Natural Resources Conservation And Research
What will help Staff Environmental 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 general advice would you give to a Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 general advice would you give to a Staff Environmental 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.
What will help Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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.
Christine Lilek
Vice President National AIPGAmerican Institute of Professional Geologists
What soft skills should all Staff Environmental Scientists possess?
Christine Lilek: -Ability to build strong relationships with partners and clients concerning their technical area and the broader business objectives.
-Ability to communicate technical information with clients, engineers and scientists, government regulators and agencies, and academia, as well as non-technical communication to the public.
-Ability to build and maintain productive professional and personal networking relationships.
-Ability to interact professionally with a client and subcontractor representatives.
-Ability to understand and follow all applicable health and safety policies and procedures.
-Ability to understand and follow all established industry standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines to complete projects.
Michael Pretes
Professor and Chair of Geoscience, University of North AlabamaUniversity of North Alabama
Geography And Cartography
What skills will help Staff Environmental Scientists earn the most?
Michael Pretes: The above two abilities--good communication skills and experience with Remote Sensing technologies--will give anyone an edge. Having a Master's degree or extensive field experience can also help boost your salary.
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.
Dr. Ervin R. VanArtsdalen Professor of GeologyLafayette College
Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences
What skills stand out on Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental Scientists possess?
Dru Germanosk Ph.D.: Good communication skills, including writing and verbal communication, are essential.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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.
Paul Doruska
Professor of Forest Measurements & Forestry Discipline CoordinatorUniversity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
College of Natural Resources
What skills stand out on Staff Environmental Scientist resumes?
Paul Doruska: -Demonstrated field skills and in-field experiences - certificates/certifications (i.e., chainsaw, pesticide applicator, wildland fire, ...) certificates have become more important than minors, in my opinion - require fewer university credits (10-12) than minors (18-22), and focus on applied skills and practical knowledge. They often require some university courses and some outside of the university training). Those wanting to expand on what can be offered through the 120 credits in a bachelor's of science degree in forestry will find some of the certificate knowledge embedded with the degree.
-Knowledge of forest management certification systems and carbon accounting.
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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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.
Dr. Dan Ferreira Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Environmental ScienceKennesaw State University
Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
What soft skills should all Staff Environmental Scientists 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 stand out on Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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.
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 Staff Environmental Scientist 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.
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.
ProfessorConcordia University
Department of Geography, Planning and Environment
What skills stand out on Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental Scientists?
Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.: - Geographical Information Systems, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis
- Statistics
- Computer programming
What skills will help Staff Environmental 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
Logan Brenner Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in Environmental ScienceBarnard College
Environmental Science Department
What skills stand out on Staff Environmental Scientist 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 Staff Environmental Scientists 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 Staff Environmental Scientists?
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 Staff Environmental Scientists 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.
What skills stand out on Staff Environmental Scientist resumes?
Dr. Eban Goodstein: For our MS Policy graduates, the ability to write an interdisciplinary literature review is the foundation for policy formulation and grant writing.
What soft skills should all Staff Environmental Scientists possess?
Dr. Eban Goodstein: Networking.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Staff Environmental Scientists?
Dr. Eban Goodstein: Solid natural science background, esp ecology, and biogeochemical cycles.
What skills will help Staff Environmental Scientists earn the most?
Dr. Eban Goodstein: Data analysis skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Staff Environmental Scientists?
Dr. Stacy Atchley Ph.D.: Within the environmental sector, unlikely. Within the energy (hydrocarbon) sector we've already experienced a major contraction tied to decreased global energy consumption.....related to decreased commerce (industrial) and transportation activity. As the nation (and world) open up as the pandemic winds down, economic and transportation activity will rebound....and require hydrocarbons to fuel that activity. Given the pandemic-related contraction of the sector (and related layoffs), there won't be existing staff to manage associated project growth. This will likely (may) result in significant hiring beginning in the next couple of years or so.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Staff Environmental 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 Staff Environmental 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).