Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering. The median annual wage for conservation scientists was $61,480 in May 2017. Employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 6 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The continued need for wildfire prevention and suppression services, as well as consumer desire for wood pellets, will help drive demand for conservation scientists and foresters.
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. They conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. They may clean up polluted areas, advise policymakers, or work with industry to reduce waste. Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. Some may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand. Most environmental scientists and specialists work full time. Environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor’s degree in a natural science or science-related field for most entry-level jobs. The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $69,400 in May 2017. Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Heightened public interest in the hazards facing the environment, as well as increasing demands placed on the environment by population growth, are expected to spur demand for environmental scientists and specialists.
Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health. Environmental science and protection technicians work in offices, laboratories, and the field. Environmental science and protection technicians typically need an associate’s degree or 2 years of postsecondary education, although some positions require a bachelor’s degree. The median annual wage for environmental science and protection technicians was $45,490 in May 2017. Employment of environmental science and protection technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Environmental science and protection technicians should have good job prospects overall.
Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere. The median annual wage for hydrologists was $79,990 in May 2017. Employment of hydrologists is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Population growth and environmental concerns are expected to increase demand for hydrologists.
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