Profession environmental scientist

Environmental scientists identify problems and find solutions in order to minimize environmental hazards by performing analysis on samples such as air, water or soil. They advise on or develop environmental policies and aim to improve water supplies preservation and manage waste disposal sites. Environmental scientists perform environmental risk assessments and analyse the environmental impact of new solutions, construction sites or environmental changes ensuring the environmental regulations are followed.

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Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic

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• Researcher, all other subjects
• Statistical technician
• Statistician
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Knowledge

• Physics

  The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.

• Pollution legislation

  Be familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.

• Scientific research methodology

  The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

• Environmental policy

  Local, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state of the environment.

• Environmental management monitors

  The hardware and equipment suitable for measurement and live monitoring of environmental parameters.

• Environmental threats

  The threats for the environment which are related to biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological, and physical hazards.

• Pollution prevention

  The processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.

• Environmental legislation

  The environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.

Skills

• Manage environmental management system

  Develop and implement an environmental management system.

• Advise on pollution prevention

  Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.

• Analyse environmental data

  Analyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.

• Assess groundwater environmental impact

  Estimate environmental impact of groundwater abstraction and management activities.

• Conduct research before survey

  Acquire information about property and its boundaries before the survey by searching legal records, survey records, and land titles.

• Use consulting techniques

  Advise clients in different personal or professional matters.

• Develop environmental remediation strategies

  Develop strategies for the removal of pollution and contaminants from soil, groundwater, surface water, or sediment, taking into account environmental remediation regulations and available technologies.

• Prepare visual data

  Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation

  Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

• Perform environmental investigations

  Perform environmental investigations as required, checking regulatory proceedings, possible legal actions or other types of complaint.

• Conduct environmental site assessments

  Manage and oversee environmental site prospection and assessments for mining or industrial sites. Designate and demarcate areas for geochemical analysis and scientific research.

• Carry out environmental audits

  Use equipment to measure various environmental parameters in order to identify environmental problems and investigate manners in which they can be resolved. Perform inspections in order to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.

• Conduct environmental surveys

  Conduct surveys in order to collect information for analysis and management of environmental risks within an organisation or in a wider context.

• Collect samples for analysis

  Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.

• Advise on environmental risk management systems

  Evaluate requirements and advise on systems for environmental risk management. Ensure the customer does his part in preventing or limiting adverse environmental impact through the use of technology. Ensure required licenses and permits are obtained.

• Use technical drawing software

  Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

• Implement environmental protection measures

  Enforce environmental criteria to prevent environmental damage. Strive for the efficient use of resources in order to prevent waste and reduce costs. Motivate colleagues to take relevant steps to operate in an environmentally friendly manner.

• Investigate pollution

  Identify the cause of pollution incidents, as well as its nature and the extent of the risks, by performing tests on the site of pollution as well as in a laboratory and performing research.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB