Environmental Consultant
I. JOB SUMMARY
Main Topic: Environment and Society
Secondary Topic: Places and Regions
Overview: With climate change and environmental issues constantly in the headlines, jobs in environmental sectors are increasing in number. Environmental consultants work for commercial or governmental organizations to assist where environmental concerns and legislation need to be considered. Duties include: Identifying areas of contaminated air, land and water through desk-based research and fieldwork and determining if these areas could cause harm to humans; Keeping up to date with legislation and applying it; Analyzing and interpreting data from field sites; Using modelling software to identify existing contamination according to current legislation; Developing conceptual models; Writing detailed scientific reports in ways that can be understood by non-technical people; Undertaking fieldwork at contaminated sites or to detect contamination and presenting the results; Work to specific budgets and timeframes; Assist in planning stages of land development to conduct environmental assessments. This role can cover a wide range of disciplines, working with air, land, and water on impact assessments, audits, and policy. Work tends to be based around desk-based research of an area followed by fieldwork and an assessment to determine if an area is contaminated and if it is likely to influence a receptor (such as humans).
Geographers at work: Physical Geographers, Human Geographers
Recommended College Courses: Physical Geography, Environmental Management, Quantitative Methods, Qualitative Methods, Human Geography
Skills: Qualitative/Quantitative Methods, Environmental Management
Occupation Group: Life, Physical, and Social Science
Learn more about Environmental Consultant from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/environmental-scientists-and-specialists.htm
Written by Christopher Hinojosa