Environmental Scientists
CAREER DEFINITION:
An environmental scientist studies nature and strives to protect the environment. There are many different sectors of environmental sciences, such as ecology, the study of organisms’ relationships, or renewable energy, which aims to find alternative and reusable energy sources. More information about these different fields are listed below.
DAY-TO-DAY LIFE:
Environmental scientists work in both the field and lab, collecting data in the environment they are studying, and running tests inside laboratories with their samples.
WELL-KNOWN FIGURES:
Some well known environmental scientists include Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson. Leopold wrote A Sand County Almanac, describing a ‘land ethic’ or the morality of humans’ impact on nature. Carson wrote Silent Spring, an extremely important book detailing the effect DDT, a common pesticide, had on animals. Carson’s book led to the banning of DDT and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EDUCATION PATH:
If you are interested in becoming an environmental scientist, many get their start in college with a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or natural sciences. In general, most microbiologists only need a Bachelor’s Degree to enter the workforce, but some choose to further their education for greater job opportunities with a Master’s. In addition, choosing to take classes with wider applications, such as environmental policy adds value to a potential job candidate.
