Environmental scientist

Are you a budding scientist who has a passion for the local environment? In this role, you’ll study the effects human activities have on our planet.

Environmental scientists work across a range of sectors and focus on slightly different areas. But they all study and report on the impact of humans on the natural environment.

You’ll investigate environmental problems like pollution, climate change and resource depletion. After writing a report on your findings, you’ll suggest ways the issues can be resolved or minimised.

For example, you may test the water in a local river near a construction site to see if it’s being polluted. You’ll then create a report about what you’ve uncovered and recommend ways the construction site can operate in a more environmentally friendly way.

Your tasks might include:

• planning and carrying out research, whether that’s from a desk or in the environment

• doing lab tests on water, air and soil samples

• collecting and processing data to identify trends, problems and opportunities for further research

• creating graphics (sometimes known as conceptual models) to investigate the impact certain factors have on the environment

• preparing scientific reports and presentations based on your findings

• working with stakeholders and senior scientists to plan how environmental issues can be minimised or resolved

Green job

In this job, you'll do work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.

• The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (IEMA) – a global professional body dedicated to advancing environmental management and assessment practices

• The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) – an independent professional body and a registered charity in the United Kingdom.