Environmental scientists monitor humanity's impact on the Earth. They are
concerned with all environmental issues, including the dangers of dumping
hazardous waste and the effects of the depletion of the ozone layer.
Just as the ecology of our planet is broad and diverse, the science that
studies its workings is also broad.
"Environmental science is a catch-all phrase," says Ian MacCallum. He is
an environmental scientist.
"A career in environmental science has to be eclectic because we have to
consider so many different areas," he says.
Most environmental scientists are experts in a specific science. Some of
these include biology, chemistry, physics, geography, biotechnology, toxicology
or geology. "We have people in our office with degrees in geography, fisheries,
biology and planning," says MacCallum.
These specialists work in teams to solve environmental problems. The study
of a creek could feature specialists in fisheries, biology, chemistry, geography
and geology.
The work of an environmental scientist usually includes field study and
lab research. A large part of the job is writing environmental assessment
reports, which define environmental impacts in a specific area.
Environmental scientists work in a variety of institutions. Many work in
government laboratories doing basic research or applied problem solving. Others
work in private consulting or engineering firms that minimize people's impact
on the environment.
A few years ago, experts in the field thought job prospects would skyrocket.
"It hasn't managed to live up to the projection, but there is still growth
and will continue to be opportunities for a number of years," says Ray Cote.
He is the administrator of a university environmental studies program.
More jobs for environmental scientists are expected to open up in the private
sector. Many companies are choosing to build and use their own environmental
systems and studies, rather than have outside regulators come in. "There will
probably be less people in the government and more in private companies,"
says MacCallum.
Many new areas within the environmental industry are opening up outside
of the traditional air, pollution and solid waste studies, says Cote.
"Planning companies, parks, forestry, pulp and paper -- almost any natural
resource industry is a growing field for environmental study." Simpler programs
such as landscaping, recycling and the reuse of materials will also require
the help of environmental scientists.
Environmental scientists do not work 9 to 5. "We often consult well beyond
those hours," says MacCallum. Written reports often take many overtime hours
to prepare and fieldwork can make the hours irregular.
The aspects of environmental science that involve fieldwork are often physically
demanding and may present problems for a physically challenged person. However,
fieldwork isn't essential, and environmental scientists spend much of their
time in the office.
MacCallum says it would be difficult for a person who couldn't go out in
the field to appreciate the nature of a specific problem. "I've changed my
opinion about things I learned in the academic world after I went out to sites,"
he says. "The experience is valuable."