Environmental Scientist (government)

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

O*NET definition of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (SOC 19-2041) · Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (SOC 19-2041) naming each level as required to be hired, 35 respondents, O*NET survey August 2023. Each employer sets its own minimum.

To enter the occupation, environmental scientists and specialists typically need a bachelor's degree in natural science or a related field.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Environmental Scientists and Specialists”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Environmental Scientist (government) in 32 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 32 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.4.1
2. Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.4.0
3. Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.3.8
4. Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.3.8
5. Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.3.7
6. Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.3.6
7. Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.3.6
8. Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.3.5
9. Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.3.4
10. Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.3.4

The 10 most important of 12 core tasks for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2023.