[Introduction]
The environment we live in is a very fragile yet crucial part of our daily lives. That is why it is an important job as environmental scientists to preserve and protect the precious environment we live in. It is no easy path to succeed in this profession as you will have to go through the challenging obstacles of the educational requirements and gaining the physical mind set on working, day and night, to find the solutions for a better place to live in. But the end of the road is quite rewarding as you know what you do for a living is helping your home planet. The job is also quite stable, well respected by the community, and financially well paid, making it one of the fastest growing jobs in America.
[Findings]
As an Environmental Scientist it is your job to think up creative solutions to help the environment we are constantly destroying. They study the planet, atmosphere and ecosystems to figure out how to preserve natural resources, find out what caused the problems, and think of solution to fix the problem (Raymond 2011,
2). Environmental scientists are responsible for conducting research in labs and/or outdoors to analyze any pollution or contamination. They take this data and take them back to the lab to find solutions in terminating these problems (McKay 2010,
1). It is another job for the scientists to share these research results and other important knowledge to the public. Either by oral lectures, paper documents, or any other methods chosen to present these findings, scientists help the public understand the importance of maintaining our environment to be safe and clean. This a crucial part of the job, as the grave problems facing the environment are mainly caused by everyday people activities, public support would be mandatory to carry on the tasks of a environmental scientist (McKay 2010,
7).
To become a environmental scientist it is most appropriate for you to acquire a bachelor's degree. Interestingly however, only some scientists have degrees in environmental science fields, most others obtained degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, or the geosciences. A master's degree is also much more sufficient and would set you on a much greater level for jobs, but it is not entirely necessary. Courses in hydrology, hazardous-waste management, environmental legislation, chemistry, fluid mechanics, and geologic logging, are much recommended if the student wishes to work in the environmental or regulatory fields one day (Anonymous C 2009,
3). Additionally, taking side classes in engineering, laws, or business can open a wider variety of jobs available for you to choose from. For example, studying the law could make it possible to take on the occupation of creating laws in the government concerning the environment's safety (Anonymous C 2009,
4). Schools can only prepare you so far, though. Schools can teach you the technical things, but as an environmental scientist you must learn to always look at the big picture (Pesinova/Pearl 2010,
4). Furthermore, you could start preparing to proceed with this career field early in your high school years by getting a good grasp in life and physical science classes, joining various Earth related clubs, and gaining fundamental skills in computers and writing (Anonymous A 2011,
4).
The University of Los Angeles is one of the many schools that offers many great courses to take to help become a environmental scientist. To be accepted into this school is not something to be taken too lightly. UCLA only accepts around 500 exceptional students out of over 12,000 other applicants (Anonymous B 2011,
4). UCLA highly encourages applicants to take AP, Honors, and other advanced classes especially during the student's junior and senior years for a better chance of acceptance (Anonymous B 2011,
1). "SAT scores for accepted UCLA students average out to the following: Critical Reading: 560 - 680, Mathematics: 590 - 720, and Writing: 580 - 700." But you must take into consideration that, although SAT scores are important to applying to any great colleges, that they are only one of many other criteria a applicant is based judged upon. Extracurricular activity and dedication for these activities are moreover just as important as your test scores. Once accepted, an average California resident undergraduate spent in "2009-2010, $10,781 in university fees, $1,087 for health insurance, approximately $1,608 in books and supplies, anywhere from $4,359 to $13,734 for room and board (depending on whether they are living with relatives, in the residence halls or in a fraternity or sorority), between $912 and $1,587 for transportation (depending on how close they live to campus), and between $1,000 and $2,000 for personal expenses, for a total amount from $21,663 to $29,682" (Dale 2011,
1). An additional fee is to be paid on top of this if a out of state student enrolls. However, there are many different schools to enroll if UCLA is not the right choice for you. Other great choices include Brock University, Centennial College, Humber College, and more (Huffa and Ritchie 2011,
3). In the end it is up to you to decide which school fits your best interest and your own personal preference.
The average annual salary of an environmental scientist reported to round up to $59,750 in May 2009. The amount of salary you get annually depends on who you are working for or whoever hired you. If you work for the government, you are more likely to get paid more than a scientist who works for a small company. "The lowest payed 10% of scientists earn around
$36,310 a year, the top 10% highest payed scientists haves salaries around $102,610" (Anonymous C 2009, 10).
Many predict that the outlooks for this career choice is expected to grow much faster than most outlooks for the averages of other occupations. As the human population grows, there will be higher demands in reserving what remains of our natural resources to sustain the population. As the population increases, so will the problems caused by them. More waste will be created, more air will be polluted, and more fresh water will become contaminated with chemicals we throw down the drain mindlessly, resulting in a high need for environmental scientists to do their best to control the problems and help the planet. The occupation is not predicted to have a downfall in growth, rather it is predicted it will keep going up. Why? One, the planet is in need of constant repair in maintaining the natural resources. Two, as population grows, more people will need to be notified and must be helped to understand the dangerous affects human activities can have on the planet. Three, as business and technology improves, companies will need environmental scientists to consult in environmental issues on what their products and buildings could least harm the environment (Anonymous C 2009,
7). Overall, employment needs for environmental scientists along with replacing retired or changed career scientists, will be expected to increase by 28% which would generate around 10,100 jobs from 2008 to 2018 (Brandon 2011,
2).
There have been many new ideas and research that the environmental scientists have discovered recently. There had been some leading research on a electrically charged car we have all been waiting for. This new car is called the Karma Seden by Fisker Automotive. The new "Karma Sedan is a series Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powered by a lithium-ion battery and an efficient 2.0-liter range-extending gasoline engine. The gasoline engine only turns a generator, which charges the battery and sends electricity to two electric traction motors that drive the car." This car comes with the flexibility of being able to switch back and forth between gas and electric use to power the automobile. So if you forgot to charge you car last night, you can still stop by the gas station, and make it to your work without being late! This new idea helps reduce the use of gas as much as possible and the air pollution caused by most gas powered car that fumes out toxic gas as it burns (Anonymous D 2011,
1). Another recent research found was using plastic as a new energy source. Every day thousands of used grocery plastic bags are being buried underground. Greg Wilkinson, President and CEO of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association quotes "Americans are burying enough energy to power 5.2 million homes, which is the same amount of homes in Georgia and Oklahoma combined." He explained that plastic has 25% more energy than coal. The plastic waste we throw away could be recycled to make energy replacing coal. This will create much less waste and save energy. However he states, Americans have a mind set on seeing plastic only as waste rather than a new discovery of energy. They have yet gone into any effects to enforce this new idea, but the future seems bright with these discoveries environment scientists are making everyday (Anonymous E 2011,
1).
[Conclusions]
In conclusion, the job of a environmental scientist is a job that anyone should wish to have. The salary is well paid depending on which part of the field you work for, the schooling is just bearable if one is willing to try, and the future outlook for the demands of this job is looking better than many other jobs out there. With everyone unconsciously destroying our plant, it needs all the help it can get. This job should be for someone who would like working outside along with mother nature, to help find creative solutions in fixing and reserving our environment.
The job of a environmental scientist is not all fun and games, however. One of the cons of this field includes having to relocate frequently to observe different parts of the world. This may be difficult if you have a family and wish to settle down. I personally would hate to leave my loved ones behind to go do my job, as well. But I also find it quite exciting to travel and discover many different things around the world. The pros however, are that there are many different jobs in the field for everyone to participate in. There is room for people who works well with computers, can talk persuasively to crowds of people, or who likes working outdoors or a lab. There is always something new and exciting taking place, making it an exciting place to learn more about the world. The job of an environmental scientist is something anyone can work with to help the environment, and get paid for it.