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Details Report for:
19-2041.03 - Industrial Ecologists

Study or investigate industrial production and natural ecosystems to achieve high production, sustainable resources, and environmental safety or protection. May apply principles and activities of natural ecosystems to develop models for industrial systems.

This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.

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Tasks  |  Education  |  Wages & Employment

Tasks   Save Table (XLS/CSV)

  • Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.
  • Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.
  • Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.
  • Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
  • Conduct scientific protection, mitigation, or restoration projects to prevent resource damage, maintain the integrity of critical habitats, and minimize the impact of human activities.
  • Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.
  • Develop or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.
  • Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
  • Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.
  • Model alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
  • Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
  • Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
  • Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.
  • Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.
  • Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
  • Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
  • Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
  • Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.
  • Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage.
  • Write ecological reports and other technical documents for publication in the research literature or in industrial or government reports.

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Education

Education data collected from Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Attained
93   Bachelor's degree or higher
  Some college
 High school or less

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics external site survey of employees aged 25-44.

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Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages data collected from Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.
Employment data collected from Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.

Category Occupation Information
Median wages (2008) $28.72 hourly, $59,750 annual
 
Employment (2006) 83,000 employees
 
Projected growth (2006-2016) Much faster than average (21% or higher) Much faster than average (21% or higher)
 
Projected need (2006-2016) 42,000 additional employees

State & National

          CareerOneStop

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data external site and 2006-2016 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.

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