The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. authorities employer liable for defensive human and environmental health. Environmental professionals are specialists who screen the effect of a population on the environment, figuring out environmental issues, and recommending solutions. To be an Environmental Specialist you have to have EPA certification.
The EPA ensures the security of our earth and its natural sources by enforcing laws enacted by the U.S. Congress. The EPA enforces statutes that control water, air, and land quality, working to help save the surroundings from contamination and to supply a secure setting for future development while additionally ensuring compliance with relevant laws and rules that impact public security, fitness and financial integrity generally. +
What do Environmental Specialists do?
Environmental Specialists are typically exposed to hazardous substances or situations as part of their responsibilities at work. Unlike mere inspectors, Environmental Specialists have the power to direct. Their responsibilities can vary widely based on their particular field. However, Environmental Specialists typically share some of the following duties:
1) Helping to ensure that industries follow legal rules and suggestions for secure development through inspections, audits and issuing permits.
2) Conducting research to discover ways to secure the atmosphere, water and land from pollution. This may include gathering facts about how chemicals or other substances enter the environment. It may also involve assessing a site’s environmental implications (provided the EPA authorizes such actions).
3) Creating public education in regards to environmental issues and challenges.
4) Providing guidance, recommendations and suggestions for how to comply with and avoid environmental risks, including citizen concerns about the environment.
5) Advising on numerous approaches to ecological practices that might facilitate environmentally friendly advancement.
What do Environmental Specialists need to have?
To work as an environmental specialist you need at minimum an associate’s degree in environmental science or agricultural sciences. You will also have to complete a number of educational courses concerning particular regulations and practices that may be relevant to your job. It is also vital that you have physical fitness and the capacity to get around. Environmental specialists spend lots of time on the move, carrying out regular inspections, site visits and investigations and you’ll have to be ready to cover long distances on foot or by vehicle.
How can I become an Environmental Specialist?
To work as an Environmental Specialist with the EPA you need to have certification from the EPA. If a certificate isn’t required for your work then you may not carry out certain duties such as conducting inspections and site visits without it. Other organizations may also ask for EPA certification when employing for comparable positions so it is worth looking into regardless of whether or not the job you are applying for really needs it. With EPA certification you need to complete an approved curriculum in environmental studies at a college or university.
When can I begin?
It depends on what kind of career you are looking for and where you live. There may be environmental agent jobs in your area so check out the EPA website and also look at job listings in your local newspaper. You might be able to begin working as an Environmental Specialist with the EPA straight out of school, however, it is more likely that you’ll have to build up a few years’ experience first. Work experience is essential, especially when it comes to gaining the additional expertise necessary for professional credentials and higher level positions.
What is the job outlook like?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for environmental scientists and specialists will grow by 5% through 2022. The growth rate is slightly higher than average. This is quicker than average compared with other occupations. Jobs for environmental protection specialists are expected to grow at a slower-than-normal rate. The demand for environmental protection specialists will be affected by regulatory activity and economic factors, such as public funding levels, disposable income and population growth.
The number of jobs for environmental protection specialists is heavily influenced by government funding since most environmental specialists work for the federal or state government. The EPA employs a large portion of environmental protection specialists, with 1 in 5 working as an environmental specialist with the EPA. In addition, many jobs are available at county or city governments because they often work in close conjunction with the EPA.
How much can I earn?
A recent report from The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that environmental scientists and specialists earned $57,000 a year on average in 2011. This is about $1700 less than the median wage nationwide. The top 10% of EPA Environmental Specialists earned more than $85,000 in 2011.
Working as an environmental specialist with the EPA can be a tough and demanding job that is better suited to those who are interested in protecting the environment and who have a real passion for their work. Your job as an environmental specialist will also depend a lot on your level of education, work experience and training. There are opportunities for entry-level positions, so it is worth researching whether any jobs are available near you. As you gain more experience and expertise, you can look into applying for higher positions with the EPA or similar organizations.
