Environmental Analyst Responsibilities

It is an accepted fact that we are totally dependent on nature or environment for our everyday life; be it food or water. However, in the recent times, humans have polluted this environment which has had harmful effects on the general health and well-being of the human beings. Moreover, it has disturbed the balance of nature as well. This is where the environmental analyst responsibilities play a crucial role in identifying and controlling the factors that are hazardous and coming up with alternative solutions for the same.

Key Responsibilities of an Environmental Analyst

Environmental analyst is responsible for studying the environment, conducting research, gathering data, collecting information from various resources, studying the environmental hazards, providing excellent solutions for the same and working in compliance with the environmental standards. To get a better idea, let us see in detail the key responsibilities that need to be handled by environmental analysts:

To identify what the environmental problems and hazards that are affecting the nature and to conduct a thorough research on the same
To study and collect the necessary data, enter it accurately, maintain and update the records and files related to it
To collect the samples of soil, water, etc., and examine and analyze them, derive conclusions from it and perform the necessary experiments and research in the laboratory
To develop alternative solutions after conducting the experiments and research activities for controlling the pollutants and other environmental hazards
To apply scientific principles and knowledge to minimize the negative influence that the pollutants have and to develop subsequent methods and techniques for controlling them

They are responsible for collecting the data related to the measurement of pollution emission, keeping a track of meteorological, atmospheric, and mineralogical information and constantly monitoring it. Based on this, the data is stored in the form of graphs, charts, etc., for better understanding and reviewing. They evaluate and direct the work of the sites to ensure compliance with environmental rules and regulations. They participate in the environmental meetings and provide testimony on environmental issues. They prepare written documents related to research including various reports related to analysis, assessment, etc. They participate in regulatory environmental programs to conduct field investigations. Thus, in general they assist in conserving the environment and develop methods to control the factors affecting the environment by implementing standard rules and regulations.

Essential Skills

If you have an inclination for maths, science, statistics, chemistry, biology, etc., then you can definitely aim to become an environmental analyst. Excellent communication skills, passion, and interest to do research by conducting field work and laboratory work, good decision making skill, ability to solve problems effectively, vision to develop new rules that would improve the balance of nature, etc., are some of the other essential skills to ensure success. An eye for details and proficiency in computers would prove to be beneficial.

Educational Background

A bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural science, biology, geoscience, chemistry, etc., is the minimum requirement for the entry level position. If you want to advance to higher positions, a master's degree would be preferred. A doctoral degree would be helpful for getting into the teaching field. Additional courses in hydrology, fluid mechanics, waste management, etc., or an exposure to computer modeling and data analysis would prove to be of great help.

Work Hours

Most of them are employed in state, federal, or local government or may be employed in services related to management, scientific, engineering, technical or architectural. Most of them work full time; their work includes working in normal office or laboratory. They also need to spend most of their time on the field and may involve working at odd hours.

Salary Details

The average salary offered is in the range of $78,000 to $80,000. The minimum offered is close to $55,000 and the maximum is $103,000 per annum. It varies depending on the location, type, and size of the organization and the expertise that one has in the particular role.

Career Prospects

Due to increased public awareness and interest, and implementation of new, complex laws and regulations, there is an increasing demand for environmental analysts. They also have better opportunities for advancement if they are backed by proper educational background and practical experience.

Thus, environmental analyst responsibilities play a vital role in conserving the natural resources by using effective controlling techniques that are in compliance with the environmental legal rules and regulations.