Becoming an environmental analyst is a great career choice if you are passionate about the environment and want to have a say on matters concerning the environment and private industry.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to succeed in this line of work. We've also included helpful information for an environmental analyst career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become an Environmental Analyst
To get an entry-level job as an environmental analyst, you need to begin by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Biology or a closely related field such as Botany.
If you want to become an environmental analyst who works as a consultant you will need a master’s degree in environmental science or a closely related field.
To work in research and university teaching positions a PhD in Environmental Science or a closely related field is needed.
Tip for Success: Most colleges and universities in Canada and the United States offer either an environmental studies or biology program, and many of them allow you to customize your course load to some extent, based on your career goals and interests.
More About This Career: General Job Description
Environmental analysts are responsible for supporting the environmental projects in their workplace with scientific analysis. They collect, study and analyze data in order to propose actions and policies which help their employer reduce their impact on the environment.
General Job Duties
• Collect and interpret environmental data
• Use specialized tools and equipment
• Analyze data and use findings of analysis to create solutions to environmental problems
• Perform tests in the field and in laboratories
• Examine survey results and samples collected on-site
• Perform historical research to determine the extent and causes of damage to the environment
• Report recommendations and solutions for environmental problems
• Propose policy creation or expansion to government agencies and representatives
How to Get a Job as an Environmental Analyst
Now that you've acquired an education and a career focus, you're ready to become an environmental analyst! The last thing you have to do is nail the interview...once you earn one.
Your last step to becoming an environmental analyst is to make a list of possible employers and suitable positions, and start handing out resumes. Do your research and figure out which companies are hiring environmental analysts, technicians and related positions; these employers will be in a variety of sectors.
Average Salary Level
It’s difficult to determine the specific salary levels for environmental analysts, as reliable data for this occupation is not readily available. We can however get a decent idea of what their salary level is by looking at the numbers from closely related occupational groups.
Environmental Analyst Salary - Canada: According to ECO Canada, Environmental Scientists (which includes environmental analysts) in entry-level positions with an undergraduate degree make an average of $42,000 per year in Canada. ECO Canada also reports that with more education and experience, environmental scientists can earn up to $75,000 per year.
Salary - Alberta: According to the 2018 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, professionals in the Inspectors in Public and Environmental Health and Occupational Health and Safety occupational group earn an average of $80,949 per year.
Salary - United States: In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers in the Environmental Scientists and Specialists occupational group earned a median salary of $61,700 USD per year.
Who Employs Environmental Analysts?
There are many organizations representing a variety of industry sectors that are interested in acquiring and retaining individuals with the skills, knowledge and competencies that environmental analysts have; examples include:
• Conservation organizations
• Environmental advocacy organizations
• Federal, provincial, and municipal governments
• Local land-use organizations
• Oil, gas and mining companies
• Private consulting companies
• Self-employment
Working Conditions
Environmental analysts do most of their work in offices when analyzing data, researching policies and regulations, compiling analysis results and preparing presentations.
The job of environmental analysts may involve travel away from the office in order to make visits to the field, for such purposes as gathering data and assessing operations. They may also spend time in a laboratory setting assessing soil, water and air samples.
Current Job Opportunities
Our job board below has "environmental analyst" postings in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, when available:
Similar Careers in Our System
Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to 'environmental analyst', as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
• Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist
• Environmental Policy Officer
References
Please consult the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as an environmental analyst.
Occupations in Alberta: “Environmental Engineer.” (March 31, 2018). ALIS website - Alberta Learning Information Service. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
Life, Physical, and Social Science: “Environmental Scientists and Specialists.” (September 4, 2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook - United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
Careers in Environmental Conservation: “Environmental Analyst I.” (n.d.). New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
Career Profiles: “Environmental Scientist.” (n.d.). Forbes website. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
Scholarships for Becoming an Environmental Analyst
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming an environmental analyst can be found on the following pages:
• Environmental Engineering Scholarships
• Environmental Science Scholarships
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming an Environmental Analyst: Applicable Majors
The majors listed below are highly relevant to this career, and can help set a great foundation for it.
