Becoming an environmental impact assessment specialist 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 how to get started in this profession. We've also included helpful supplementary information, such as a job description, an overview of the job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employer types and much more!
Education Needed to Become an Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist
To get an entry-level job as an environmental impact assessment specialist, you need to begin by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Biology or a closely related field such as Botany, or Environmental Engineering.
If you want to work as a consultant, you will need a master’s degree in environmental science or a closely related field.
General Job Description
Environmental impact assessment specialists (also known as environmental impact officer) are in charge of overseeing various activities pertaining to environmental issues ranging from organizing events to drafting environmental policies on behalf of their organization. They must ensure that all of the environmental policies and campaigns that they are affiliated with are implemented and effective.
Typical Job Duties
• Liaise with Review Board stakeholders in planning, facilitating and completing environmental assessments of proposed developments
• Ensure effective communication with stakeholders and any members of the public who are associated with the environmental assessments under the management of the organization
• Analyze technical information
• Prepare reports concerning development proposals and issues
• Establish budgets and work plans for the conduct and completion of environmental assessments
• Prepare draft policy and position papers regarding the environmental impact assessment process
Who Employs These Specialists?
Environmental impact assessment specialists may be hired on a part-time, full-time or contractual basis by the following types of organizations:
• Conservation organizations
• Environmental advocacy organizations
• Federal, provincial, and municipal governments
• Local land-use organizations
• Oil, gas and mining companies
• Private consulting companies
• Self-employment
Average Salary Level
It’s difficult to determine the specific salary levels for environmental impact specialists, 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.
According to ECO Canada, Environmental Scientists (which includes environmental impact assessment specialists) 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.
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.
Similar Careers in Our Database
Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to 'environmental impact assessment specialist', as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
• Environmental Policy Officer
References
Please use the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as an environmental impact assessment specialist.
Occupations in Alberta: “Sustainability Specialist.” (January 31, 2017). 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.
Environmental Impact Assessment Jobs
Although job opportunities in this field are rarely posted online, from time to time they will be. Have a look below to see if there’s anything listed in your area.
Scholarships for Becoming an Environmental Impact Assessment Specialist
Scholarships listed for majors that are relevant to this profession are all of those that are found on our Botany Scholarships and Environmental Science Scholarships pages.
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!
Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming an environmental impact assessment specialist. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
