Environmental science incorporates many scientific sectors, including marine, soil, water quality, remote sensing, and general research. Environmental scientists in all fields gather, evaluate and interpret information about the specialist environment with which they work in order to influence issues and combat problems such as climate change and the degradation of the quality of the natural environment. Environmental protection, whether involving land, sea or air, is a focus of the broad-ranging field of environmental science, which includes geology, geophysics, oceanography, marine biology, zoology and ecosystem dynamics.
Key tasks include sampling, testing, analysing, data processing, designing experiments, assessing environmental damage, collating findings and preparing reports for concerned authorities and agencies. Scientists also present their papers at professional conferences worldwide. Meticulous attention to detail, strong communications skills, the ability to work in a team and strong IT and software skills are all essential. Entry level requirements are a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, with a master’s degree giving an advantage, as does a joint honours degree in several specialities within the field.
Graduate entry level salaries start at £20,000, dependent on the sector and organisation. At senior level, expect in excess of £50,000.