Science & ResearchISCO 2133
Environmental scientist
Environmental scientists identify problems and find solutions in order to minimize environmental hazards by performing analysis on samples such as air, water or soil. They advise on or develop environmental policies and aim to improve water supplies preservation and manage waste disposal sites. Environmental scientists perform environmental risk assessments and analyse the environmental impact of new solutions, construction sites or environmental changes ensuring the environmental regulations are followed.
Check yourself in a minute: environmental scientist
Rate 5 of the 54 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manage research data
advise on chemical use reduction
interact professionally in research and professional environments
operate open source software
investigate pollution
About environmental scientist
As an environmental scientist, you will work to identify environmental problems and develop scientific solutions to protect air, water, soil, and ecosystems. Your responsibilities include conducting environmental assessments, analyzing pollution samples, evaluating the environmental impact of proposed developments or industrial operations, and advising on policy and best practices for environmental protection. You will spend time both in the field collecting samples and conducting site investigations, and in the laboratory analyzing data, and in offices preparing reports and recommendations for stakeholders. Your work is critical for ensuring environmental regulations are followed, contamination is prevented, waste is properly managed, and natural resources are preserved for future generations. Career prospects in Poland are strengthening as European Union regulations drive increased demand for environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives, with opportunities to specialize in specific areas like water management, air quality, remediation, or environmental impact assessment.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a environmental scientist.
1
Conduct environmental investigations and sampling
- Design and execute field sampling protocols for air, water, soil, and sediment samples from various environmental sites
- Conduct site inspections and environmental investigations to assess contamination levels, pollution sources, and ecological conditions
- Document field observations, maintain chain of custody for samples, and ensure quality assurance in data collection procedures
- Monitor environmental indicators including water quality, air particulates, noise levels, and ecosystem health
2
Analyze data and assess environmental impact
- Analyze environmental samples using laboratory techniques and instrumentation to quantify pollutants and contaminants
- Apply statistical and scientific methods to interpret environmental data and identify trends or pollution patterns
- Conduct environmental risk assessments evaluating hazards, exposure pathways, and potential impacts on human health and ecosystems
- Assess and document the environmental impact of new construction projects, industrial operations, or proposed policy changes
3
Develop environmental policies and recommendations
- Advise organizations and government agencies on environmental legislation requirements and compliance strategies
- Develop or contribute to environmental policies, standards, and best practice guidelines for pollution prevention and resource management
- Recommend remediation strategies for contaminated sites and waste disposal management solutions
- Advise on reduction of chemical use, pollution prevention measures, and sustainable resource extraction practices
4
Prepare reports and communicate findings
- Write comprehensive environmental assessment reports, impact assessments, and technical documentation for regulatory compliance
- Draft scientific or academic papers presenting research findings, methodologies, and conclusions for peer review and publication
- Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders, government bodies, and the scientific community in clear, accessible language
- Develop environmental education materials and outreach communications to inform the public about pollution and conservation issues
5
Manage research projects and collaborate with teams
- Design and manage environmental research projects, coordinate fieldwork, and oversee laboratory analysis and data management
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including biologists, chemists, engineers, and policy specialists
- Interact professionally with regulatory agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions to advance environmental knowledge
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (54)
physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.environmental legislationenvironmental legislationThe environmental policies and legislation applicable in a certain domain.environmental threatsenvironmental threatsThe threats for the environment which are related to biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological, and physical hazards.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...advise on chemical use reductionadvise on chemical use reductionProvide advice to reduce the use of chemicals such as pesticides, the emissions of various chemical substances to limit their impact on the environment, as well as shorten their risk for people. Keep ...interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.investigate pollutioninvestigate pollutionIdentify the cause of pollution incidents, as well as its nature and the extent of the risks, by performing tests on the site of pollution as well as in a laboratory and performing research.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.perform environmental investigationsperform environmental investigationsPerform environmental investigations as required, checking regulatory proceedings, possible legal actions or other types of complaint.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...use consulting techniquesuse consulting techniquesAdvise clients in different personal or professional matters.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.use technical drawing softwareuse technical drawing softwareCreate technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.analyse environmental dataanalyse environmental dataAnalyse data that interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...prepare visual dataprepare visual dataPrepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.conduct research before surveyconduct research before surveyAcquire information about property and its boundaries before the survey by searching legal records, survey records, and land titles.perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...develop environmental remediation strategiesdevelop environmental remediation strategiesDevelop strategies for the removal of pollution and contaminants from soil, groundwater, surface water, or sediment, taking into account environmental remediation regulations and available technologie...conduct environmental site assessmentsconduct environmental site assessmentsManage and oversee environmental site prospection and assessments for mining or industrial sites. Designate and demarcate areas for geochemical analysis and scientific research.implement environmental protection measuresimplement environmental protection measuresEnforce environmental criteria to prevent environmental damage. Strive for the efficient use of resources in order to prevent waste and reduce costs. Motivate colleagues to take relevant steps to oper...pollution preventionpollution preventionThe processes used to prevent pollution: precautions to pollution of the environment, procedures to counter pollution and associated equipment, and possible measures to protect the environment.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.advise on environmental risk management systemsadvise on environmental risk management systemsEvaluate requirements and advise on systems for environmental risk management. Ensure the customer does his part in preventing or limiting adverse environmental impact through the use of technology. E...environmental policyenvironmental policyLocal, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state o...environmental management monitorsenvironmental management monitorsThe hardware and equipment suitable for measurement and live monitoring of environmental parameters.collect samples for analysiscollect samples for analysisCollect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.assess groundwater environmental impactassess groundwater environmental impactEstimate environmental impact of groundwater abstraction and management activities.manage environmental management systemmanage environmental management systemDevelop and implement an environmental management system.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.pollution legislationpollution legislationBe familiar with European and National legislation regarding the risk of pollution.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...carry out environmental auditscarry out environmental auditsUse equipment to measure various environmental parameters in order to identify environmental problems and investigate manners in which they can be resolved. Perform inspections in order to ensure comp...communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.ensure compliance with environmental legislationensure compliance with environmental legislationMonitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation....develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...advise on pollution preventionadvise on pollution preventionAdvise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.conduct environmental surveysconduct environmental surveysConduct surveys in order to collect information for analysis and management of environmental risks within an organisation or in a wider context.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Optional (26) — show
ecosystem managementecosystem managementThe set of approaches that takes into account the effect of a management decision on other elements of an ecosystem. It also addresses the optimization of diverse management strategies and the challen...food waste monitoring systemsfood waste monitoring systemsThe characteristics, benefits and ways of using digital tools to collect, monitor and evaluate data on food waste in an organisation or hospitality establishment.hydrologyhydrologyThe study of the water concerning the availability and movement of water as well as the impact of human activities on the water cycle.consumer protectionconsumer protectionThe current legislation applicable in relation to the rights of consumers in the marketplace.civil engineeringcivil engineeringThe engineering discipline that studies the design, construction and maintenance of naturally built works such as roads, buildings, and canals.biologybiologyTissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.watershed developmentwatershed developmentThe study of the relevant characteristics of a watershed aimed at the sustainable distribution of its resources and the process of creating and implementing plans, programs, and projects to sustain an...environmental engineeringenvironmental engineeringThe application of scientific and engineering theories and principles aimed at improving the environment and sustainability, such as the provision of clean habitation necessities (such as air, water, ...chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...mining, construction and civil engineering machinery productsmining, construction and civil engineering machinery productsThe offered mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.environmental designenvironmental designThe approach that is used to face environmental problems related to buildings, plans, and products in various fields such as engineering, interior design and architecture.hazardous waste storagehazardous waste storageThe regulations and procedures surrounding the safekeeping of materials and substances which pose health and safety risks.assess environmental plans against financial costsassess environmental plans against financial costsAssess environmental plans in financial terms in order to balance the expenditure required for environmental improvements. Assess the economic benefit that those investments will bring in the long-ter...address public health issuesaddress public health issuesPromote healthy practices and behaviours to ensure that populations stay healthy.interpret visual literacyinterpret visual literacyInterpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word.handle chemicalshandle chemicalsSafely handle industrial chemicals; use them efficiently and ensure that no harm is done to the environment.carry out training in environmental matterscarry out training in environmental mattersPerform staff training and ensure all members of the workforce understand how they can contribute to improved environmental performance.monitor manufacturing impactmonitor manufacturing impactCheck the impact of manufacturing machinery on the environment, analysing temperature levels, water quality and air pollution.work with chemicalswork with chemicalsHandle chemicals and select specific ones for certain processes. Be aware of the reactions which arise from combining them.inspect industrial equipmentinspect industrial equipmentInspect equipment used during industrial activities such as manufacturing or construction equipment in order to ensure that the equipment complies with health, safety, and environmental legislation.manage chemical testing proceduresmanage chemical testing proceduresManage the procedures to be used in chemical testing by designing them and conducting tests accordingly.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.use resource-efficient technologies in hospitalityuse resource-efficient technologies in hospitalityImplement technological improvements in hospitality establishments, as connectionless food steamers, pre-rinse spray valves and low flow sink taps, which optimise the water and energy consumption in d...engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
chemist30 shared essential skillscomputer hardware engineer30 shared essential skillshydrologist30 shared essential skillsaquaculture biologist29 shared essential skillsastronomer29 shared essential skillsbiochemical engineer29 shared essential skillsbiophysicist29 shared essential skillscosmologist29 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does an environmental scientist do?
Environmental scientists identify problems and find solutions in order to minimize environmental hazards by performing analysis on samples such as air, water or soil. They advise on or develop environmental policies and aim to improve water supplies preservation and manage waste disposal sites. Environmental scientists perform environmental risk assessments and analyse the environmental impact of new solutions, construction sites or environmental changes ensuring the environmental regulations are followed.
What skills does an environmental scientist need?
An environmental scientist needs 54 essential skills, including physics, environmental legislation, environmental threats, scientific research methodology, draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation.
Will AI replace environmental scientist jobs?
The AI disruption score for environmental scientist is 22/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation, prepare visual data, write scientific publications. Most resilient: mentor individuals, interact professionally in research and professional environments, develop professional network with researchers and scientists.
AI Replacement Risk
22/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
What are you missing to work as environmental scientist?
The free skill gap analysis compares your skills with what this occupation requires and shows where to start.
Check your gaps