Industrial Ecologists
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
Tasks Include:
- Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems to avoid unintended negative consequences.
- Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.
- Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
- Conduct analyses to determine the maximum amount of work that can be accomplished for a given amount of energy in a system, such as industrial production systems and waste treatment systems.
- Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs using statistical analysis and applications.
- Examine local, regional or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
- Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +34.6%
National: +18.7%
Education
No Data
Job Zone:
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Average Earnings:
National
$67,810.00
State
$85,520.00
Regional
Industrial Ecologists
Description
| Career Cluster: | Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
|
Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Industrial Ecologists
Tasks
Tasks Include:
- Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems to avoid unintended negative consequences.
- Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.
- Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
- Conduct analyses to determine the maximum amount of work that can be accomplished for a given amount of energy in a system, such as industrial production systems and waste treatment systems.
- Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs using statistical analysis and applications.
- Examine local, regional or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
- Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
- Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.
- Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
- Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste management practices.
- Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
- Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.
- Prepare plans to manage renewable resources.
- Prepare technical and research reports such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Promote use of environmental management systems (EMS) to reduce waste or to improve environmentally sound use of natural resources.
- Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.
- Research environmental effects of land and water used to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs such as crop yields.
- Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.
- Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.
- Conduct environmental sustainability assessments by using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- Conduct scientific protection, mitigation, or restoration projects to prevent resource damage, maintain the integrity of critical habitats, and minimize the impact of human activities.
- Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.
- Develop or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.
- Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.
- Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
- Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
- Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.
- Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.
- Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
- Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect and be affected by changes in the environment.
- Perform environmentally extended input output (EE I-O) analyses.
- Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices.
- Redesign linear, or open loop, systems into cyclical, or closed loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
- Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
- Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
- Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
- Translate the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Industrial Ecologists
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Scanners (Computer data input scanners)
- Desktop computers
- Facsimile machines (Fax machines)
- Notebook computers (Laptop computers)
- Special purpose telephones (Multi-line telephone systems)
- Personal computers
Technologies Include:
- Analytical or scientific software
- Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment EIO-LCA
- PRe Consultants SimaPro
- Production Flow Analysis and Simplification Toolkit PFAST
- SAS software
- StataCorp Stata
- StatSoft STATISTICA software
- Substance Flow Analysis STAN
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
- Data base user interface and query software
- Online database software
- Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Internet browser software
- Web browser software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Python
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Industrial Ecologists
Special Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most jobs in government and private sector companies, although a master’s degree is often preferred. A Ph.D. is usually only necessary for jobs in college teaching or research.
Education and training:
A bachelor's degree in an earth science is adequate for entry-level positions, although many companies prefer to hire environmental scientists with a master's degree in environmental science or a related natural science. A doctoral degree generally is necessary only for college teaching and some research positions. Some environmental scientists and specialists have a degree in environmental science, but many earn degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, or the geosciences and then apply their education to the environment. They often need research or work experience related to environmental science.
A bachelor's degree in environmental science offers an interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, with an emphasis on biology, chemistry, and geology. Undergraduate environmental science majors typically focus on data analysis and physical geography, which are particularly useful in studying pollution abatement, water resources, or ecosystem protection, restoration, and management. Understanding the geochemistry of inorganic compounds is becoming increasingly important in developing remediation goals. Students interested in working in the environmental or regulatory fields, either in environmental consulting firms or for Federal or State governments, should take courses in hydrology, hazardous-waste management, environmental legislation, chemistry, fluid mechanics, and geologic logging, which is the gathering of geologic data. An understanding of environmental regulations and government permit issues also is valuable.
For environmental scientists and specialists who consult, courses in business, finance, marketing, or economics may be useful. In addition, combining environmental science training with other disciplines such as engineering or business, qualifies these scientists for the widest range of jobs.
Other qualifications:
Computer skills are essential for prospective environmental scientists. Students who have some experience with computer modeling, data analysis and integration, digital mapping, remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be the most prepared to enter the job market.
Environmental scientists and specialists usually work as part of a team with other scientists, engineers, and technicians, and they must often write technical reports and research proposals that communicate their research results or ideas to company managers, regulators, and the public. Environmental health specialists also work closely with the public, providing and collecting information on public health risks. As a result, strong oral and written communication skills are essential.
Advancement:
Environmental scientists and specialists often begin their careers as field analysts or as research assistants or technicians in laboratories or offices. They are given more difficult assignments and more autonomy as they gain experience. Eventually, they may be promoted to project leader, program manager, or some other management and research position.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
Industrial Ecologists
Earnings Benefits
| Region | Entry Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $38,090.00 | $68,810.00 | $110,560.00 |
| Virginia | $43,270.00 | $85,520.00 | $136,770.00 |
| Region | Entry Level | Average | Experienced |
| Bay Consortium | $34,883.18 | $50,182.41 | $75,623.99 |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $38,516.82 | $56,560.30 | $78,452.41 |
| Central VA/Region2000 | $21,914.43 | $38,730.80 | $54,482.34 |
| Crater Area | $65,249.40 | $91,146.33 | $138,084.52 |
| Greater Peninsula | $41,878.67 | $62,223.22 | $88,237.80 |
| Hampton Roads | $45,701.96 | $69,128.46 | $95,804.25 |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | $40,798.62 | $55,029.97 | $77,638.06 |
| Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | $47,138.99 | $99,655.93 | $152,441.62 |
| Piedmont Workforce | $34,859.85 | $60,522.52 | $109,174.60 |
| Shenandoah Valley | $39,828.10 | $51,369.96 | $64,212.95 |
| South Central | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Southwestern Virginia | $35,495.71 | $51,864.86 | $66,706.71 |
| West Piedmont | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Western Virginia | $33,719.96 | $48,460.41 | $58,682.88 |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Industrial Ecologists
Employment Projections
| National | 2010 | 2020 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 89,400 | 106,100 | + 18.7% |
| State | 2008 | 2018 | % Change |
| Virginia | 3,192 | 4,296 | + 34.6% |
| Region | 2008 | 2018 | % Change |
| Bay Consortium | 50 | 53 | + 6.0% |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 453 | 530 | + 17.0% |
| Central VA/Region2000 | 73 | 95 | + 30.1% |
| Crater Area | 67 | 68 | + 1.5% |
| Greater Peninsula | 172 | 220 | + 27.9% |
| Hampton Roads | 137 | 167 | + 21.9% |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | 114 | 124 | + 8.8% |
| Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | 1,747 | 2,491 | + 42.6% |
| Piedmont Workforce | 139 | 174 | + 25.2% |
| Shenandoah Valley | 82 | 101 | + 23.2% |
| South Central | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| Southwestern Virginia | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| West Piedmont | 0 | 0 | + 0.0% |
| Western Virginia | 64 | 73 | + 14.1% |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Workforce Connection.
Industrial Ecologists
View Videos
The following videos are available for this occupation:
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (4.20 Mb)
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (3.98 Mb)
Macromedia Flash is required for viewing the videos. If you do not have the Flash plugin, it is freely available for download.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.
Industrial Ecologists
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Entomology
- Environmental Health Services
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.
Industrial Ecologists
Titles
- Aquatic Ecologist
- Eco-Industrial Development Consultant
- Environmental Business Development Associate
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Forest Ecologist
- Industrial Ecologist
- Industrial Green Systems Designer
- Industrial Retrofit Designer
- Life Cycle Assessment Analyst
- Natural Resources Engineer
- Product Development Ecologist
- Sustainability Consultant
- Sustainable Systems Analyst
- Wildlife Biostation Research Ecologist
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Industrial Ecologists
Related Schools
- Averett University
- Bridgewater College
- Christopher Newport University
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Emory and Henry College
- Ferrum College
- Hollins University
- Lynchburg College
- Randolph College
- Randolph-Macon College
- Roanoke College
- Shenandoah University
- Sweet Briar College
- University of Richmond
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Virginia Wesleyan College
- Washington and Lee University
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.