Eco-friendly jobs to start studying for - Military Careers, Second Careers - Army Times

Eco-friendly jobs to start studying for

Today, many companies employ workers with titles such as environmental scientist, environmental engineer, hazardous waste management specialist, geologist and industrial hygienist.

Here are some careers that safeguard our surroundings:

Environmental engineer

• Description: Uses techniques from agriculture, chemistry, meteorology and engineering to determine how to control or eliminate air, water and soil pollution. May plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance projects such as roads, bridges, dams and irrigation. Performs technical research and uses computers as aides.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering.

• Average pay: $61,631.

Environmental scientist

• Description: Conducts and analyzes research to identify and correct or eliminate air, water, soil or other types of pollutants that may affect people, wildlife and their environments. Recommends ways to clean and preserve the environment. May design and monitor waste disposal sites and water supply sites and reclaim contaminated land and water areas. Collects and synthesizes data from pollution emission measurements.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree.

• Average pay: $59,623.

Industrial hygienist

• Description: Helps to protect health and safety in the workplace and the community by conducting programs to recognize, eliminate and control occupational health hazards and diseases. Collects and analyzes samples of dust, gases, vapors and other potentially toxic materials. Prepares reports of observations, analysis of contaminants and recommendations to control and correct hazards.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree. May obtain certification from the American Board of Industrial Hygiene after four years of experience.

• Average pay: $58,038.

Hazardous waste management specialist

• Description: Responsible for how hazardous materials in the workplace are bought, stored and disposed of, as well as determining exposure risk to employees. May have to deal with paints, solvents, degreasers, lubrication compounds and other materials. May work in an industrial facility.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree. May be certified by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management.

• Average pay: $30,315.

Environmental geologist

• Description: Concerned with soil and subsurface structures, such as underground storage tanks at gas stations. Responds to spills or contamination that is underground or naturally occurring, but is not part of the initial emergency response. Collects soil samples to determine its condition.

• Training: Bachelor’s degree.

• Average starting pay: $40,786.