JOB REPORT / 19-2041 · 97 TASKS

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.

Can AI do the work of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

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How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research…
Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental…
Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health work. It covers the 95 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

95 of 97 tasks reviewed

This job has 97 core tasks. We went through 95 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.
AI DOES
Searches databases, summarizes studies, flags key findings, and organizes sources by topic
YOU DO
Judge source quality, spot what's missing, and connect research to real-world policy decisions
TASK 02
Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management.
AI DOES
Searches databases, summarizes policy documents, and compares frameworks across regions
YOU DO
Judge which policies fit real-world politics, values, and local needs
TASK 03
Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
AI DOES
Drafts sections, summarizes data, and formats policy documents quickly
YOU DO
Apply political judgment and own the policy recommendations
TASK 04
Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.
AI DOES
Searches literature, structures data fields, flags duplicates, and suggests categories
YOU DO
Judge which data sources are trustworthy and decide what ecological context really means
TASK 05
Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.
AI DOES
Maps system components, finds patterns in data, and drafts relationship diagrams
YOU DO
Judge which links are meaningful and verify against field knowledge
TASK 06
Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.
AI DOES
Drafts technical summaries, explains regulations in plain language, and organizes compliance checklists
YOU DO
Verify site-specific details and make judgment calls on real-world risk
TASK 07
Write reports or academic papers to communicate findings of climate-related studies.
AI DOES
Drafts sections, suggests structure, fixes grammar, summarizes sources, and formats citations
YOU DO
Own the scientific conclusions and policy recommendations with real expertise
TASK 08
Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
AI DOES
Drafts summaries, pulls research, organizes data, and suggests policy options
YOU DO
Judge which evidence is credible, frame recommendations for real stakeholders, and read the political room
TASK 09
Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
AI DOES
Searches literature, organizes impact categories, and drafts initial checklists
YOU DO
Apply site-specific judgment and weigh trade-offs that data alone can't settle
TASK 10
Apply for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects.
AI DOES
Drafts permit application text, summarizes regulatory requirements, and fills in standard form sections
YOU DO
Verify site-specific conditions, sign legal documents, and build relationships with permitting agencies
TASK 11
Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect, and be affected by, changes in the environment.
AI DOES
Searches literature, runs statistical models, and summarizes data patterns between human activity and environmental outcomes
YOU DO
Design the analysis framework and judge which findings actually matter for policy or action
TASK 12
Write grants to obtain funding for restoration projects.
AI DOES
Drafts grant sections, summarizes requirements, and suggests budget language
YOU DO
Bring deep site knowledge and build trust with funders
TASK 13
Notify regulatory or permitting agencies of deviations from implemented remediation plans.
AI DOES
Drafts deviation notices, formats regulatory submissions, and flags required permit language
YOU DO
Verify site-specific facts and take professional responsibility for submissions
TASK 14
Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
AI DOES
Builds data models, runs cost-benefit calculations, and drafts scenario comparisons
YOU DO
Apply local knowledge and decide which tradeoffs are worth making
TASK 15
Prepare grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to climate change, environmental management, or sustainability.
AI DOES
Drafts sections, finds matching funders, checks formatting, and suggests stronger language
YOU DO
Build funder relationships and shape the program vision and strategy
TASK 16
Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs, using statistical analysis and applications.
AI DOES
Runs statistical analyses, spots patterns in program data, and drafts evaluation reports
YOU DO
Interpret results against site-specific conditions and make final effectiveness judgments
TASK 17
Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.
AI DOES
Runs scenario models, finds patterns in environmental data, and drafts forecast reports
YOU DO
Validate assumptions, interpret unexpected findings, and judge real-world industrial and ecological context
TASK 18
Create environmental models or simulations, using geographic information system (GIS) data and knowledge of particular ecosystems or ecological regions.
AI DOES
Processes GIS datasets, suggests model parameters, and flags data patterns
YOU DO
Apply site-specific ecological expertise to validate and interpret simulation outputs
TASK 19
Perform environmentally extended input-output (EE I-O) analyses.
AI DOES
Runs matrix calculations, cleans large datasets, finds emission factors, and drafts result summaries
YOU DO
Decide which system boundaries matter, judge data quality, and turn numbers into real-world policy advice
TASK 20
Research environmental effects of land and water use to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs, such as crop yields.
AI DOES
Searches research papers, summarizes environmental data, and spots patterns in land and water use datasets
YOU DO
Apply field experience and contextual judgment to turn findings into real-world recommendations
TASK 21
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.
AI DOES
Runs energy balance calculations, flags inefficiencies, and generates model outputs from datasets
YOU DO
Define system boundaries, validate assumptions, and translate findings into actionable recommendations
TASK 22
Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
AI DOES
Searches research, summarizes green production methods, drafts strategy frameworks, and flags relevant regulations
YOU DO
Apply site-specific knowledge and balance trade-offs between cost, ecology, and community needs
TASK 23
Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
AI DOES
Summarizes existing climate policies, drafts recommendation language, and flags relevant research fast
YOU DO
Apply political judgment, weigh competing values, and build trust with decision-makers
TASK 24
Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
AI DOES
Scans databases, summarizes case studies, and flags emerging green technologies fast
YOU DO
Apply local context, assess feasibility on the ground, and build trust with industry partners
TASK 25
Plan environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software.
AI DOES
Searches biological databases, summarizes environmental strategies, and drafts sections of restoration plans
YOU DO
Visit sites, weigh community input, and make final calls on complex ecological tradeoffs
TASK 26
Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals.
AI DOES
Drafts reports, summarizes study data, and suggests clear language for technical proposals
YOU DO
Apply field expertise and professional judgment to interpret findings and tailor the message for your audience
TASK 27
Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
AI DOES
Drafts report sections, summarizes data, and formats findings clearly
YOU DO
Apply site-specific expertise and build trust with decision-makers
TASK 28
Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes green production methods, and drafts structured recommendation reports
YOU DO
Apply on-the-ground knowledge of the specific site, industry, and community to judge which solutions will actually work
TASK 29
Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
AI DOES
Drafts technical summaries, looks up regulations, and organizes data for reports
YOU DO
Apply field experience and professional judgment when advising agencies or the public
TASK 30
Develop and communicate recommendations for landowners to maintain or restore environmental conditions.
AI DOES
Drafts written recommendations, summarizes restoration research, and generates plain-language guides for landowners
YOU DO
Visit the land, read site conditions firsthand, and build relationships with the people who own it
TASK 31
Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.
AI DOES
Generates model code, suggests equations, debugs math, and explains modeling frameworks like Lotka-Volterra or agent-based systems
YOU DO
Decide which ecological relationships are real, meaningful, and worth modeling in your specific system
TASK 32
Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.
AI DOES
Searches research databases, summarizes studies, and helps model how pollutants spread
YOU DO
Design field studies, collect real samples, and judge which theories fit your specific site
TASK 33
Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes findings, and spots patterns across large datasets
YOU DO
Apply ecological insight to messy, real-world industrial contexts with creative judgment
TASK 34
Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.
AI DOES
Generates draft schedules, suggests budget line items, and pulls cost benchmarks from similar projects
YOU DO
Apply site-specific knowledge and negotiate with regulators and communities
TASK 35
Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
AI DOES
Scans literature, models material/energy flows, flags known tradeoffs, and summarizes lifecycle data
YOU DO
Weigh local context, catch novel unintended consequences, and make judgment calls across competing values
TASK 36
Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.
AI DOES
Analyzes large environmental datasets, identifies patterns, and summarizes restoration needs from existing records
YOU DO
Go into the field to collect real samples, observe site conditions, and apply local ecological judgment
TASK 37
Examine local, regional, or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
AI DOES
Searches literature, crunches flow data, and drafts material/energy balance models
YOU DO
Validate findings against real industrial conditions and make system-level recommendations
TASK 38
Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
AI DOES
Analyzes satellite imagery, sensor data, and trend reports to spot environmental changes fast
YOU DO
Visit sites, verify findings in person, and make judgment calls about complex ecosystems
TASK 39
Identify environmental mitigation alternatives, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, laws, or regulations.
AI DOES
Searches laws and regulations, drafts lists of mitigation alternatives, and flags compliance gaps
YOU DO
Apply site knowledge and professional judgment to choose the right approach for real-world conditions
TASK 40
Identify short- and long-term impacts of environmental remediation activities.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes known impact data, and flags common short- and long-term effects for similar remediation projects
YOU DO
Apply site-specific field knowledge and professional judgment to validate what the models and data actually mean on the ground
TASK 41
Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
AI DOES
Searches databases, summarizes new rules, flags gaps between current practice and updated standards, and drafts policy checklists
YOU DO
Apply site-specific judgment, verify local legal context, and own the compliance sign-off
TASK 42
Review existing environmental remediation designs.
AI DOES
Summarizes design documents, checks for missing components, and flags inconsistencies against known standards
YOU DO
Apply site knowledge and professional judgment to approve or reject designs
TASK 43
Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental remediation projects.
AI DOES
Searches literature, runs cost models, and drafts report sections
YOU DO
Verify site-specific data and apply local regulatory and community judgment
TASK 44
Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
AI DOES
Drafts summaries, checks for missing fields, and flags regulatory conflicts in permit documents
YOU DO
Apply site-specific knowledge and professional judgment to final approval decisions
TASK 45
Present and defend proposals for climate change research projects.
AI DOES
Drafts proposal decks, pulls supporting data, and generates counterargument prep sheets
YOU DO
Own the room, build trust, and adapt your pitch on the fly
TASK 46
Conduct environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, disease, human activities, nature, and climate change.
AI DOES
Analyzes large datasets, flags pollution trends, and drafts sections of impact reports
YOU DO
Visit sites, interpret local conditions, and make final calls on complex ecological trade-offs
TASK 47
Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
AI DOES
Drafts technical sections, suggests standard regulatory language, and formats compliance requirements
YOU DO
Verify site data, apply regulatory expertise, and own the legal accuracy
TASK 48
Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.
AI DOES
Drafts study frameworks, summarizes regulations, and organizes background environmental data
YOU DO
Judge which risks are real, choose the right field methods, and own the technical decisions
TASK 49
Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
AI DOES
Searches regulations, flags known hazardous materials, and summarizes industry reports
YOU DO
Apply site-specific expertise and professional judgment to real-world conditions
TASK 50
Prepare plans to manage renewable resources.
AI DOES
Drafts plan templates, summarizes resource data, and suggests management strategies from research literature
YOU DO
Apply local site knowledge and balance competing stakeholder needs
TASK 51
Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
AI DOES
Searches research databases, summarizes pollution studies, and drafts literature reviews quickly
YOU DO
Collect field samples, interpret site-specific conditions, and design abatement plans that fit real-world constraints
TASK 52
Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.
AI DOES
Searches research, summarizes findings, drafts study plans, and models data patterns
YOU DO
Apply on-the-ground ecological judgment and lead decisions about real industrial sites
TASK 53
Create diagrams to communicate environmental remediation planning, using geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD), or other mapping or diagramming software.
AI DOES
Suggests layouts, auto-labels map features, and speeds up template creation in GIS or CAD tools
YOU DO
Interpret site-specific data and decide what the diagram needs to communicate
TASK 54
Promote use of environmental management systems (EMS) to reduce waste or to improve environmentally sound use of natural resources.
AI DOES
Drafts EMS guides, summarizes regulations, and finds case studies to support your pitch
YOU DO
Build trust with stakeholders and tailor recommendations to each organization's real-world situation
TASK 55
Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes findings, spots patterns in ecological data, and drafts reports on species responses to environmental change
YOU DO
Design field studies, collect samples, interpret local context, and make judgment calls about species survival
TASK 56
Develop natural resource management plans, using knowledge of environmental planning or state and federal environmental regulatory requirements.
AI DOES
Drafts plan sections, summarizes regulations, flags compliance gaps, and formats reports
YOU DO
Apply on-the-ground ecological knowledge and navigate agency relationships
TASK 57
Develop methods to minimize the impact of production processes on the environment, based on the study and assessment of industrial production, environmental legislation, and physical, biological, and social environments.
AI DOES
Searches environmental laws, summarizes research literature, and drafts initial frameworks for review
YOU DO
Apply site-specific knowledge and make judgment calls that balance science, law, and community needs
TASK 58
Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
AI DOES
Pulls and organizes large datasets, runs flow calculations, flags gaps, and drafts initial MFA/SFA diagrams
YOU DO
Judge data reliability, interpret site-specific context, and make final sustainability recommendations
TASK 59
Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.
AI DOES
Drafts plan outlines, summarizes environmental research, and pulls relevant regulations
YOU DO
Build trust with cross-discipline teams and make site-specific judgment calls
TASK 60
Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.
AI DOES
Drafts plan outlines, pulls research on native species, and summarizes weed control methods for a specific region
YOU DO
Visit the site, read the land, and make judgment calls that only come from being there in person
TASK 61
Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
AI DOES
Maps material flows, finds waste-to-input matches, and runs scenario models
YOU DO
Apply local context, build partnerships, and judge which redesigns are actually feasible
TASK 62
Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
AI DOES
Analyzes sensor data, spots pollution trends, and pulls up relevant regulations or remediation options
YOU DO
Visit the site, collect samples, and judge what solutions actually fit the local situation
TASK 63
Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
AI DOES
Searches regulations, summarizes similar past violations, and drafts preliminary penalty recommendations
YOU DO
Apply professional judgment to weigh severity, context, and legal strategy for each unique case
TASK 64
Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
AI DOES
Drafts incident reports, summarizes regulations, and analyzes monitoring data
YOU DO
Go to the site, collect samples, and decide what the evidence really means
TASK 65
Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
AI DOES
Looks up regulations, summarizes compliance standards, and drafts assessment report sections
YOU DO
Visit the site, collect samples, and sign off on findings with licensed expertise
TASK 66
Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
AI DOES
Analyzes sensor feeds, flags anomalies in environmental data, and summarizes monitoring reports
YOU DO
Visit sites, interpret local conditions, and decide what the data really means for people and ecosystems
TASK 67
Develop or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.
AI DOES
Drafts monitoring protocol templates, summarizes relevant research, and flags gaps in existing methods
YOU DO
Validate protocols through fieldwork and apply site-specific ecological expertise
TASK 68
Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.
AI DOES
Analyzes remote sensing data, reviews literature, and models land-use change scenarios
YOU DO
Go into the field, build trust with land managers, and interpret local ecological context
TASK 69
Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.
AI DOES
Searches research literature, summarizes findings, helps analyze data sets, and drafts sections of research reports
YOU DO
Design experiments, collect field samples, interpret messy real-world results, and make judgment calls about what the data actually means
TASK 70
Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.
AI DOES
Researches land use rules, summarizes case studies, and drafts program outlines
YOU DO
Apply site-specific expertise and build community trust
TASK 71
Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.
AI DOES
Drafts slides, summarizes climate data, and prepares talking points and Q&A prep sheets
YOU DO
Show up, read the room, and respond to live pushback with credibility and trust
TASK 72
Promote initiatives to mitigate climate change with government or environmental groups.
AI DOES
Drafts talking points, policy briefs, and outreach emails; summarizes research; identifies relevant groups and officials
YOU DO
Build real relationships and navigate political dynamics
TASK 73
Plan or supervise environmental studies to achieve compliance with environmental regulations in construction, modification, operation, acquisition, or divestiture of facilities such as power plants.
AI DOES
Summarizes environmental regulations, drafts compliance reports, and flags potential regulatory gaps
YOU DO
Apply local site knowledge and negotiate directly with regulators and stakeholders
TASK 74
Translate the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices.
AI DOES
Summarizes industrial ecology theories, generates practice frameworks, and maps resource flow ideas
YOU DO
Build trust with industry partners and adapt plans to real facilities and communities
TASK 75
Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.
AI DOES
Searches literature, summarizes data patterns, and helps model environmental impacts
YOU DO
Design fieldwork, collect samples, and make judgment calls about real ecosystems
TASK 76
Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
AI DOES
Analyzes sensor data, models pollutant spread, and summarizes research on similar past accidents
YOU DO
Visit the site, collect samples, and make judgment calls about real-world ecological conditions
TASK 77
Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
AI DOES
Helps design study plans, reviews existing research, suggests methods, and analyzes collected data
YOU DO
Go into the field, observe real conditions, and make judgment calls that only on-the-ground experience provides
TASK 78
Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.
AI DOES
Drafts training materials, quizzes, and onboarding documents
YOU DO
Show up in person, read the room, and adapt coaching to each learner
TASK 79
Conduct scientific protection, mitigation, or restoration projects to prevent resource damage, maintain the integrity of critical habitats, and minimize the impact of human activities.
AI DOES
Analyzes environmental data, models habitat impacts, drafts restoration plans, and reviews scientific literature
YOU DO
Get outside, assess real conditions, and lead on-the-ground restoration work
TASK 80SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
AI DOES
Generates model structures and runs statistical tests
YOU DO
Choose the right approach for real problems
About this analysis
42% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 81SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
AI DOES
Generates charts and calculates basic environmental metrics
YOU DO
Interpret what the patterns mean for action
About this analysis
41% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 82
Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
AI DOES
Drafts checklists, summarizes regulations, and helps write audit reports
YOU DO
Show up on-site, use your senses, and make judgment calls about what you observe
TASK 83SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
AI DOES
Suggests common methods based on research goals
YOU DO
Choose what fits your specific context
About this analysis
36% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 84SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
AI DOES
Drafts presentations and explains complex topics clearly
YOU DO
Connect with your audience and earn trust
About this analysis
35% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 85SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
AI DOES
Runs statistical tests and spots data patterns
YOU DO
Judge what the patterns actually mean
About this analysis
30% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 86SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
AI DOES
Analyzes data and drafts policy frameworks
YOU DO
Balance competing interests and build consensus
About this analysis
29% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 87SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
AI DOES
Gathers data on environmental and technical impacts
YOU DO
Connect the dots and judge what's urgent
About this analysis
28% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 88SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts.
AI DOES
Scans documents and flags potential environmental concerns
YOU DO
Weigh trade-offs and set priorities
About this analysis
23% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 89
Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats.
AI DOES
Helps draft training materials, checklists, or field guides to support crew instruction
YOU DO
Stay present in the field to observe, coach, and make real-time safety and restoration decisions
TASK 90SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
AI DOES
Processes vast studies and generates summary reports
YOU DO
Judge what matters for policy decisions
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 91SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
AI DOES
Summarizes papers and identifies key trends
YOU DO
Judge relevance and connect insights
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 92SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
AI DOES
Processes datasets and generates summary reports
YOU DO
Interpret patterns and recommend actions
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 93SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Develop, or contribute to the development of, educational or outreach programs on the environment or climate change.
AI DOES
Generates content ideas and draft materials
YOU DO
Shape the message and inspire action
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 94SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
AI DOES
Researches regulations and drafts policy frameworks
YOU DO
Judge stakeholder needs and set priorities
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 95SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Develop environmental management or restoration plans for sites with power transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, fuel refineries, geothermal plants, wind farms, or solar farms.
AI DOES
Analyzes site data and suggests restoration methods
YOU DO
Balance competing priorities and stakeholder needs
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
SOC code: 19-2041
Tasks reviewed: 95 of 97

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $82,220 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $85,990 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 89,250
Employed in Colorado: 2,580
Job outlook: +4.4% by 2034 · ~8,500 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

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Your job, task by task.

Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.

Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management.

Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.

Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.

Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.

Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.

Write reports or academic papers to communicate findings of climate-related studies.

Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.

Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.

Apply for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects.

Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect, and be affected by, changes in the environment.

Write grants to obtain funding for restoration projects.

Notify regulatory or permitting agencies of deviations from implemented remediation plans.

Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.

Prepare grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to climate change, environmental management, or sustainability.

Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs, using statistical analysis and applications.

Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.

Create environmental models or simulations, using geographic information system (GIS) data and knowledge of particular ecosystems or ecological regions.

Perform environmentally extended input-output (EE I-O) analyses.

Research environmental effects of land and water use to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs, such as crop yields.

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.

Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.

Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.

Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.

Plan environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software.

Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals.

Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.

Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices.

Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.

Develop and communicate recommendations for landowners to maintain or restore environmental conditions.

Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.

Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.

Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.

Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.

Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.

Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.

Examine local, regional, or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.

Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.

Identify environmental mitigation alternatives, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, laws, or regulations.

Identify short- and long-term impacts of environmental remediation activities.

Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.

Review existing environmental remediation designs.

Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental remediation projects.

Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.

Present and defend proposals for climate change research projects.

Conduct environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, disease, human activities, nature, and climate change.

Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.

Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.

Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.

Prepare plans to manage renewable resources.

Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.

Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.

Create diagrams to communicate environmental remediation planning, using geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD), or other mapping or diagramming software.

Promote use of environmental management systems (EMS) to reduce waste or to improve environmentally sound use of natural resources.

Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.

Develop natural resource management plans, using knowledge of environmental planning or state and federal environmental regulatory requirements.

Develop methods to minimize the impact of production processes on the environment, based on the study and assessment of industrial production, environmental legislation, and physical, biological, and social environments.

Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.

Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.

Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.

Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.

Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.

Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.

Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.

Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.

Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.

Develop or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.

Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.

Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.

Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.

Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.

Promote initiatives to mitigate climate change with government or environmental groups.

Plan or supervise environmental studies to achieve compliance with environmental regulations in construction, modification, operation, acquisition, or divestiture of facilities such as power plants.

Translate the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices.

Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.

Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.

Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.

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