Back to Career Search |
Environmental Geologist |
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Description Over-consumption, waste and chemical pollution are a few of the rapidly growing environmental problems facing our society. Yet what happens to all of our chemical waste, such as batteries that you throw into the garbage? What about shampoo and conditioner once you rinse it out of your hair? When you see black smoke pouring out of the chimney at an industrial complex, what impact is it having on the atmosphere? These are the types of questions studied routinely by environmental geologists. The fate and effects of wastes and pollutants on the physical environment are all matters of increasing concern to those specializing in the management of our environment. Environmental geologists assess the environmental impact of the development or use of mineral, land and water resources, and assist in restoring disturbed land back to its original condition or to a more valuable land use. They are involved in the application of geological data and information for people's needs and the improvement of our environment. Included in environmental geology studies are such topics as landslides, landfills, potable water supplies, flooding, mineral resources, and earthquakes. Most environmental geologists would probably describe themselves more specifically by the work they do. This may be collecting and analyzing mineral and water samples, developing remediation programs, changing production processes to ones that yield a more environmentally friendly product, advising on safety and emergency response, or dealing with government regulations and compliance issues. Accordingly, many environmental geologists conduct research, design systems, processes and equipment for water and soil quality control, solid waste disposal, and the remediation of contaminated soil, air and water. They develop strategies to reduce pollution at the source and treat wastes that cannot be eliminated. Applying geology theories, they calculate the impact of human activity on the environment and seek to design methods of environmental sustainability, conservation and protective efforts and reparations if necessary. Environmental geologists investigate the sources, fate, control and effects of chemicals in the natural and engineered environment. They are responsible for environmental protection and industry regulations. Environmental geologists also coordinate with other disciplines and sub-disciplines such as geochemistry, limnology, oceanography, toxicology, hydrogeology, health and safety and environmental engineering. Some of their duties may include responding to environmental emergencies, reviewing permit applications, monitoring stream contamination, assessing pollution potential, providing technical advice regarding hazardous waste disposal and treatment methods, and evaluating risk potential of wastes. Environmental geologists try to clean up yesterday's waste and prevent tomorrow's pollution. It is common for environmental geologists to work with environmental engineers, planners, hazardous waste management technicians and other engineering specialists as well as lawyers and bankers. |
|
![]() Average Earnings |
|||
| |||
![]() Interests and Skills |
|||
| |||
![]() Typical Tasks |
|||
| |||
![]() Workplaces, Employers and Industries |
|||
| |||
![]() Long Term Career Potential |
|||
| |||
![]() Educational Paths |
|||
|
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2002, http://www.bls.gov/oes/2002/oes_nat.htm |
Featured Schools |
Ashford University
You've found Ashford University, where school comes to you. Earn your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree online.
Programs Offered:
Concordia University - Portland
|
Agriculture and Bio-resources | Allied Health and Health Sciences | Applied Business Technology | Architecture Business Administration | Computer Science | Cosmetology and Esthetics | Culinary, Travel &Hospitality | Dance Engineering Technology & Applied Technology |Engineering | Film | Fine Arts and Design | Humanities and Liberal ArtsJustice and Security Music | Natural and Applied Sciences | Naturopathic and Holistic MedicineNursingPublic Administration & PolicyReligious and Theological Studies Sport Sciences and Physical Education | Teacher Education | Theatre |
|
Articles |
College News |
Videos |
Feedback |
Career Search
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Faq | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Cities Site Map |
|
Copyright 2003- 2019 QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |