|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
| |
Careers / Industrial Ecologists |
|
| |
 |
|
 
|
|
|
| |
| Summary Description |
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
| |
| Sample Job Titles |
 |
|
1. |
Aquatic Ecologist |
|
2. |
Development Associate |
|
3. |
Eco-Industrial Development Consultant |
|
4. |
Ecologist |
|
5. |
Environmental Business Development Associate |
|
6. |
Environmental Consultant |
|
7. |
Environmental Programs Manager |
|
8. |
Environmental Protection Agency Counselor |
|
9. |
Environmental Protection Specialist |
|
10. |
Environmental Services Director |
|
11. |
Environmental Sustainability Manager |
|
12. |
Forest Ecologist |
|
|
|
13. |
Industrial Ecologist |
|
14. |
Industrial Green Systems Designer |
|
15. |
Industrial Retrofit Designer |
|
16. |
Life Cycle Assessment Analyst |
|
17. |
Natural Resources Engineer |
|
18. |
Product Development Ecologist |
|
19. |
Research Environmental Engineer |
|
20. |
Research Scientist |
|
21. |
Researcher |
|
22. |
Sustainability Consultant |
|
23. |
Sustainable Systems Analyst |
|
24. |
Wildlife Biostation Research Ecologist |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Job Tasks |
|
|
 |
Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Examine local, regional or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
|
|
|
Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
- Identify sustainable business practices.
- Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
|
|
|
Prepare technical and research reports such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
- Communicate results of environmental research.
|
|
|
Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems to avoid unintended negative consequences.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
- Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
|
|
|
Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices.
- Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
|
|
|
Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.
- Develop technical or scientific databases.
|
|
|
Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Redesign linear, or open loop, systems into cyclical, or closed loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
- Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
|
|
|
Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
|
|
|
Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste management practices.
- Identify sustainable business practices.
|
|
|
Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
|
|
|
Translate the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices.
- Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
|
|
|
Prepare plans to manage renewable resources.
- Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
|
|
|
Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
- Conduct research on social issues.
|
|
|
Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.
- Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies.
- Plan environmental research.
|
|
|
Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.
- Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
|
|
|
Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
- Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
|
|
|
Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
- Plan environmental research.
|
|
|
Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.
- Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
|
|
|
Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect and be affected by changes in the environment.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Promote use of environmental management systems (EMS) to reduce waste or to improve environmentally sound use of natural resources.
- Promote environmental sustainability or conservation initiatives.
|
|
|
Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
- Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
|
|
|
Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
- Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
|
|
|
Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.
- Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies.
|
|
|
Research environmental effects of land and water used to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs such as crop yields.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Perform environmentally extended input-output (EE I-O) analyses.
- Analyze environmental data.
|
|
|
Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.
- Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
|
|
|
Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.
- Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
|
|
|
Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs using statistical analysis and applications.
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
|
|
|
Conduct scientific protection, mitigation, or restoration projects to prevent resource damage, maintain the integrity of critical habitats, and minimize the impact of human activities.
- Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.
|
|
|
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 or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.
- Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
|
|
|
Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.
- Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Work Activities |
|
|
|
| Getting Information —
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
|
|
|
|
| Analyzing Data or Information —
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
|
|
|
|
| Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge —
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
|
|
|
|
| Processing Information —
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
|
|
|
|
| Interacting With Computers —
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
|
|
|
|
| Making Decisions and Solving Problems —
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
|
|
|
|
| Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events —
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
|
|
|
|
| Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information —
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
|
|
|
|
| Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others —
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
|
|
|
|
| Thinking Creatively —
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
|
|
|
|
| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates —
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
|
|
|
|
| Communicating with Persons Outside Organization —
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
|
|
|
|
| Provide Consultation and Advice to Others —
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics. |
|
|
|
|
| Developing Objectives and Strategies —
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
|
|
|
|
| Training and Teaching Others —
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
|
|
|
|
| Documenting/Recording Information —
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
|
|
|
|
| Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships —
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
|
|
|
|
| Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards —
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
|
|
|
|
| Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings —
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
|
|
|
|
| Developing and Building Teams —
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
|
|
|
|
| Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work —
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
|
|
|
|
| Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People —
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
|
|
|
|
| Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others —
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
|
|
|
|
| Coaching and Developing Others —
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
|
|
|
|
| Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates —
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. |
|
|
|
|
| Selling or Influencing Others —
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. |
|
|
|
|
| Scheduling Work and Activities —
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
|
|
|
|
| Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others —
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
|
|
|
|
| Monitoring and Controlling Resources —
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
|
|
|
|
| Performing Administrative Activities —
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
|
|
|
|
| Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material —
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
|
|
|
|
| Staffing Organizational Units —
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization. |
|
|
|
|
| Performing for or Working Directly with the Public —
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Nature of the Work |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Working Conditions |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Interesting Fact |
 |
|
|
| While anesthesiologists have one of the highest incomes of all professions, they typically pay over 20% of their after-tax income for professional liability insurance. |
|
|
|
| Did you know... |
 |
|
|
| MyPlan.com has over 150,000 pages of free articles that profile various careers, industries, colleges, and majors! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
