Industrial Ecologists

Also Called: Ecologist, Research Scientist, Researcher

What Industrial Ecologists do

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.

  • Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
  • 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.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Duration of Typical Work Week
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Telephone

Tools

  • Scanners
  • Notebook computers
  • Special purpose telephones
  • Laser fax machine
  • Desktop computers

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
StataCorp Stata
Substance Flow Analysis STAN
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Oracle software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Knowledge

Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
product and service development
computers and electronics
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
chemistry
Education and Training
teaching and course design

Education

  • 50% Master's degree
  • 21% Doctoral degree
  • 17% Bachelor's degree

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Enterprising (Persuader)
  • Investigative (Thinker)

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Initiative
  • Independence

Values

  • Achievement
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math

This is what Industrial Ecologists across the country typically make.

$23.36 / hour
$48,580 /year

Entry Level

$37.97 / hour
$78,980 /year

Median Level

$64.26 / hour
$133,660 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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