Industrial Ecologists

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 of reported job titles:
Ecologist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Protection Agency Counselor, Research Scientist, Researcher

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
  • Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.
  • Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
  • Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
  • Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.

Technology Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software:Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment EIO-LCA
    ,
    PRe Consultants SimaPro
    ,
    Production Flow Analysis and Simplification Toolkit PFAST
    ,
    SAS statistical software
    ,
    StataCorp Stata
    ,
    STATISTICA
    ,
    Substance Flow Analysis STAN
    ,
    The MathWorks MATLAB
    ,
    Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software:Microsoft SharePoint
  • Cloud-based management software:Splunk Enterprise
  • Computer aided design CAD software:Autodesk AutoCAD
    ,
    Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Customer relationship management CRM software:Salesforce software

Occupational Requirements

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.
  • Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Processing Information:Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
  • Analyze environmental data.
  • Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
  • Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies.
  • Communicate results of environmental research.

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail:87% responded"Every day"
  • Time Pressure:65% responded"Once a month or more but not every week"
  • Letters and Memos:59% responded"Once a month or more but not every week"
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work:52% responded"A lot of freedom"
  • Physical Proximity:50% responded"Slightly close (e.g., shared office)"

Worker Requirements

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Active Listening:Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking:Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing:Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Knowledge

  • Mathematics:Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Engineering and Technology:Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Chemistry:Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
  • Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Physics:Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
  • 65%
    Master's Degree
  • 22%
    Bachelor's Degree
  • 9%
    Doctoral Degree

Worker Characteristics

Abilities

  • Deductive Reasoning:The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Inductive Reasoning:The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Written Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Problem Sensitivity:The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Interests

  • Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Enterprising:Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Work Values

  • Achievement:Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking:Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
  • Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
  • Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  • Persistence:Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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