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Environmental Science
In response to growing awareness of the impacts of human activities on the planet, the field of Environmental Science is expanding to study and minimize the effects of our actions on different planetary processes. Issues such as air and water pollution, groundwater and soil contamination, conservation, climate change and sustainable development are all included under the mandate of environmental sciences.
In an industrial sense, environmental scientists work closely with leaders of development and construction programs to design buildings, cities, waterways and transportation routes that minimize impact on the surrounding ecosystems. Environmental scientists and consultants are often trained as engineers, who then focus on environment sustainability and construction initiatives.
Often, environmental scientists are assigned to compose Environmental Impact Statements that outline the possible negative effects of proposed development, as well as offer alternative plans. Where there are such documents, environmental scientists work to help construction and development companies comply with national and international environmental regulations and laws.
Market research (2009) shows that air quality management, water quality management and compliance/auditing are the three major sectors in environmental science and consulting, comprising about three quarters of the entire industry. Other concerns and areas of investigation include soil quality management, noise pollution prevention, sustainability studies and asbestos management.
Environmental consultants and executives of major consulting and auditing firms usually have Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or a related discipline, or similar backgrounds in Business Administration or Economics.
In the environmental science and consulting field, major industry leaders include CH2M Hill Companies, Ltd, Weston Solutions Inc. and Malcolm Pirnie Inc. While some consulting and engineering firms like CH2M – which earned 6.4 billion in revenue last year – are involved in massive international projects, the industry is fragmented and the fifty biggest outfits represent less than 30% of the total industry revenue.
Large firms like CH2M are often involved in major global engineering, construction and operations for large-scale clients. The CEO of CH2M Hill, Lee A. McIntire was previously an executive at Bechtel, the international engineering and construction outfit, where he sat on the board of directors and was president of several leading Bechtel companies, as well as vice president of the parent company through his 15 years with the company. Before that, McIntire worked in project management and business development with Arabian American Oil and Ashland Oil, focusing on oil and gas communications and defense initiatives in Europe and the Middle East. McIntire earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska where he studied civil engineering and a Master’s Degree from the Garvin School of Management in Arizona. McIntire is also a graduate of the Executive Management Program at Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth.
Peer company Malcolm Pirnie also provides environmental engineering services but focuses exclusively on environmental engineering, science and consulting services. Last year, Malcolm Pirnie recorded fiscal earnings of 392 million. President and CEO, William Dee is a certified Environmental Engineer, with a career history with the Water Environment Research Foundation Board.
Weston Solutions, based in West Chester, PA, has offices in several countries including Afghanistan, India, Canada, UAE, Japan and Korea. Company Chairman, President and CEO, Patrick G. McCann has a Bachelor of Science in Economics, a Master of Science in Economics and a Master of Business Administration.
The environmental sciences industry is booming in response to growing pressure from environmental legislation and increased government support for green initiatives and the industry offers significant opportunities.
EDUCATION SIDEBAR:
- Bachelor of Science Degrees in a range of disciplines prepare students for graduate degrees appropriate for careers in environmental sciences and consulting including: Geography, Environmental Studies, Earth and Ocean Sciences.
- Graduate Programs include: Environmental Management, Environmental Consulting and Sustainable Development.
- Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees and PhD’s in Engineering prepare graduates for careers as environmental consultants. Civil, Professional, Environmental and Chemical Engineering Degrees are all applicable for the environmental science field.
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