Environmental Scientists
Hi, my name is Mary and I am an environmental scientist at MMS. I became interested in the environment when my 7th grade science class went out to pick up trash on Earth Day (April 22). I realized how much trash people were just throwing away and how it was really affecting the environment for everyone else. About the same time, I also became interested in the ocean and I went on to college to study chemistry and oceanography. While working here at MMS, I’ve had the chance to go down to the seafloor in a submarine and you’ll never guess what I saw one mile below the surface…more trash!
MMS Environmental Scientist
The responsibilities and issues that MMS environmental scientists handle can vary, since the mandate of the MMS is to monitor human, marine, and coastal environments. Personnel are responsible for monitoring issues, listening to stakeholders, and writing sections in environmental impact statements. An environmental scientist is interested in a good variety of topics, from the movement of water and how materials such as oil are transported to the impacts from industry activities on air and water quality.
Educational Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is adequate for entry-level positions; however, better jobs with good advancement potential usually require at least a master’s degree.
A Ph.D. degree is required for most research positions in colleges and universities and in government.
Career Opportunities
Environmental scientists are employed in State and local governments, industry, consulting, and the Federal Government.
[Meteorologist] [Coastal Ecology] [Geophysicist] [Geologist] [Environmental Scientist]
[Marine Biologist] [Micropaleontologist] [Physical Oceanographer] [Petroleum Engineer] [Underwater Archaeologist]
Last update: Thursday November 29 2007
