- Determine methods to incorporate geomethane or methane hydrates into global energy production or evaluate the potential environmental impacts of such incorporation.
Occupations with related tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV
- Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
- Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
- Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
- Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
- Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect, and be affected by, changes in the environment.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs, using statistical analysis and applications.
- Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
- Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.
- Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
- Research environmental effects of land and water use to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs, such as crop yields.
- Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.
- Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
- Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
- Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
- Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
- Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
- Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Examine local, regional, or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
- Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.
- Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices.
- Translate the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices.
- Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
- Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
- Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
- Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.
- Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.
- Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.
- Prepare plans to manage renewable resources.
- Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.
- Perform environmentally extended input-output (EE I-O) analyses.
- Promote use of environmental management systems (EMS) to reduce waste or to improve environmentally sound use of natural resources.
- Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.
- Develop or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.
- Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.
- Conduct scientific protection, mitigation, or restoration projects to prevent resource damage, maintain the integrity of critical habitats, and minimize the impact of human activities.
- 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.
- Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.
- Conduct life cycle assessments of products.
- Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
- Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
- Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
- Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
- Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect, and be affected by, changes in the environment.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs, using statistical analysis and applications.
- Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
- Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.
- Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
- Research environmental effects of land and water use to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs, such as crop yields.
- Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.
- Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
- Identify short- and long-term impacts of environmental remediation activities.
- Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental remediation projects.
- Conduct environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, disease, human activities, nature, and climate change.
- Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.
- Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.
- Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.
- Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs.
- Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.
- Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats.
- Plan environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software.
- Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals.
- Apply for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects.
- Inspect active remediation sites to ensure compliance with environmental or safety policies, standards, or regulations.
- Develop natural resource management plans, using knowledge of environmental planning or state and federal environmental regulatory requirements.
- Identify environmental mitigation alternatives, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, laws, or regulations.
- Notify regulatory or permitting agencies of deviations from implemented remediation plans.
- Write grants to obtain funding for restoration projects.
- Plan or supervise environmental studies to achieve compliance with environmental regulations in construction, modification, operation, acquisition, or divestiture of facilities such as power plants.
- Review existing environmental remediation designs.
- Develop and communicate recommendations for landowners to maintain or restore environmental conditions.
- Create environmental models or simulations, using geographic information system (GIS) data and knowledge of particular ecosystems or ecological regions.
- Create diagrams to communicate environmental remediation planning, using geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD), or other mapping or diagramming software.
- Develop environmental management or restoration plans for sites with power transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, fuel refineries, geothermal plants, wind farms, or solar farms.
- Identify short- and long-term impacts of environmental remediation activities.
- Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental remediation projects.
- Conduct environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, disease, human activities, nature, and climate change.
- Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
- Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
- Prepare written and oral reports describing research results, using illustrations, maps, appendices, and other information.
- Design and conduct scientific hydrogeological investigations to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is available for use in water resource management decisions.
- Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes.
- Coordinate and supervise the work of professional and technical staff, including research assistants, technologists, and technicians.
- Study public water supply issues, including flood and drought risks, water quality, wastewater, and impacts on wetland habitats.
- Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation.
- Study and document quantities, distribution, disposition, and development of underground and surface waters.
- Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments.
- Develop computer models for hydrologic predictions.
- Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure.
- Collect and analyze water samples as part of field investigations or to validate data from automatic monitors.
- Prepare hydrogeologic evaluations of known or suspected hazardous waste sites and land treatment and feedlot facilities.
- Evaluate data and provide recommendations regarding the feasibility of municipal projects, such as hydroelectric power plants, irrigation systems, flood warning systems, and waste treatment facilities.
- Develop or modify methods for conducting hydrologic studies.
- Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action.
- Monitor the work of well contractors, exploratory borers, and engineers and enforce rules regarding their activities.
- Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology.
- Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost.
- Conduct short- and long-term climate assessments and study storm occurrences.
- Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells.
- Investigate complaints or conflicts related to the alteration of public waters, gathering information, recommending alternatives, informing participants of progress, and preparing draft orders.
- Design civil works associated with hydrographic activities and supervise their construction, installation, and maintenance.
- Compile and evaluate hydrologic information to prepare navigational charts and maps and to predict atmospheric conditions.
- Conduct research and communicate information to promote the conservation and preservation of water resources.
- Evaluate research data in terms of its impact on issues such as soil and water conservation, flood control planning, and water supply forecasting.
- Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.
- Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
- Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.
- Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
- Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
- Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
- Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
- Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
- Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
- Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
- Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
- Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
- Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
- Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
- Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.
- Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
- Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
- Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.
- Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
- Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.
- Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
- Develop methods to minimize the impact of production processes on the environment, based on the study and assessment of industrial production, environmental legislation, and physical, biological, and social environments.
- Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.
- Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
- Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.
- Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
- Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
- Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
- Conduct research on economic and environmental topics, such as alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, and endangered species protection.
- Conduct research to study the relationships among environmental problems and patterns of economic production and consumption.
- Examine the exhaustibility of natural resources or the long-term costs of environmental rehabilitation.
- Write technical documents or academic articles to communicate study results or economic forecasts.
- Collect and analyze data to compare the environmental implications of economic policy or practice alternatives.
- Assess the costs and benefits of various activities, policies, or regulations that affect the environment or natural resource stocks.
- Prepare and deliver presentations to communicate economic and environmental study results, to present policy recommendations, or to raise awareness of environmental consequences.
- Develop programs or policy recommendations to achieve environmental goals in cost-effective ways.
- Develop economic models, forecasts, or scenarios to predict future economic and environmental outcomes.
- Demonstrate or promote the economic benefits of sound environmental regulations.
- Perform complex, dynamic, and integrated mathematical modeling of ecological, environmental, or economic systems.
- Write social, legal, or economic impact statements to inform decision makers for natural resource policies, standards, or programs.
- Teach courses in environmental economics.
- Develop programs or policy recommendations to promote sustainability and sustainable development.
- Develop systems for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting environmental and economic data.
- Write research proposals and grant applications to obtain private or public funding for environmental and economic studies.
- Monitor or analyze market and environmental trends.
- Develop environmental research project plans, including information on budgets, goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
- Identify and recommend environmentally friendly business practices.
- Interpret indicators to ascertain the overall health of an environment.
- Conduct research on economic and environmental topics, such as alternative fuel use, public and private land use, soil conservation, air and water pollution control, and endangered species protection.
- Conduct research to study the relationships among environmental problems and patterns of economic production and consumption.
- Examine the exhaustibility of natural resources or the long-term costs of environmental rehabilitation.
- Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.
- Monitor forest-cleared lands to ensure that they are reclaimed to their most suitable end use.
- Monitor wildlife populations and assess the impacts of forest operations on population and habitats.
- Monitor contract compliance and results of forestry activities to assure adherence to government regulations.
- Negotiate terms and conditions of agreements and contracts for forest harvesting, forest management and leasing of forest lands.
- Plan and implement projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality.
- Establish short- and long-term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources.
- Plan cutting programs and manage timber sales from harvested areas, assisting companies to achieve production goals.
- Perform inspections of forests or forest nurseries.
- Map forest area soils and vegetation to estimate the amount of standing timber and future value and growth.
- Develop techniques for measuring and identifying trees.
- Supervise activities of other forestry workers.
- Plan and direct forest surveys and related studies and prepare reports and recommendations.
- Provide advice and recommendations, as a consultant on forestry issues, to private woodlot owners, firefighters, government agencies or to companies.
- Plan and supervise forestry projects, such as determining the type, number and placement of trees to be planted, managing tree nurseries, thinning forest and monitoring growth of new seedlings.
- Choose and prepare sites for new trees, using controlled burning, bulldozers, or herbicides to clear weeds, brush, and logging debris.
- Procure timber from private landowners.
- Subcontract with loggers or pulpwood cutters for tree removal and to aid in road layout.
- Direct, and participate in, forest fire suppression.
- Study different tree species' classification, life history, light and soil requirements, adaptation to new environmental conditions and resistance to disease and insects.
- Analyze effect of forest conditions on tree growth rates and tree species prevalence and the yield, duration, seed production, growth viability, and germination of different species.
- Plan and direct construction and maintenance of recreation facilities, fire towers, trails, roads and bridges, ensuring that they comply with guidelines and regulations set for forested public lands.
- Conduct public educational programs on forest care and conservation.
- Contact local forest owners and gain permission to take inventory of the type, amount, and location of all standing timber on the property.
- Develop new techniques for wood or residue use.
- Determine methods of cutting and removing timber with minimum waste and environmental damage.
- Monitor forest-cleared lands to ensure that they are reclaimed to their most suitable end use.
- Monitor wildlife populations and assess the impacts of forest operations on population and habitats.
- Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.
- Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
- Weigh, analyze, or measure collected sample particles, such as lead, coal dust, or rock, to determine concentration of pollutants.
- Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
- Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.
- Maintain files, such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information, or diagrams showing equipment locations.
- Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment.
- Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
- Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
- Make recommendations to control or eliminate unsafe conditions at workplaces or public facilities.
- Calculate amount of pollutant in samples or compute air pollution or gas flow in industrial processes, using chemical and mathematical formulas.
- Develop testing procedures.
- Perform statistical analysis of environmental data.
- Develop or implement site recycling or hazardous waste stream programs.
- Direct activities of workers in laboratory.
- Initiate procedures to close down or fine establishments violating environmental or health regulations.
- Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
- Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants, such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes.
- Distribute permits, closure plans, or cleanup plans.
- Determine amounts and kinds of chemicals to use in destroying harmful organisms or removing impurities from purification systems.
- Analyze potential environmental impacts of production process changes, and recommend steps to mitigate negative impacts.
- Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
- Design, promote, or administer government plans or policies affecting land use, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing, or transportation.
- Advise planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives.
- Create, prepare, or requisition graphic or narrative reports on land use data, including land area maps overlaid with geographic variables, such as population density.
- Hold public meetings with government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, or address issues regarding land use or community plans.
- Mediate community disputes or assist in developing alternative plans or recommendations for programs or projects.
- Recommend approval, denial, or conditional approval of proposals.
- Evaluate proposals for infrastructure projects or other development for environmental impact or sustainability.
- Discuss with planning officials the purpose of land use projects, such as transportation, conservation, residential, commercial, industrial, or community use.
- Keep informed about economic or legal issues involved in zoning codes, building codes, or environmental regulations.
- Assess the feasibility of land use proposals and identify necessary changes.
- Determine the effects of regulatory limitations on land use projects.
- Review and evaluate environmental impact reports pertaining to private or public planning projects or programs.
- Supervise or coordinate the work of urban planning technicians or technologists.
- Develop plans for public or alternative transportation systems for urban or regional locations to reduce carbon output associated with transportation.
- Identify opportunities or develop plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or restore natural systems.
- Coordinate work with economic consultants or architects during the formulation of plans or the design of large pieces of infrastructure.
- Advocate sustainability to community groups, government agencies, the general public, or special interest groups.
- Investigate property availability for purposes of development.
- Conduct interviews, surveys and site inspections concerning factors that affect land usage, such as zoning, traffic flow and housing.
- Prepare reports, using statistics, charts, and graphs, to illustrate planning studies in areas such as population, land use, or zoning.
- Prepare, develop and maintain maps and databases.
- Prepare, maintain and update files and records, including land use data and statistics.
- Research, compile, analyze and organize information from maps, reports, investigations, and books for use in reports and special projects.
- Respond to public inquiries and complaints.
- Conduct field investigations, surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting land use.
- Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations.
- Communicate research or project results to other professionals or the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Develop methods of conserving or managing soil that can be applied by farmers or forestry companies.
- Provide information or recommendations to farmers or other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, or avoid or correct problems such as erosion.
- Conduct experiments to develop new or improved varieties of field crops, focusing on characteristics such as yield, quality, disease resistance, nutritional value, or adaptation to specific soils or climates.
- Investigate soil problems or poor water quality to determine sources and effects.
- Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity.
- Conduct experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms of plant growth and response to the environment.
- Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, or physical characteristics.
- Develop new or improved methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or insect pests.
- Provide advice regarding the development of regulatory standards for land reclamation or soil conservation.
- Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, or soil properties.
- Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, or related technology.
- Conduct research to determine best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, harvesting, storing, processing, or transporting horticultural products.
- Develop environmentally safe methods or products for controlling or eliminating weeds, crop diseases, or pests.
- Study ways to improve agricultural sustainability, such as the use of new methods of composting.
- Consult with engineers or other technical personnel working on construction projects about the effects of soil problems and possible solutions to these problems.
- Perform chemical analyses of the microorganism content of soils to determine microbial reactions or chemical mineralogical relationships to plant growth.
- Develop ways of altering soils to suit different types of plants.
- Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, or interacts with land-based ecosystems or living organisms.
- Survey undisturbed or disturbed lands for classification, inventory, mapping, environmental impact assessments, environmental protection planning, conservation planning, or reclamation planning.
- Plan or supervise waste management programs for composting or farming.
- Conduct experiments regarding causes of bee diseases or factors affecting yields of nectar or pollen.
- Identify or classify species of insects or allied forms, such as mites or spiders.
- Study insect distribution or habitat and recommend methods to prevent importation or spread of injurious species.
- Plan or supervise land conservation or reclamation programs for industrial development projects.
- Conduct research into the use of plant species as green fuels or in the production of green fuels.
- Research technical requirements or environmental impacts of urban green spaces, such as green roof installations.
