The processes of degradation, conservation, recycling, and replenishment are central to an environmental scientist's study and work. They also study various industrial, transportation, and energy production processes in order to design effective strategies for minimizing pollution (preventative management). In addition, environmental scientists work with local communities, using their skills and knowledge to design and monitor waste disposal sites, safeguard water supplies, and recover contaminated land and water to comply with Federal environmental regulations. Environmental Science majors at Cleveland State learn concepts and facts pertaining to the scientific study of the environment, and are trained in current laboratory skills.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Bachelor graduates in Environmental Science can work in a variety of jobs, moving from entry-level positions to more challenging positions by attaining work experience and/or graduate education. Environmental jobs entail both field and office/laboratory work. Government regulations written in the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Historic Preservation Act, and other legislation have created a demand for environmental scientists working in positions to assure or assess compliance. Positions for bachelor graduates are numerous, including: environmental regulation and compliance; ecological risk assessment; remediation and reclamation of contaminated lands; wetland delineation and permitting; air and water quality monitoring; analysis of soil and sediment samples; endangered species management; wildlife and plant surveying; environmental planning for transportation and development projects; mapping vegetation and natural resources; environmental laboratory chemist; wastewater and solid waste management; evaluating public health risks; emissions monitoring; mold remediation; asbestos project manager; lead monitoring; storm water management; Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments at industrial, commercial, community, and residential sites; subsurface site characterization, including drilling, soil classification, coring and well installations; power facility environmental manager; pesticides monitoring in farming, hazardous and chemical waste disposal and management; brownfield projects; noise evaluation; GIS specialist, environmental research assistant; and more.