Career Pathway: Scientific

Transcription

1 Career Pathway: Scientific Louisiana Workforce Commission September 2011

2 In 2009, Louisiana and Mississippi partnered to research economic development opportunities and workforce needs associated with the region s green economy. Through a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, a consortium of the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Louisiana State University, Mississippi Department of Employment Security, and Mississippi State University conducted an extensive study of economic activity that is beneficial to the environment. This and other research products were developed as part of that effort. This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

3 Introduction...ii Science Occupations...1 Natural Sciences Manager...2 Environmental Scientist...3 Soil and Plant Scientist...4 Hydrologist...5 Environmental Science Technician...6 Notes...7 Contents On the cover: Coastal Scientist Irv Mendelssohn examines the shores near Bay Jimmy. Photo CCPL: BP America i

4 Introduction As part of a comprehensive study of Louisiana s green economy, career pathways were developed to provide career guidance to students and job seekers interested in coastal restoration work. Each career pathway identifies the specific occupations within an occupational group that are involved in restoration activities. Each career pathway is organized by the level of education most commonly required for an occupation. This allows students to explore career opportunities available for different levels of educational attainment. Useful information such as sample job titles, occupation descriptions and wage data are included for each occupation. In addition, post-secondary educational programs that can lead to a career in coastal restoration work are provided. Information used to develop the following career pathway was gathered through a series of in-person interviews, telephone interviews and focus groups with employers conducting restoration work. Additional information was sourced from the Employment and Training Administration s Occupational Information Network. Finally, Louisiana Board of Regent s data was used to identify degree and certificate programs that would best prepare students for careers in coastal restoration. ii

5 Coastal Restoration Science Occupations Click on an occupation for more information. Master s Degree Natural Sciences Manager Bachelor s Degree Environmental Scientist Soil and Plant Scientist Hydrologist Associate Degree or Vocational Training Environmental Science Technician High School Diploma / GED 1

6 Natural Sciences Managers Possible Job Titles 1 Natural Science Manager, Water Team Leader, Fisheries Director, Health Sciences Manager, Laboratory Manager, Natural Resources Planner, Research and Development Director, Coastal Management Planner, Environmental Manager, Mineral and Aggregate Resources Planner Job description 1 Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. Tasks: 1. Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, and others to plan and review projects and to provide technical assistance. 2. Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications or discuss project status. 3. Plan and direct research, development, and production activities. 4. Prepare project proposals. 5. Design and coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, and testing. 6. Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, and operational reports. 7. Hire, supervise and evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers and other staff. 8. Determine scientific and technical goals within broad outlines provided by top management and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals. 9. Develop and implement policies, standards and procedures for the architectural, scientific and technical work performed to ensure regulatory compliance and operations enhancement. 10. Develop innovative technology and train staff for its implementation. Education, Experience and Training 1 Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed Median Annual Wage 4 $ 90,000 > Return to Career Pathway Graphic 2

7 Environmental Scientists and Specialists Possible Job Titles 1 Environmental Restoration Planners, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Specialist, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Protection Specialist, Hazardous Substances Scientist, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, Environmental Manager, Research Environmental Scientist, Environmental Affairs Specialist, Environmental Health Specialist Job description 1 Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management. Tasks: 1. Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs. 2. Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control. 3. Develop environmental management or restoration plans for sites with power transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, fuel refineries, geothermal plants, wind farms, or solar farms. 4. Develop natural resource management plans, using knowledge of environmental planning or state and federal environmental regulatory requirements. 5. Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs. 6. Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals. 7. Conduct environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, disease, human activities, nature, and climate change. 8. Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental remediation projects. 9. Create environmental models or simulations, using geographic information system (GIS) data and knowledge of particular ecosystems or ecological regions. 10. Identify environmental mitigation alternatives, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, laws, or regulations. Education, Experience and Training 1 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed Median Annual Wage 4 $ 53,580 Training Opportunities 2,3 Institution Program Degree / Certificate Louisiana State University Coastal Envrionmental Science Bachelor s Degree Louisiana State University Environmental Management Systems Bachelor s Degree University of Louisiana at Lafeyette Environmental and Sustainable Resources Bachelor s Degree University of New Orleans Earth and Environmental Sciences Bachelor s Degree > Return to Career Pathway Graphic 3

8 Soil and Plant Scientists Possible Job Titles 1 Soil Scientist, Agronomy Research Manager, Crop Nutrition Scientist, Microbiology Soil Scientist, Physical Hydrologist, Research Soil Scientist, Soil Fertility Extension Specialist Job description 1 Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity. Tasks: 1. Communicate research and project results to other professionals and the public or teach related courses, seminars, or workshops. 2. Provide information and recommendations to farmers and other landowners regarding ways in which they can best use land, promote plant growth, and avoid or correct problems such as erosion. 3. Investigate responses of soils to specific management practices to determine the use capabilities of soils and the effects of alternative practices on soil productivity. 4. Develop methods of conserving and managing soil that can be applied by farmers and forestry companies. 5. 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. 6. Investigate soil problems and poor water quality to determine sources and effects. 7. Study soil characteristics to classify soils on the basis of factors such as geographic location, landscape position, and soil properties. 8. Develop improved measurement techniques, soil conservation methods, soil sampling devices, and related technology. 9. Conduct experiments investigating how soil forms, changes, and interacts with land-based ecosystems and living organisms. 10. Identify degraded or contaminated soils and develop plans to improve their chemical, biological, and physical characteristics. Education, Experience and Training 1 Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed Median Annual Wage 4 $ 68,810 > Return to Career Pathway Graphic 4

9 Hydrologists Possible Job Titles 1 Hydrologist, Hydrogeologist, Professor, Research Hydrologist, Assistant Groundwater Engineer, Environmental Consultant, Groundwater Consultant, Groundwater Programs Director, Hydraulic Engineer, Hydrologic Engineer Job description 1 Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere. Tasks: 1. 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. 2. Study and analyze the physical aspects of the earth in terms of the hydrological components, including atmosphere, hydrosphere, and interior structure. 3. Administer programs designed to ensure the proper sealing of abandoned wells. 4. Install, maintain, and calibrate instruments, such as those that monitor water levels, rainfall, and sediments. 5. Answer questions and provide technical assistance and information to contractors or the public regarding issues such as well drilling, code requirements, hydrology, and geology. 6. Measure and graph phenomena such as lake levels, stream flows, and changes in water volumes. 7. Investigate properties, origins, and activities of glaciers, ice, snow, and permafrost. 8. Review applications for site plans and permits and recommend approval, denial, modification, or further investigative action. 9. Apply research findings to help minimize the environmental impacts of pollution, waterborne diseases, erosion, and sedimentation. 10. Develop or modify methods of conducting hydrologic studies. Education, Experience and Training 1 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed Median Annual Wage 4 $ 71,090 Training Opportunities 2,3 Institution Program Degree / Certificate Louisiana State University Coastal Envrionmental Science Bachelor s Degree Louisiana State University Geology Bachelor s Degree University of Louisiana at Lafeyette Geology Bachelor s Degree University of New Orleans Earth and Environmental Sciences Bachelor s Degree > Return to Career Pathway Graphic 5

10 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians Possible Job Titles 1 Environmental Technician, Environmental Specialist, Laboratory Specialist, Process Laboratory Specialist, Environmental Health Specialist, Laboratory Technician, Sanitarian, Public Health Sanitarian, Industrial Pretreatment Program Specialist (IPP Specialist), Sanitarian Specialist Job description 1 Performs laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health. Under direction of an environmental scientist or specialist, may collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing and take corrective actions as assigned. Tasks: 1. Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, and asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels and identify sources of pollution. 2. Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, and charts that interpret test results. 3. Develop and implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution and radiation. 4. Discuss test results and analyses with customers. 5. Set up equipment or stations to monitor and collect pollutants from sites, such as smoke stacks, manufacturing plants, or mechanical equipment. 6. Maintain files such as hazardous waste databases, chemical usage data, personnel exposure information and diagrams showing equipment locations. 7. Develop testing procedures or direct activities of workers in laboratory. 8. Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis. 9. Calibrate microscopes and test instruments. 10. Examine and analyze material for presence and concentration of contaminants such as asbestos, using variety of microscopes. Education, Experience and Training 1 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed Median Annual Wage 4 $ 39,540 > Return to Career Pathway Graphic 6

11 1 O*NET OnLine. US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Association. Web. 09 June SOC 2010 to CIP 2010 Crosswalk Spreadsheet. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). US Department of Education/Institute of Education Sciences. Web. 09 June Active Degree and Certificate Programs/Options. Louisiana Board of Regents. Notes Web. 09 June U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages. 7

12 1001 North 23rd Street P. O. Box Baton Rouge, LA