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Industrial Ecologist

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Life As an Industrial Ecologist

Example of Industrial Ecologist Job Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

Life As an Industrial Ecologist

  • Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.
  • Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.
  • 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.
  • Prepare technical and research reports such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
  • 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.

What an Industrial Ecologist Should Know

When polled, Industrial Ecologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Types of Industrial Ecologist Jobs

  • Environmental Protection Specialist
  • Ecologist
  • Development Associate
  • Industrial Green Systems Designer
  • Environmental Protection Agency Counselor

Job Outlook for Industrial Ecologists

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 89,500 jobs in the United States for Industrial Ecologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 9,900 new jobs for Industrial Ecologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Industrial Ecologist are Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does an Industrial Ecologist Make?

The typical yearly salary for Industrial Ecologists is somewhere between $42,520 and $124,620.

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Industrial Ecologists who work in District of Columbia, California, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

How much do Industrial Ecologists make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $67,630
Alaska $80,220
Arizona $72,150
Arkansas $58,540
California $91,890
Colorado $93,010
Connecticut $83,220
Delaware $59,890
District of Columbia $115,190
Florida $58,790
Georgia $72,860
Hawaii $69,780
Idaho $60,470
Illinois $78,640
Indiana $62,590
Iowa $74,140
Kansas $76,780
Kentucky $51,740
Louisiana $68,570
Maine $67,390
Maryland $77,300
Massachusetts $82,580
Michigan $69,430
Minnesota $74,880
Missouri $53,820
Montana $68,660
Nebraska $61,020
Nevada $63,920
New Hampshire $75,520
New Jersey $80,350
New Mexico $87,200
New York $79,340
North Carolina $64,850
North Dakota $72,860
Ohio $74,750
Oklahoma $65,490
Oregon $77,980
Pennsylvania $74,430
Rhode Island $82,160
South Dakota $61,250
Tennessee $72,470
Texas $80,880
Utah $68,480
Vermont $66,440
Virginia $85,550
Washington $85,090
West Virginia $56,380
Wisconsin $61,030
Wyoming $68,940

Tools & Technologies Used by Industrial Ecologists

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Industrial Ecologists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Python
  • Email software
  • SAP
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • SAS
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • STATISTICA
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Online databases

How to Become an Industrial Ecologist

Learn what Industrial Ecologist education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Industrial Ecologist?

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Who Employs Industrial Ecologists?

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Below are examples of industries where Industrial Ecologists work:

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References:

Image Credit: Lynn Betts via Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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