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Industrial Ecologist

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What Do Industrial Ecologist Do?

Career Description 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.

List of Industrial Ecologist Job Duties

  • Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs using statistical analysis and applications.
  • 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.
  • Perform environmentally extended input-output (EE I-O) analyses.
  • Examine local, regional or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
  • Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
  • Translate the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices.

Skills Needed to be an Industrial Ecologist

These are the skills Industrial Ecologists say are the most useful in their careers:

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

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

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

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

  • Environmental Protection Specialist
  • Industrial Retrofit Designer
  • Forest Ecologist
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Ecologist

Is There Job Demand for Industrial Ecologists?

In the United States, there were 89,500 jobs for Industrial Ecologist in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 9,500 positions for Industrial Ecologist per 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.

Salary for an Industrial Ecologist

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

What Tools & Technology do Industrial Ecologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Industrial Ecologists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Python
  • Email software
  • SAP
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • 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

What education is needed to be an Industrial Ecologist?

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What work experience do I need to become an Industrial Ecologist?

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Where do Industrial Ecologists Work?

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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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