Environmental Economists

Environmental Economist
Natural Resource Economist
Research Economist
Resource Economist

What is an Environmental Economist?

Environmental economists study the relationship between economic activities and the environment. They analyze how economic policies and practices impact natural resources, ecosystems, and overall environmental health. By applying economic theories and methodologies, they assess the costs and benefits of environmental policies, sustainability initiatives, and resource management strategies. Their work often involves quantifying the economic value of ecosystem services, evaluating the impact of pollution and resource depletion, and developing models to forecast future environmental conditions. Environmental economists play a crucial role in informing government regulations, corporate practices, and public awareness on pressing environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. Through research, data analysis, and economic modeling, they contribute to creating effective solutions that balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Write technical documents or academic articles to communicate study results or economic forecasts.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Technology Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software
    • Econometric Software LIMDEP
    • IBM SPSS Statistics
    • Minitab
    • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Presentation software
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Development environment software
    • C
    • Microsoft Visual Basic
    • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
    • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Data base user interface and query software
    • Microsoft Access
    • Microsoft SQL Server
    • MySQL
    • Structure query language SQL
  • Object or component oriented development software
    • C#
    • C++
    • Python

Tools Used

Knowledge

  • Mathematics

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Economics and Accounting

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Education and Training

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills

  • 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.

  • Critical Thinking

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

  • Mathematics

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Abilities

  • Written Comprehension

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Mathematical Reasoning

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Oral Comprehension

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Written Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • Doctoral degree
    44 %
  • Master's degree
    41 %
  • Bachelor's degree
    11 %

Work Activities

  • Analyzing Data or Information

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Getting Information

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Working with Computers

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Processing Information

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Forecast economic, political, or social trends.
  • Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
  • Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies.
  • Collect environmental data or samples.
  • Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.

Work Interests

  • Investigative

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

  • Enterprising

    Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$62520.0 - $216900.0

New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average

Assessment

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