Industrial Ecologists
What is an Industrial Ecologist?
Industrial ecologists are professionals who study and analyze the interactions between industrial systems and the environment. They apply principles from ecology, engineering, and systems thinking to improve the sustainability of industrial processes, minimize waste, and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and production. The core focus of industrial ecology is to understand how resources flow through industrial systems and to identify opportunities for enhancing resource efficiency, promoting recycling, and integrating renewable materials into production cycles. Industrial ecologists often collaborate with businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions to develop sustainable practices and policies that support economic growth while protecting ecological systems.
Tasks
- Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
- Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
- Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
- Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
-
Data base user interface and query software
- Microsoft Access 365
- Online databases
- Oracle Database 23c
- SQL
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Data base management system software
Tools Used
- Scanners
- Notebook computers
- Special purpose telephones
- Laser fax machine
-
Desktop computers
Knowledge
-
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
-
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
-
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
-
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Skills
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
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.
-
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.
Abilities
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
-
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
-
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Master's degree
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Doctoral degree
Work Activities
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
-
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.
-
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Detailed Work Activities
- Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
- Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
- Identify sustainable business practices.
- Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
- Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
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.
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$48580.0 - $133660.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.