Senior Natural Scientist

A Senior Natural Scientist typically works in a laboratory environment to conduct research and experiments to help test and develop products or processes for the clean energy industry.

Marine & Wildlife Biologist

Marine Biologists research impacts of wind turbine construction and operation on marine species

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Make recommendations on management systems and planning for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options
  • Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations
  • Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs
  • Check for, and ensure compliance with, environmental laws, and notify law enforcement when violations are identified
  • Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Aquatic Biologist, Conservation Resources Management Biologist, Zoologist, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Habitat Biologist

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$63,270

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Writing, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Animal Scientists, Soil and Plant Scientists, Biologists

Meteorologist

Meteorologists collect environmental data or samples such as wind speed, wind direction or precipitation.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media
  • Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts
  • Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting
  • Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics
  • Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Broadcast Meteorologist, Forecaster, Hydro-meteorological Technician, Space Weather Forecaster, Warning Coordination Meteorologist

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$95,380

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Writing, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists, Geographic Information Systems Technicians, Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Environmental Scientists

Environmental Scientists assist in developing the wind farm project into a sustainable plan, including actions for decommissioning.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public
  • Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements
  • Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples
  • Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings
  • Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, Environmental Protection Specialist, Hazardous Substances Scientist, Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), Research Environmental Scientist

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$71,360

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Writing, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Monitoring

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Environmental Compliance Inspectors, Environmental Engineers, Soil and Water Conservationists

Ecologist

Ecologists identify sustainable business practices across all facets of wind farm development

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

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.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects
  • Examine local, regional, or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes
  • Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes
  • Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public
  • Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Ecologist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Services Director, Natural Scientist, Researcher

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$71,360

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Writing, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Active Learning, Systems Analysis

Geoscientist / Geologist & Hydrologist

Geoscientists analyze geological data, such as the seafloor layout to assist in layout design of the wind farm.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Analyze and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos
  • Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application
  • Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research
  • Analyze and interpret geological data, using computer software
  • Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth’s crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Engineering Geologist, Environmental Protection Geologist, Exploration Geologist, Geologist, Geoscientist

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$92,040

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Active Listening, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Writing, Active Learning, Mathematics

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists, Petroleum Engineers, Validation Engineers

Archaeologist

Archaeologists conduct anthropological or archaeological research

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

Conduct research to reconstruct record of past human life and culture from human remains, artifacts, architectural features, and structures recovered through excavation, underwater recovery, or other means of discovery.

TYPICAL TASKS SRC

  • Study objects and structures recovered by excavation to identify, date, and authenticate them and to interpret their significance
  • Research, survey, or assess sites of past societies and cultures in search of answers to specific research questions
  • Write, present, and publish reports that record site history, methodology, and artifact analysis results, along with recommendations for conserving and interpreting findings
  • Describe artifacts’ physical properties or attributes, such as the materials from which artifacts are made and their size, shape, function, and decoration
  • Present findings from archeological research to peers and the general public

EXAMPLE JOB TITLES SRC

Archaeologist, Associate Director, Curator, Director of Research Center, Principal Archaeologist

MEDIAN PAY SRC

$63,670

EDUCATION & TRAINING LEVEL

Bachelor's Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

3-5 years

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

Writing, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Science, Judgment and Decision Making

SIMILAR OCCUPATIONS

Anthropologists, Geographers, Anthropology and archeology Teachers, Post-secondary