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Environmental Economists

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-3011)

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

At a Glance

Environmental Economists earns a median of $115,440/yr with +1.2% projected growth. Typical entry: Master's degree. Top skills: Analyzing Data or Information, Getting Information, Mathematics.

Median Annual Wage

$115,440/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+1.2%

Annual Openings

1

Typical Education

Master's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (13)

Writing

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

4.1
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

4.0
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
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.

4.0
Critical Thinking

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

4.0
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.9
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.6
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.6
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.5
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.5
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

3.4
Instructing

Teaching others how to do something.

3.3
Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

3.3

Knowledge (4)

Mathematics

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

4.7
Economics and Accounting

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

4.4
English Language

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

4.0
Computers and Electronics

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

3.7

Abilities (16)

Written Comprehension

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

4.3
Mathematical Reasoning

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

4.1
Oral Comprehension

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

4.0
Oral Expression

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

4.0
Written Expression

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

4.0
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.9
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.

3.9
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.9
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.9
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.8
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.6
Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

3.3
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.3
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.3
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.3

Technology (18)

ESRI ArcGIS software

Category: Geographic information system | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SQL Server

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
IBM SPSS Statistics

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
MySQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Studio

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Basic

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
The MathWorks MATLAB

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Tableau

Category: Business intelligence and data analysis software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (17)

Analyzing Data or Information

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

4.9
Getting Information

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

4.7
Working with Computers

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

4.6
Processing Information

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

4.4
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

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

4.3
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

4.2
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.0
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.9
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.9
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.8
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.8
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.

3.7
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.7
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.4
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.3
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.3
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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