Industrial Ecologists
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.
Also known as: Aquatic Ecologist, Eco-Industrial Development Consultant, Ecological Professional, Ecologist, Environmental Business Development Associate, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Protection Activist, Environmental Protection Agency Counselor, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Faster than average)
What You'd Do
- Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
- Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
- Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.
- Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
- Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
- Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
- Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.
- Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.
- Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
- Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.
- Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.
- Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices.
- Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
- Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
- Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.
- Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs, using statistical analysis and applications.
- Examine local, regional, or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.
- Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.
- Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Other Tools
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.