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Industrial Ecologists

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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.

What you’d do

  • 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.
  • Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
  • Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
  • Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.

Skills that matter

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Complex Problem Solving

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Protection Agency Counselor
  • Research Scientist
  • Researcher

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