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Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Overview
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.

Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $42K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $60K
Median Salary: $84K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $114K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $159K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

Supervise students' laboratory and field work.

Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.

Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.

Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.

Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.

Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as hazardous waste management, industrial safety, and environmental toxicology.

Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.

Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.

Write letters of recommendation for students.

Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.

Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.

Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.

Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.

Review papers or serve on editorial boards for scientific journals, and review grant proposals for various agencies.

Act as advisers to student organizations.

Participate in campus and community events.

Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Calendar and scheduling software
Calendar and scheduling software
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Computer based training software
Sakai CLE
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Document management software
Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Information retrieval or search software
iParadigms Turnitin
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Map creation software
ESRI ArcGIS software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Image scanning software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web page creation and editing software
Social media software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Audio and visual presentation and composing equipment
Liquid crystal display LCD projectors
Communications Devices and Accessories
Multi-line telephone systems
Components for information technology or broadcasting or telecommunications
Universal serial bus USB flash drives
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Consumer electronics
Digital video disk DVD players
Data Voice or Multimedia Network Equipment or Platforms and Accessories
Conference telephones
Fishing and aquaculture equipment
Marine collection nets
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Particle size analyzers
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Hand held portable scales
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Digital calculators
Photographic or filming or video equipment
Compact digital cameras
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Education and Training
88%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language
88%
Importance

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

Biology
85%
Importance

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Chemistry
80%
Importance

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.

Mathematics
78%
Importance

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

Computers and Electronics
76%
Importance

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

Geography
73%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Engineering and Technology
66%
Importance

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.

Administration and Management
63%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Physics
63%
Importance

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.

Top 10 Skills
Reading Comprehension
83%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking
83%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening
80%
Importance

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.

Critical Thinking
80%
Importance

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

Instructing
80%
Importance

Teaching others how to do something.

Learning Strategies
80%
Importance

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

Science
80%
Importance

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Writing
80%
Importance

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

Active Learning
78%
Importance

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

Monitoring
78%
Importance

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

Top 10 Abilities
Oral Expression
88%
Importance

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

Written Comprehension
83%
Importance

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

Deductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

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

Inductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

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

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

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

Speech Clarity
80%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Written Expression
80%
Importance

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

Near Vision
73%
Importance

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

Speech Recognition
70%
Importance

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

Problem Sensitivity
68%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Top 10 Work Activities
Getting Information
90%
Importance

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

Training and Teaching Others
90%
Importance

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

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
89%
Importance

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

Interacting With Computers
86%
Importance

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

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
85%
Importance

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

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
84%
Importance

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

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
82%
Importance

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

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
81%
Importance

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

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
81%
Importance

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

Thinking Creatively
81%
Importance

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

Detailed Work Activities

Evaluate student work.

Develop instructional materials.

Supervise laboratory work.

Supervise student research or internship work.

Advise students on academic or career matters.

Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.

Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.

Evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.

Develop instructional objectives.

Guide class discussions.

Research topics in area of expertise.

Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.

Maintain student records.

Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.

Prepare tests.

Teach physical science or mathematics courses at the college level.

Select educational materials or equipment.

Order instructional or library materials or equipment.

Write reports or evaluations.

Promote educational institutions or programs.

Perform student enrollment or registration activities.

Write grant proposals.

Serve on institutional or departmental committees.

Evaluate scholarly materials.

Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.

Direct department activities.

Plan community programs or activities for the general public.

Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies.

Work Context
Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Structured versus Unstructured Work

To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Public Speaking

How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Coordinate or Lead Others

How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?

Education
Majors
Major
Natural Resources Conservation and Research
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Sustainability Studies
Environmental Geosciences
Geobiology
Geography and Environmental Studies
Chemistry
Interests
Social
100%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Investigative
86%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
62%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Realistic
43%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Enterprising
39%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Conventional
24%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Top 10 Work Styles
Initiative
93%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Analytical Thinking
92%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Integrity
92%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Persistence
91%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Achievement/Effort
90%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Independence
89%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Dependability
88%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation
87%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Innovation
86%
Importance

Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Attention to Detail
85%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Work Values
Achievement
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Recognition
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Working Conditions
74%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Relationships
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Support
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.