Environmental chemists study how chemicals, waste and pollution affect the animals, plants and people around us. The heart of their position is research and investigating the source of chemical agents and ways to reduce and prevent hazards. They may be called upon to work in environmental emergencies, provide environmental consultations or evaluate risks.
Environmental chemists collect samples of water, soil and air around them to test. They record what they find and construct reports to share with other team members, employers or clients. They also set up and maintain the equipment used to gather and measure data. They constantly reevaluate their efforts and come up with ways to improve data collection and research methods, as well as establishing effective ways of controlling pollutants.
Environmental scientists and specialists work in offices and laboratories. Some may spend time in the field gathering data and monitoring environmental conditions firsthand, but this work is much more likely to be done by environmental science and protection technicians.
A person working as an Environmental and Agricultural Scientist in Kenya typically earns around KSH250,000 per month. Salaries range from KSH130,000 (lowest) to KSH383,000 (highest).
Job opportunities for environmental scientists of all kinds are projected to grow at a much-faster-than-average pace compared to other jobs. This is due mostly to recent initiatives by governments and businesses to be more conscious of their effect on the environment.
Environmental chemists typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter this field, although a master’s degree may be preferred by some employers, and a doctoral degree is needed for some academic or research positions. Environmental chemists use data gathering and research skills in their quest to understand and reduce waste and toxic pollution and its effects on the environment. They may be responsible for using equipment and creating reports.
