Environmental Sciences
Program Description
An Associate in Science (AS) degree in Environmental Sciences prepares students for transfer to a university and is intended for students pursuing a career in fields such as environmental consulting, natural resource management, science education, or graduate school in the sciences. Students may choose an Applied Geology Emphasis or a Biology Emphasis. Students may complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a Biology Emphasis entirely at Northern Arizona University-Yuma. The Applied Geology Emphasis requires transfer to NAU in Flagstaff or elsewhere for the BS degree.
Graduates of the Environmental Sciences – Applied Geology Emphasis program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Prepare and interpret graphs, maps, and diagrams of geologic data
- Identify and explain the origins of minerals and rocks
- Describe the inter-relationships between geology and the other areas of science
- Become informed of the one-world concept of geological processes affecting humanity
- Be familiar with the various technical tools used by environmental scientists including GIS, GPS, remote sensing and other mapping tools and describe how these various tools work together to assist environmental biologists
- Describe the nature of scientific inquiry and be able to identify when research, monitoring, or taxonomy is appropriate to apply to environmental issues
- Describe pollution and the processes of Earth's atmosphere
Graduates of the Environmental Sciences – Biology Emphasis program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Explain the interdependence of all species and the importance of biological diversity in the functioning of the biosphere
- Explain why microbes are vital to life on Earth
- Be familiar with the various technical tools used by environmental scientists including GIS, GPS, remote sensing and other mapping tools and describe how these various tools work together to assist environmental biologists
- Describe the nature of scientific inquiry and be able to identify when research, monitoring, or taxonomy is appropriate to apply to environmental issues
- Discuss the role of biological diversity in the functioning of ecosystems
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Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Environmental Sciences - Applied Geology Emphasis - A.S. Transfer Degree | - |
| Environmental Sciences - Biology Emphasis - A.S. Transfer Degree | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Teach courses in environmental science. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Duties/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.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 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.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$90,820
$90,820
Entry Level Salary
$48,110
$48,110
Mid Level Salary
$78,910
$78,910
Expert Level Salary
$127,760
$127,760
Average Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Entry Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Mid Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Doctoral Degree
Description
Perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health, under the direction of an environmental scientist, engineer, or other specialist. May collect samples of gases, soil, water, and other materials for testing.
Duties/Tasks
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Develop or implement programs for monitoring of environmental pollution or radiation.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Calibrate microscopes or test instruments.
- Provide information or technical or program assistance to government representatives, employers, or the general public on the issues of public health, environmental protection, or workplace safety.
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Monitor emission control devices to ensure they are operating properly and comply with state and federal regulations.
- Inspect sanitary conditions at public facilities.
- Direct activities of workers in laboratory.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$49,520
$49,520
Entry Level Salary
$30,960
$30,960
Mid Level Salary
$46,920
$46,920
Expert Level Salary
$63,120
$63,120
Average Hourly Wage
$23.81
$23.81
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$14.88
$14.88
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$22.00
$22.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$30.35
$30.35
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.
Duties/Tasks
- Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
- Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
- Collect, synthesize, analyze, manage, and report environmental data, such as pollution emission measurements, atmospheric monitoring measurements, meteorological or mineralogical information, or soil or water samples.
- Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
- Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
- Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
- Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
- Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
- Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
- Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$66,390
$66,390
Entry Level Salary
$45,720
$45,720
Mid Level Salary
$62,100
$62,100
Expert Level Salary
$97,360
$97,360
Average Hourly Wage
$31.92
$31.92
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$21.98
$21.98
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$29.00
$29.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$46.81
$46.81
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.
Duties/Tasks
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
- Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
- Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
- Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
- Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
- Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
- Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
- Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$133,350
$133,350
Entry Level Salary
$75,170
$75,170
Mid Level Salary
$113,630
$113,630
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$64.11
$64.11
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$36.14
$36.14
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$54.00
$54.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.
Duties/Tasks
- Identify environmental contamination sources.
- Coordinate on-site activities for environmental cleanup or remediation projects to ensure compliance with environmental laws, standards, regulations, or other requirements.
- Identify and apply for project funding.
- Plan or implement brownfield redevelopment projects to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with applicable standards or requirements.
- Estimate costs for environmental cleanup and remediation of land redevelopment projects.
- Conduct quantitative risk assessments for human health, environmental, or other risks.
- Design or implement plans for surface or ground water remediation.
- Design or implement measures to improve the water, air, and soil quality of military test sites, abandoned mine land, or other contaminated sites.
- Review or evaluate environmental remediation project proposals.
- Prepare reports or presentations to communicate brownfield redevelopment needs, status, or progress.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$121,290
$121,290
Entry Level Salary
$60,710
$60,710
Mid Level Salary
$111,740
$111,740
Expert Level Salary
$169,250
$169,250
Average Hourly Wage
$58.31
$58.31
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.19
$29.19
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$53.00
$53.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$81.37
$81.37
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.
Duties/Tasks
- Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
- Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
- Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
- Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
- Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
- Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.
- Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.
- Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts.
- Promote initiatives to mitigate climate change with government or environmental groups.
- Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$66,390
$66,390
Entry Level Salary
$45,720
$45,720
Mid Level Salary
$62,100
$62,100
Expert Level Salary
$97,360
$97,360
Average Hourly Wage
$31.92
$31.92
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$21.98
$21.98
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$29.00
$29.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$46.81
$46.81
Typical Education Level
Masters Degree
Description
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Duties/Tasks
- Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
- Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
- Gather information from geographic information systems (GIS) databases or applications to formulate land use recommendations.
- Participate on work teams to plan, develop, or implement programs or policies for improving environmental habitats, wetlands, or groundwater or soil resources.
- Compute cost estimates of different conservation practices, based on needs of land users, maintenance requirements, or life expectancy of practices.
- Develop or maintain working relationships with local government staff or board members.
- Revisit land users to view implemented land use practices or plans.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$65,110
$65,110
Entry Level Salary
$30,220
$30,220
Mid Level Salary
$63,750
$63,750
Expert Level Salary
$88,300
$88,300
Average Hourly Wage
$31.30
$31.30
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$14.53
$14.53
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$30.00
$30.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$42.45
$42.45
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.
Duties/Tasks
- Determine the nature of code violations and actions to be taken, and issue written notices of violation, participating in enforcement hearings, as necessary.
- Prepare, organize, and maintain inspection records.
- Investigate complaints and suspected violations regarding illegal dumping, pollution, pesticides, product quality, or labeling laws.
- Determine which sites and violation reports to investigate, and coordinate compliance and enforcement activities with other government agencies.
- Interview individuals to determine the nature of suspected violations and to obtain evidence of violations.
- Inform individuals and groups of pollution control regulations and inspection findings, and explain how problems can be corrected.
- Verify that hazardous chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in accordance with regulations.
- Learn and observe proper safety precautions, rules, regulations, and practices so that unsafe conditions can be recognized and proper safety protocols implemented.
- Monitor follow-up actions in cases where violations were found, and review compliance monitoring reports.
- Inspect waste pretreatment, treatment, and disposal facilities and systems for conformance to federal, state, or local regulations.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$67,680
$67,680
Entry Level Salary
$38,170
$38,170
Mid Level Salary
$62,470
$62,470
Expert Level Salary
$101,760
$101,760
Average Hourly Wage
$32.54
$32.54
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$18.35
$18.35
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$30.00
$30.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$48.92
$48.92
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.
Duties/Tasks
- Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.
- Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.
- Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.
- Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs.
- Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.
- Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats.
- Plan environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software.
- Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals.
- Apply for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects.
- Inspect active remediation sites to ensure compliance with environmental or safety policies, standards, or regulations.
- Develop natural resource management plans, using knowledge of environmental planning or state and federal environmental regulatory requirements.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$66,390
$66,390
Entry Level Salary
$45,720
$45,720
Mid Level Salary
$62,100
$62,100
Expert Level Salary
$97,360
$97,360
Average Hourly Wage
$31.92
$31.92
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$21.98
$21.98
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$29.00
$29.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$46.81
$46.81
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.
Duties/Tasks
- Coordinate or direct development, energy assessment, engineering, or construction activities to ensure that wind project needs and objectives are met.
- Manage wind project costs to stay within budget limits.
- Lead or support negotiations involving tax agreements or abatements, power purchase agreements, land use, or interconnection agreements.
- Create wind energy project plans, including project scope, goals, tasks, resources, schedules, costs, contingencies, or other project information.
- Supervise the work of subcontractors or consultants to ensure quality and conformance to specifications or budgets.
- Develop scope of work for wind project functions, such as design, site assessment, environmental studies, surveying, or field support services.
- Provide verbal or written project status reports to project teams, management, subcontractors, customers, or owners.
- Update schedules, estimates, forecasts, or budgets for wind projects.
- Prepare or assist in the preparation of applications for environmental, building, or other required permits.
- Review or evaluate proposals or bids to make recommendations regarding awarding of contracts.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$121,290
$121,290
Entry Level Salary
$60,710
$60,710
Mid Level Salary
$111,740
$111,740
Expert Level Salary
$169,250
$169,250
Average Hourly Wage
$58.31
$58.31
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.19
$29.19
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$53.00
$53.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$81.37
$81.37
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.
Duties/Tasks
- Supervise employees or subcontractors to ensure quality of work or adherence to safety regulations or policies.
- Train or coordinate the training of employees in operations, safety, environmental issues, or technical issues.
- Track and maintain records for wind operations, such as site performance, downtime events, parts usage, or substation events.
- Oversee the maintenance of wind field equipment or structures, such as towers, transformers, electrical collector systems, roadways, or other site assets.
- Prepare wind field operational budgets.
- Develop relationships and communicate with customers, site managers, developers, land owners, authorities, utility representatives, or residents.
- Maintain operations records, such as work orders, site inspection forms, or other documentation.
- Recruit or select wind operations employees, contractors, or subcontractors.
- Provide technical support to wind field customers, employees, or subcontractors.
- Estimate costs associated with operations, including repairs or preventive maintenance.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$121,290
$121,290
Entry Level Salary
$60,710
$60,710
Mid Level Salary
$111,740
$111,740
Expert Level Salary
$169,250
$169,250
Average Hourly Wage
$58.31
$58.31
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.19
$29.19
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$53.00
$53.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$81.37
$81.37
Typical Education Level
Associates Degree
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Alexander | Professor of Environmental Science | (928) 317-6302 | laura.alexander@azwestern.edu |
| Jacob Gibson | Professor of Environmental Science | (928) 344-7610 | Jacob.Gibson@azwestern.edu |