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Industrial Ecologists - 19-2041.03

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

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

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.
  • Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.
  • Conduct analyses to determine the maximum amount of work that can be accomplished for a given amount of energy in a system, such as industrial production systems and waste treatment systems.
  • Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.
  • Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
  • Conduct scientific protection, mitigation, or restoration projects to prevent resource damage, maintain the integrity of critical habitats, and minimize the impact of human activities.
  • Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.
  • Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.
  • Develop or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.
  • 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.
  • Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.
  • Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
  • Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.
  • Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
  • Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
  • Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.
  • Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.
  • Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.
  • Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.
  • Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect, and be affected by, changes in the environment.
  • Perform environmentally extended input-output (EE I-O) analyses.
  • Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.
  • Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.
  • Prepare plans to manage renewable resources.
  • Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
  • Promote use of environmental management systems (EMS) to reduce waste or to improve environmentally sound use of natural resources.
  • Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.
  • Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices.
  • Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
  • Research environmental effects of land and water use to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs, such as crop yields.
  • Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.
  • Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.
  • Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
  • Translate the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
  • Analyze environmental data.
  • Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
  • Appraise environmental impact of regulations or policies.
  • Communicate results of environmental research.
  • Conduct research of processes in natural or industrial ecosystems.
  • Conduct research on social issues.
  • Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
  • Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
  • Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
  • Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
  • Develop technical or scientific databases.
  • Identify sustainable business practices.
  • Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
  • Plan environmental research.
  • Plan natural resources conservation or restoration programs.
  • Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
  • Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
  • Promote environmental sustainability or conservation initiatives.
  • Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
  • Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
  • Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Bioenvironmental Engineering (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Bioenvironmental Engineering Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Environmental Engineering Management Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Environmental Health Officer (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Environmental Science and Engineering (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Industrial Hygiene Officer (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

No information available.