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Environmental Science Professors

Overview

Environmental science professors teach college students about ecosystems, climate change, pollution, and sustainability while conducting their own research on environmental issues. They create course materials, grade assignments, and use modern technology like GIS mapping software and environmental monitoring equipment in their teaching. These professors often collaborate with other scientists and work in flexible academic environments that blend classroom teaching with fieldwork and lab research. To become one, you typically need a PhD in environmental science or a related field, plus strong communication and research skills.
Environmental Science Professors

Did you know?

A doctoral degree in environmental science or related field is typically required for tenure-track positions at American colleges and universities.

At a Glance

Median Wage

$88,871.39 Avg/yr

Growth

Stable

Top Skill

Social Perceptiveness

Key Responsibilities

  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as hazardous waste management, industrial safety, and environmental toxicology.
  • Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Review papers or serve on editorial boards for scientific journals, and review grant proposals for various agencies.
  • Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
  • Supervise students' laboratory and field work.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
  • Write letters of recommendation for students.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.

Career Considerations

Advanced Degree Requirements

A doctoral degree in environmental science or related field is typically required for tenure-track positions at American colleges and universities.

Highly Competitive Job Market

The academic job market for environmental science faculty positions is extremely competitive, with many qualified candidates competing for limited tenure-track openings.

Research Funding Dependencies

Success often depends on securing federal grants from agencies like NSF and EPA, as research funding is crucial for career advancement in American academia.

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