Sunday, July 8, 2012

Three Occupations in the Federal Consulting Services Arena - Part III

Choosing an industry in which to work is often as important as choosing an occupation. And over the next several years, the best advice for some workers may be to choose an industry that sells advice: consulting.

The management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry comprises businesses that offer specialized advice to other businesses. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this industry is expected to grow by 83 percent—representing a gain of more than 800,000 jobs—over the 2008–18 decade. This represents both the fastest projected rate of growth and the largest expected job gain of all detailed industries. And even during the recent recession, this industry has proven resilient, recovering nearly all of the jobs it lost in the downturn.

This three-part blog highlights three occupations in the consulting services industry: management analyst, market research analyst, and environmental scientist and specialist. Keep reading to learn more about these workers. The occupational profiles describe what they do, how much they earn, and how they prepare for the work. You'll also find sources of additional information at the end of the article.

Three occupations in consulting services

Workers in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry provide advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations. Some offer advice about general business management on topics such as finances, personnel, marketing, distribution, and other business operations. Others provide advice about environmental, scientific, and technical issues.

For each occupation, the median wage was higher than the $33,190 median for all occupations in May 2009. Strong job growth is expected to continue as businesses seek advice about planning and logistics, implementing new technologies, and complying with regulations on workplace safety and the environment. Other trends, such as continued globalization and increased security, are also expected to spur demand for workers in this industry.

Environmental Scientists

Environmental scientists and specialists, including health Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. As consultants, they often assist organizations in complying with environmental regulations, which minimize health hazards to people and the environment. These scientists and specialists analyze measurements and observations of air, food, water, and soil. The information helps organizations decide how to clean and preserve the environment. Often, their work stems from the need to comply with environmental regulations and policies. For example, Federal regulations set basic guidelines on the amount of pollutants that organizations may emit. These organizations might consult other environmental scientists and specialists for suggestions on ways to reduce emissions.

Environmental scientists and specialists also help organizations to determine how to clean up or dispose of toxic waste. And they help to identify the environmental impact of a given action. Before new construction can begin, for example, consultants might assess possible changes that the project would have on a nearby ecosystem.

These workers write risk assessments that describe the likely effect of construction and other environmental changes. They also write technical proposals and give presentations about their findings.

Employment, outlook, and wages. According to BLS, there were about 83,530 environmental scientists and specialists employed overall in May 2009. This number includes 17,250, or 21 percent, working in management, scientific, and technical consulting services. These workers are also employed by State and local governments; architectural, engineering and related services; and the Federal Government.

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected by BLS to increase by 28 percent over the 2008–18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth should be strongest in consulting firms. Increases in employment will be spurred by demands on the environment from population growth and by greater awareness of the problems resulting from environmental degradation. The need for organizations to comply with complex environmental laws and regulations should also lead to consulting opportunities.

Much of the projected job growth should result from a continued need to monitor environmental quality, to interpret the impact of human actions on ecosystems, and to develop strategies for restoring damaged ecosystems. In addition, planners will consult environmental scientists to develop and construct buildings, transportation corridors, and utilities that protect and efficiently use resources.

The median annual wage of environmental scientists and specialists, including health, in management, scientific, and consulting services was $61,880 in May 2009, according to BLS. The lowest earning 10 percent made $37,060 or less in this industry, and the highest earning 10 percent made $122,470 or more.

Skills and training. Environmental scientists and specialists need strong oral and written communication skills because they write technical reports and research proposals, present information on health risks to the public, and work as part of a team with other scientists, engineers, and technicians.

A bachelor's degree in one of the earth sciences is adequate for entry-level positions, but consulting firms may prefer that workers have a master's degree in environmental science or a related natural science. Some of these scientists and specialists have a degree in environmental science, but others earn a degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or the geosciences. They often need research or work experience related to environmental science.

For environmental scientists and specialists in consulting services, other useful courses include business, finance, marketing, and economics. And combining environmental science training with other disciplines, such as engineering or business, may qualify these scientists for a wide range of jobs.

For additional information on Federal Jobs and Careers, visit Dreamfedjob.com

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