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Addictions Counseling Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Addictions Counseling Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people drawn to behavioral health who want direct, one-on-one client work in recovery settings. Use the tools below to see which addictions counseling roles fit your background and goals.

This field requires state-specific licensure (hours of supervised clinical practice plus an exam) before someone can practice independently. Use the tools below to explore Addictions Counseling-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Substance Abuse Technician, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Licensed Addiction Counselor or Program Director. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Certified Addiction Counselor (CADC or state equivalent), that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Addictions Counseling careers/jobs, (2) Find Addictions Counseling job listings, (3) Prepare for Addictions Counseling careers, and (4) Provide Addictions Counseling career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Addictions Counseling careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Addictions Counseling Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Addictions Counseling careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Addictions Counseling, so relevant Addictions Counseling jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Addictions Counseling Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Addictions Counseling Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Addictions Counseling careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 92 Addictions Counseling Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

20 Addictions Counseling careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Addictions Counseling-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs

Nurse Practitioners 52.2% Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 52.2% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Medical and Health Services Managers 32.5% Mental Health Program Manager
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 32.5% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Program Manager
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 24.3% Mental Health Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 24.3% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aides Teacher
Community Health Workers 21% Mental Health Advocate
Occupation: Community Health Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 21% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Advocate
Social and Human Service Assistants 16.6% Addictions Counselor Assistant
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 16.6% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor Assistant
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 14.9% Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 14.9% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other 13.3% Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 13.3% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Psychiatric Technicians 12.8% Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.8% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Psychiatrists 12.5% Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Occupation: Psychiatrists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.5% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 10.6% Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Occupation: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.6% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other 10.5% Environmental Health Aide; Mental Health Assistant
Occupation: Healthcare Support Workers, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.5% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Aide; Mental Health Assistant
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians 9% EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 9% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Counselors, All Other 8.9% Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Counselors, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.9% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 8.4% Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Occupation: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.4% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Psychiatric Aides 7.4% Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.4% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 7.2% Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupation: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.2% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 7% EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors 6.1% EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Occupation: Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.1% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Social Workers, All Other 5.8% Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Social Workers, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.8% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 5% De-Alcoholizer
Occupation: Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5% Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: De-Alcoholizer

26 Addictions Counseling careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Addictions Counseling-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs

Psychiatrists $ 239,200+ Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Occupation: Psychiatrists National Median Salary: $ 239,200+ Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Preventive Medicine Physicians $ 236,000 Environmental Health Physician
Occupation: Preventive Medicine Physicians National Median Salary: $ 236,000 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Physician
Compliance Managers $ 133,560 Environmental Health and Safety Director; Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Occupation: Compliance Managers National Median Salary: $ 133,560 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Director; Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Nurse Practitioners $ 126,260 Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners National Median Salary: $ 126,260 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Medical and Health Services Managers $ 110,680 Mental Health Program Manager
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers National Median Salary: $ 110,680 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Program Manager
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $ 105,650 Mental Health Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 105,650 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aides Teacher
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $ 103,690 EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Occupation: Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors National Median Salary: $ 103,690 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $ 96,100 Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Occupation: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists National Median Salary: $ 96,100 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses $ 86,070 Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Physician; Mental Health Provider; PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Occupation: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses National Median Salary: $ 86,070 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Physician; Mental Health Provider; PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $ 81,140 EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists National Median Salary: $ 81,140 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $ 78,980 Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Occupation: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health National Median Salary: $ 78,980 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Environmental Compliance Inspectors $ 75,670 Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Occupation: Environmental Compliance Inspectors National Median Salary: $ 75,670 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $ 72,280 Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupation: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers National Median Salary: $ 72,280 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Social Workers, All Other $ 63,770 Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Social Workers, All Other National Median Salary: $ 63,770 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $ 57,920 EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians National Median Salary: $ 57,920 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $ 55,960 Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers National Median Salary: $ 55,960 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $ 50,660 Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Occupation: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health National Median Salary: $ 50,660 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $ 49,690 Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other National Median Salary: $ 49,690 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Community Health Workers $ 48,200 Mental Health Advocate
Occupation: Community Health Workers National Median Salary: $ 48,200 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Advocate
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $ 48,120 De-Alcoholizer
Occupation: Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders National Median Salary: $ 48,120 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: De-Alcoholizer
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $ 47,470 Environmental Health Technician
Occupation: Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other National Median Salary: $ 47,470 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Technician
Counselors, All Other $ 46,130 Mental Health Consultant
Occupation: Counselors, All Other National Median Salary: $ 46,130 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Consultant
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $ 44,490 Environmental Health Aide; Mental Health Assistant
Occupation: Healthcare Support Workers, All Other National Median Salary: $ 44,490 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Aide; Mental Health Assistant
Social and Human Service Assistants $ 41,410 Addictions Counselor Assistant
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants National Median Salary: $ 41,410 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor Assistant
Psychiatric Technicians $ 39,700 Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians National Median Salary: $ 39,700 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Psychiatric Aides $ 39,160 Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides National Median Salary: $ 39,160 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)

25 Addictions Counseling careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Addictions Counseling-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs

Nurse Practitioners 5 Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Occupation: Nurse Practitioners Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors 5 Addiction Counselor; Addiction Recovery Specialist; Addiction Therapist; Addictions Counselor; Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Alcoholic Counselor; Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor; CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor); Certified Abuse and Drug Addiction Counselor; Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC); Certified Alcohol Counselor; Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC); Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (ADAC); Certified Drug Counselor; Drug Abuse Counselor; Drug and Alcohol Therapist; Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS); Drug Counselor; Drug or Alcohol Abuse Human Relations Counselor; Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Occupation: Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addiction Counselor; Addiction Recovery Specialist; Addiction Therapist; Addictions Counselor; Alcohol and Drug Counselor; Alcoholic Counselor; Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor; CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor); Certified Abuse and Drug Addiction Counselor; Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC); Certified Alcohol Counselor; Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC); Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (ADAC); Certified Drug Counselor; Drug Abuse Counselor; Drug and Alcohol Therapist; Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS); Drug Counselor; Drug or Alcohol Abuse Human Relations Counselor; Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Psychiatrists 5 Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Occupation: Psychiatrists Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addiction Psychiatrist; Mental Health Physician
Preventive Medicine Physicians 5 Environmental Health Physician
Occupation: Preventive Medicine Physicians Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Physician
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses 5 Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Physician; Mental Health Provider; PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Occupation: Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS); Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP); Mental Health Nurse; Mental Health Physician; Mental Health Provider; PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse); PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner); Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse); Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Mental Health Counselors 5 Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC); Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC); Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); Licensed Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Counselor; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Program Specialist; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Therapist; Outpatient Mental Health Therapist
Occupation: Mental Health Counselors Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC); Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC); Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); Licensed Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Counselor; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Program Specialist; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Therapist; Outpatient Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 5 Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor; Alcoholism Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Community Mental Health Worker; Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP); Mental Health Case Manager; Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Practitioner; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Social Worker; Mental Health Therapist; Mental Health Worker; Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Mental Health Aides Teacher
Occupation: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aides Teacher
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists 5 Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Occupation: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Education/Preparation: 5 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Clinician; Mental Health Professional; Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Compliance Managers 4 Environmental Health and Safety Director; Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Occupation: Compliance Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Director; Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten 4 Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher
Occupation: Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher
Special Education Teachers, Elementary School 4 Severe EBD Teacher (Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher)
Occupation: Special Education Teachers, Elementary School Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Severe EBD Teacher (Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher)
Social and Human Service Assistants 4 Addictions Counselor Assistant
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Addictions Counselor Assistant
Community Health Workers 4 Mental Health Advocate
Occupation: Community Health Workers Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Advocate
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors 4 EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Occupation: Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern); Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer); Environmental Health and Safety Manager; Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 4 EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer); EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist); Environmental Health Inspector; Environmental Health Sanitarian; Environmental Health Technologist
Environmental Compliance Inspectors 4 Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Occupation: Environmental Compliance Inspectors Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 4 Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Occupation: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 4 Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Occupation: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist); Environmental Health Specialist; Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Medical and Health Services Managers 4 Mental Health Program Manager
Occupation: Medical and Health Services Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Program Manager
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 3 Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupation: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Education/Preparation: 3 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians 3 EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Occupation: Occupational Health and Safety Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator); Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech); Environmental Health Technologist
Psychiatric Technicians 3 Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Occupation: Psychiatric Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Specialist; Mental Health Technician (MHT); MHA (Mental Health Assistant); MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Psychiatric Aides 2 Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Occupation: Psychiatric Aides Education/Preparation: 2 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: Mental Health Aide (MHA); Mental Health Assistant; Mental Health Associate; Mental Health Orderly; Mental Health Program Assistant; Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 2 De-Alcoholizer
Occupation: Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders Education/Preparation: 2 Addictions Counseling-Related Jobs: De-Alcoholizer

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 92 specific Addictions Counseling job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
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Addiction Counselor
Addiction Psychiatrist
Addiction Recovery Specialist
Addiction Therapist
Addictions Counselor
Addictions Counselor Assistant
Adult PMHNP (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Adult Psychiatric Mental Health APRN (Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)
Alcohol and Drug Counselor
Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent (ALE Agent)
Alcoholic Counselor
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor
Alcoholism Worker
Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (BC PMH-CNS)
CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)
Certified Abuse and Drug Addiction Counselor
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC)
Certified Alcohol Counselor
Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC)
Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (ADAC)
Certified Drug Counselor
Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC)
Community Mental Health Social Worker
Community Mental Health Worker
De-Alcoholizer
Drug Abuse Counselor
Drug and Alcohol Therapist
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS)
Drug Counselor
Drug or Alcohol Abuse Human Relations Counselor
EHS Coordinator (Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator)
EHS Intern (Environmental Health and Safety Intern)
EHS Officer (Environmental Health and Safety Officer)
EHS Specialist (Environmental Health and Safety Specialist)
Environmental Health Aide
Environmental Health and Safety Advisor (EH & S)
Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator (EHS Coordinator)
Environmental Health and Safety Director
Environmental Health and Safety Engineer (EHS Engineer)
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist (EHS Specialist)
Environmental Health and Safety Technician (Environmental Health and Safety Tech)
Environmental Health Inspector
Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
Environmental Health Physician
Environmental Health Sanitarian
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Health Technician
Environmental Health Technologist
Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP)
Licensed Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health Advocate
Mental Health Aide (MHA)
Mental Health Aides Teacher
Mental Health Assistant
Mental Health Associate
Mental Health Case Manager
Mental Health Clinician
Mental Health Consultant
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Nurse
Mental Health Orderly
Mental Health Physician
Mental Health Practitioner
Mental Health Professional
Mental Health Program Assistant
Mental Health Program Manager
Mental Health Program Specialist
Mental Health Provider
Mental Health Social Worker
Mental Health Specialist
Mental Health Technician (MHT)
Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health Unit Psychologist
Mental Health Worker
Mental Health Worker (MHW)
MHA (Mental Health Assistant)
MHW (Mental Health Worker)
Outpatient Mental Health Therapist
PMH-APRN (Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse)
PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Psychiatric Mental Health NP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (PMH Nurse)
Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMH-CNS)
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Severe EBD Teacher (Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher)
Severe Emotional Behavioral Disorders Teacher


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.


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Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

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.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
87,100
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
94,400
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
7,300 (8.4%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
9,400
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Develop methods to minimize the impact of production processes on the environment, based on the study and assessment of industrial production, environmental legislation, and physical, biological, and social environments.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.
Importance: 50 (%) Description: Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.
Importance: 49 (%) Description: Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.
Importance: 28 (%) Description: Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Advise others about environmental management or conservation.
Advise others on matters of public policy.
Assess compliance with environmental laws.
Compile environmental or climatological data.
Develop environmental sustainability plans or projects.
Develop plans to manage natural or renewable resources.
Develop sustainable industrial or development methods.
Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
Direct technical activities or operations.
Monitor environmental impacts of production or development activities.
Plan environmental research.
Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Research impacts of environmental conservation initiatives.
Review environmental permits, plans, or reports.
Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
Supervise trainees.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 88 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Time Management: Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Management of Personnel Resources: Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on environmental sustainability or green practices.
Activity: Advise others on legal or regulatory matters.
Activity: Assess compliance with environmental standards or regulations.
Activity: Compile records, documentation, or other data.
Activity: Develop plans for managing or preserving natural resources.
Activity: Develop research plans or methodologies.
Activity: Develop scientific or mathematical theories or models.
Activity: Develop sustainable organizational or business policies or practices.
Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.
Activity: Examine materials or documentation for accuracy or compliance.
Activity: Investigate the environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Activity: Prepare legal or regulatory documents.
Activity: Present research or technical information.
Activity: Provide information or assistance to the public.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcGIS software
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
Widely Used Tech Skills
Geographic information system:
Geographic information system GIS systems
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
IBM SPSS Statistics
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Bentley MicroStation
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Development environment software:
Microsoft Visual Basic
Document management software:
Adobe Acrobat
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Adobe Illustrator
Object or component oriented development software:
C++
Project management software:
Microsoft Project
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
ADMS pollution modeling software
CAP88-PC
CERC EMIT
Chemicals and Irrigation CANDI
Compass software
DQO ELIPGRID-PC
Ecotech WinCollect
Hotspot
Laboratory information management system LIMS
Lakes Environmental EcoRisk View
Lakes Environmental ISC-AERMOD View
Lakes Environmental SLAB View
Link Microtek
Rad Pro Calculator
RSA RadCalc
SoundPLAN
Statistical software
TANKS
Wolfel IMMI
Compliance software:
Ecotech WinAQMS
Emissions tracking software
Material safety data sheet MSDS software
MIRS Compliance
Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below):
Chemical management tracking software
Database software
DataPipe EHS
EarthSoft EQuIS Geology
Lakes Environmental Emissions View
Smart Data Solutions RS Solutions
Tucows ChemBase
Document management software:
Microsoft SharePoint Server
Geographic information system:
ESRI ArcInfo
ESRI ArcView
Geographic information system GIS software
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
Graphics software
SmugMug Flickr
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Map creation software:
Geomechanical design analysis GDA software
Golden Software Surfer
Mapping software
RockWare ArcMap
Object or component oriented development software:
Sun Microsystems Java
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 47.5 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 21.3 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 13.8 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 12.7 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Education: Doctoral Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 0.8 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 29.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 27.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 13.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years
Frequency of Attainment: 12.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 10.4 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 5.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 1.5 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Certified Environmental Scientist External Link
WSO - Certified Governmental Environmental Specialist External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Earthwatch Institute External Link
Institute of Clean Air Companies (ICAC) External Link
International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) External Link
Natural Products Association (NPA) External Link
Shaw Institute (SI) External Link
Sustainable Buildings Industry Council External Link
Water Environment Federation (WEF) External Link
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

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Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health" occupation.






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