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Industrial Ecologists

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.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.
  • Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.
  • Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.
  • Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.
  • Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.
  • Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.
  • Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.
  • Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2023-11 · Machine Learning

4.6 / 7

Investigative

2023-11 · Machine Learning

7.0 / 7

Creative

2023-11 · Machine Learning

2.1 / 7

Helping people

2023-11 · Machine Learning

2.0 / 7

Enterprising

2023-11 · Machine Learning

3.0 / 7

Organizing

2023-11 · Machine Learning

4.0 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2021-08

4.1 / 5

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.

2021-08

4.0 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2021-08

4.0 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2021-08

4.0 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2021-08

3.9 / 5

Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

2021-08

3.8 / 5

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

2021-08

3.8 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2021-08

3.8 / 5

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

2021-08

3.6 / 5

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

2021-08

3.6 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 5 of 5 · 2021-08. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Environmental Studies →

Environmental Science →

Toxicology →

Molecular Toxicology →

Environmental Toxicology →

Marine Sciences →

Sustainability Studies →

Environmental Geosciences →

Geography and Environmental Studies →

Environmental Chemistry →

Environmental Health →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 19-2041.03 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.