Environmental Economist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

This occupation has not yet received an official NOC code. However, it is considered similar to the following historical NOC codes. CAUTION—As this occupation is only similar to these NOC codes, related details and labour market information may not be accurate:

• 2006 NOC: Economists and Economic Policy Researchers and Analysts (4162) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Economists and Economic Policy Researchers and Analysts (E032) 
• 2011 NOC: Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts (4162) 

In general, environmental economists research economic and environmental topics, such as:

• Alternative fuel use
• Public and private land use
• Soil conservation
• Air and water pollution
• Endangered species protection

They also:

• Collaborate on related research, such as with the physical and biological sciences
• Assess the economic costs and benefits of environmental activities, policies, or regulations
• Assess the environmental costs and benefits of economic activities, policies, or regulations
• Quantify economic impacts of environmental policies on parties, such as the agricultural sector
• Inform policy makers whether environmental policies are feasible
• Develop economic models, forecasts, or scenarios to predict future economic and environmental outcomes
• Develop environmental research project plans, including information on:
  • Budgets
  • Goals
  • Deliverables
  • Timelines
  • Resource requirements
• Develop programs or policy recommendations to achieve economic and environmental sustainability
• Write research proposals and grant applications to obtain private or public funding for environmental and economic studies
• Identify and recommend environmentally friendly business practices
• Monitor or analyze market and environmental trends

Environmental economists also write reports and deliver presentations to:

• Share results of economic and environmental studies
• Explain possible interactions between economic and environmental impacts of future development activities
• Share policy recommendations
• Raise awareness of environmental consequences of proposed policies

Environmental economists primarily work in an office setting. They use computers to compile and analyze data. They may work from home. They may need to travel to consult with stakeholders or field professionals.

Working conditions can vary a great deal over the year. Environmental economists may work long hours at key times. For example, they may feel pressure to provide accurate, timely analyses when important decisions need to be made. They may feel such pressure when economic or environmental events are affecting business or government.

Environmental economists need:

• Mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills
• Interest in current affairs and the environment
• Above-average ability to use plain language to express complex ideas, in person and on paper
• Consultation skills

They should enjoy working with leading-edge methods and economic models. They should be comfortable advising others. This includes:

• Analyzing information
• Making economic forecasts
• Solving problems
• Taking part in decision-making with government and business

Environmental economists work in many sectors of the economy. They most often find jobs with:

• Large organizations in finance, business, and industry
• Industry associations
• Environmental organizations
• Universities and colleges
• Government departments and Crown corporations
• Private consulting firms
• International organizations

Most environmental economists work in the energy industry. Many are employed as economic consultants. They advise business, industry, government, labour, and others. Some work for consulting firms or are self-employed.

Environmental economists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4162: Economists and economic policy researchers and analysts. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Public Administration [pdf]
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction [pdf]
• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing [pdf]
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
• Wholesale Trade [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• Occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• Size of the occupation

Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE) website: www.cfee.org

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.