Will AI replace Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 97 official task statements scored for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (United States, SOC 19-2041), 40% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 53 out of 100 (range 48–59, band: partial). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

What should someone working in “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 40% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 26% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.

US dataswitch to UK

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

providing analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, monitoring the environmental impact of development activities and identifying environmental mitigation alternatives. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

This job is splitting in two: providing analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy is work AI now does quickly and cheaply, and conducting site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs is work it can't touch.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 40%
changing shape: 34%
staying human: 26%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 53 out of 100 (48–59 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, across 97 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for environmental scientists and specialists, including health is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Which half fills your week decides your exposure. The ledger below shows which rows you can move toward.

Your week, as this page understands it

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. The job title says “environmental scientists”, “specialists” or “including health”: officially one job, several names. The real job is the part underneath: conducting site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But environmental scientists and specialists, including health is not one task. It is 97 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is conducting site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 40%
changing shape: 34%
staying human: 26%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
10 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Shifting to AI

36 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Providing analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy
This is reading one thing and writing another: analytical support in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 5 · Core
Source: “Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Pulling evidence together for policy briefs uses public research and documents, the kind of material software handles very well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Developing environmental restoration project schedules and budgets
This is reading one thing and writing another: environmental restoration project schedules in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Develop environmental restoration project schedules and budgets.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building project schedules and budgets follows standard planning methods and the organization own cost data, which software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying environmental impacts
This is reading one thing and writing another: environmental impacts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Identify environmental impacts caused by products, systems, or projects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Identifying likely environmental effects of a product or project draws on documented science and past assessments software can search.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues
This is reading one thing and writing another: study reports, memoranda, briefs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reports, memos and briefings are written products built from documented sources, so software produces drafts a specialist would lightly edit.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.

Changing shape

34 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Identifying or developing strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes
The software now makes the first pass at strategies, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Identify or develop strategies or methods to minimize the environmental impact of industrial production processes.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can propose ways to cut a production process impact, though what fits a specific plant needs an engineer judgment.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Analyzing changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences
The software now makes the first pass at changes, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Analyze changes designed to improve the environmental performance of complex systems and avoid unintended negative consequences.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Analyzing proposed changes for knock-on effects is reasoning over documented systems, which software does well with good data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Creating habitat management or restoration plans
The software now makes the first pass at habitat management, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Create habitat management or restoration plans, such as native tree restoration and weed control.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can draft a restoration plan, but the right species and weed controls depend on close knowledge of that particular site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

Staying human

27 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

Providing technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers
The value here is that a specific person handles technical direction and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or other professionals working to develop restoration plans or strategies.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Giving technical direction to engineers and biologists works through ongoing working relationships, not documents alone.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs
This work happens in the physical world: site assessments, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 6 out of 100 (0–16 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Assessing a site's habitat or damage requires being there, with a qualified person certifying the result.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Collecting and analyzing data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs
This work happens in the physical world: data, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Collect and analyze data to determine environmental conditions and restoration needs.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Analyzing the data is strong for software; getting the samples and readings from the site is not.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 87 tasks

Preparing charts or graphs from data samples
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: charts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning sample data into clear charts with a short written summary is exactly the kind of work software now does very well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Building and maintaining databases of information about energy alternatives
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: databases of information in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related to ecological change.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 93 out of 100 (89–97 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building and maintaining reference databases is structured computer work that software handles very efficiently.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 4/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning or developing research models
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: research models in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building statistical and mathematical models is well documented and abundant in training material, so software produces strong drafts.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Writing reports or academic papers to communicate findings of climate-related studies
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: reports in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Write reports or academic papers to communicate findings of climate-related studies.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up study findings as reports or papers is drafting work software does well, with the expert checking the science.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Gathering and reviewing climate-related studies from government agencies
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: climate-related studies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Gathering and reviewing published studies from agencies and labs is document work with abundant material available online.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Reviewing existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: policies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Comparing existing policies and legislation against environmental effects is document analysis software does reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Researching policies, practices or procedures for climate or environmental management
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: policies, practices or procedures in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Researching published policies and procedures draws on abundant public material, which software searches and summarizes well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Analyzing and distilling climate-related research findings to inform legislators
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: climate-related research findings in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Distilling large volumes of published climate research into clear summaries is one of the strongest uses of current software.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Performing environmentally extended input-output, EE I-O) analyses
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: extended input-output, EE i-o) analyses in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Perform environmentally extended input-output (EE I-O) analyses.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Input-output analysis is a standard calculation run on published national datasets, which software does very well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Reviewing research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: research literature in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Review research literature to maintain knowledge on topics related to industrial ecology, such as physical science, technology, economy, and public policy.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 83 out of 100 (79–87 allowing for uncertainty): very high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Keeping up with published research is reading and summarizing, which software does quickly across far more material than a person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Analyzing data to determine validity
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: data in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Supplemental
Source: “Analyze data to determine validity, quality, and scientific significance and to interpret correlations between human activities and environmental effects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Testing data quality and finding links between human activity and environmental effects is statistical work software does reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Creating diagrams to communicate environmental remediation planning
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: diagrams in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Create diagrams to communicate environmental remediation planning, using geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD), or other mapping or diagramming software.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Producing mapping and design diagrams from project data is software work already, so drafts come out quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Creating environmental models or simulations
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: environmental models in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Create environmental models or simulations, using geographic information system (GIS) data and knowledge of particular ecosystems or ecological regions.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building models and simulations from mapping data is technical computer work with abundant reference material available.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental remediation projects
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: feasibility in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Conduct feasibility and cost-benefit studies for environmental remediation projects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Feasibility and cost-benefit studies follow set methods with project cost data, which software works through reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Creating complex and dynamic mathematical models of population
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: complex in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Create complex and dynamic mathematical models of population, community, or ecological systems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building mathematical models of populations and ecosystems is well-documented technical work software produces strong drafts of.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Recommending methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: methods in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Recommend methods to protect the environment or minimize environmental damage from industrial production practices.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Recommending protections against production damage draws on well-documented methods and regulations software can assemble.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: alternative energy investment scenarios in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Develop alternative energy investment scenarios to compare economic and environmental costs and benefits.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Building and comparing cost and benefit scenarios is modelling work software does quickly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting analyses to determine the maximum amount of work that can be accomplished for a given amount of energy in a system
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: analyses in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 2 · Supplemental
Source: “Conduct analyses to determine the maximum amount of work that can be accomplished for a given amount of energy in a system, such as industrial production systems and waste treatment systems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out the maximum useful work a system can deliver is a standard energy calculation with published methods software applies well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Evaluating the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Evaluate the effectiveness of industrial ecology programs, using statistical analysis and applications.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Evaluating program effectiveness with statistics is standard analysis software runs reliably on the program own data.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Examining local, regional or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: local, regional or global use and flow in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Examine local, regional, or global use and flow of materials or energy in industrial production processes.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Tracing material and energy flows through production is numerical analysis over documented data, well suited to software.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Examining societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: societal issues in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Examining how society, technology and the environment interact is analysis and writing built on published material.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying or comparing the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the component parts in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Identify or compare the component parts or relationships between the parts of industrial, social, and natural systems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Mapping the parts and relationships within industrial, social and natural systems is structured analysis software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: sustainable alternatives in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Identify sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste-management practices.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (71–79 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Finding sustainable alternatives to industrial or waste practices means searching well-documented options, a strong use of current software.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing the technical portions of legal documents
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the technical portions of legal documents in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Develop the technical portions of legal documents, administrative orders, or consent decrees.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Technical sections of orders and consent decrees follow set forms and known science, so software can produce a solid draft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Processing and reviewing environmental permits
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: environmental permits in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Process and review environmental permits, licenses, or related materials.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Permit paperwork is structured and repetitive, which is where software is strongest; a regulator still signs the final decision.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: permits in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Apply for permits required for the implementation of environmental remediation projects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (62–70 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Permit applications are structured forms built from project documents, which is repetitive work software does reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing existing environmental remediation designs
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: environmental remediation designs in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Review existing environmental remediation designs.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reviewing an existing design against documented standards is desk work software does well, with an engineer confirming.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying environmental mitigation alternatives, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, laws or regulations
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: environmental mitigation alternatives, ensuring compliance in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Identify environmental mitigation alternatives, ensuring compliance with applicable standards, laws, or regulations.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Matching mitigation options to the rules is a documented process software can work through.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis, MFA) or substance flow analysis, SFA) techniques
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: environmental sustainability assessments in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Conduct environmental sustainability assessments, using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) techniques.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 66 out of 100 (59–73 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Material and substance flow analysis follows published methods and runs on data, so much of it can be automated.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing or contributing to the development
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: the development in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Develop, or contribute to the development of, educational or outreach programs on the environment or climate change.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (57–71 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can build outreach and education material from documented content, though running programs with real audiences needs people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Communicating findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: findings of environmental studies in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Communicate findings of environmental studies or proposals for environmental remediation to other restoration professionals.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Writing up findings and remediation proposals for other professionals is document work software drafts well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues
shifting to AI
This is reading one thing and writing another: industrial managers in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Provide industrial managers with technical materials on environmental issues, regulatory guidelines, or compliance actions.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 64 out of 100 (60–68 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Preparing technical briefing material on regulations and compliance for managers is document work software drafts well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Determining data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at data collection methods, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Determine data collection methods to be employed in research projects or surveys.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Choosing data collection methods is well documented, though the right choice depends on site conditions only the researcher knows.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to climate change
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at grant applications, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Prepare grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to climate change, environmental management, or sustainability.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (54–62 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software gives a usable first draft of a grant application, but tailoring it to a particular funder priorities takes real editing.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies and planning software
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at environmental restoration projects, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Plan environmental restoration projects, using biological databases, environmental strategies, and planning software.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Restoration planning runs on databases and planning software already, so a good draft plan can be produced at a screen.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying short- and long-term impacts of environmental remediation activities
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at short-, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Identify short- and long-term impacts of environmental remediation activities.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out the short and long-term effects of remediation uses documented science and project data software can reason over.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Forecasting future status or condition of ecosystems
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at future status, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Forecast future status or condition of ecosystems, based on changing industrial practices or environmental conditions.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Forecasts can be modelled, but confidence in them depends on judgement about local conditions.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Applying new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at new or existing research, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Apply new or existing research about natural ecosystems to understand economic and industrial systems in the context of the environment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Applying ecosystem research to economic and industrial questions is reading and reasoning over published material.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Performing analyses to determine how human behavior can affect
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at analyses, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Perform analyses to determine how human behavior can affect, and be affected by, changes in the environment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Analyzing how people affect and respond to environmental change uses published social and environmental research software can work through.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing plans to manage renewable resources
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at plans, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Prepare plans to manage renewable resources.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can draft renewable resource plans from documented methods, though local conditions and users shape what actually works.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Writing grants to obtain funding for restoration projects
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at grants, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Write grants to obtain funding for restoration projects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (54–62 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software drafts a workable grant application, but shaping it around a specific funder history takes substantial human editing.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at advice, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Provide advice on proper standards and regulations or the development of policies, strategies, or codes of practice for environmental management.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Advice on standards and codes draws on well-documented rules software handles, though clients still want a named adviser behind it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Notifying regulatory or permitting agencies of deviations from implemented remediation plans
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at regulatory, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Notify regulatory or permitting agencies of deviations from implemented remediation plans.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Notifying agencies of deviations is standard written reporting, though a responsible professional puts their name to it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Preparing technical and researching reports
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at technical and researching reports, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Technical and impact reports are written outputs software drafts well, with the specialist checking figures before it goes out.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing and implementing environmental technical standards
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at environmental technical standards, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Review and implement environmental technical standards, guidelines, policies, and formal regulations that meet all appropriate requirements.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading standards and checking documents against them suits software, but actually putting rules into practice across an organization is human work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing natural resource management plans
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at natural resource management plans, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Develop natural resource management plans, using knowledge of environmental planning or state and federal environmental regulatory requirements.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can assemble a management plan from regulations and data, though local land and landowner realities shape the final version.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing environmental management or restoration plans for sites with power transmission lines
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at environmental management, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Develop environmental management or restoration plans for sites with power transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, fuel refineries, geothermal plants, wind farms, or solar farms.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Plans for pipelines, wind farms and similar sites follow known regulatory templates software can fill, with expert review of site details.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Redesigning linear or open-loop, systems into cyclical or closed-loop
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at linear, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Redesign linear, or open-loop, systems into cyclical, or closed-loop, systems so that waste products become inputs for new processes, modeling natural ecosystems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 50 out of 100 (43–57 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Redesigning production into closed loops needs deep knowledge of a specific plant equipment and economics, not just published theory.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Making legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at legislative recommendations, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Legislative recommendations can be drafted from published policy, but knowing what lawmakers will actually accept comes from human relationships.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Proposing new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at new or modified policies involving use of traditional, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 49 out of 100 (42–56 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can draft policy options from published evidence, though which ones are politically workable takes judgment from people in the room.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Evaluating violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at violations, but someone has to be answerable for the result, and it cannot be the software. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Supplemental
Source: “Evaluate violations or problems discovered during inspections to determine appropriate regulatory actions or to provide advice on the development and prosecution of regulatory cases.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Weighing up violations is documented decision-making, but the regulatory action itself is signed off by an accountable official.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring environmental impacts of development activities
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at environmental impacts of development activities, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Monitor environmental impacts of development activities.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Impact monitoring uses documented methods software can run, though someone still has to check the development site itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing programs designed to obtain the most productive
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at programs, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Develop programs designed to obtain the most productive, non-damaging use of land.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Land-use programs rest on documented planning principles software can apply, though landowners and communities need convincing by a person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at sources of pollution, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Research sources of pollution to determine their effects on the environment and to develop theories or methods of pollution abatement or control.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can review pollution research and suggest control methods, but working out what is happening at a specific place needs fieldwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at effects of pollution, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Monitor effects of pollution or land degradation and recommend means of prevention or control.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can spot pollution trends and suggest controls, though checking what is really happening on the ground still needs someone visiting.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing or directing studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at studies, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Design or direct studies to obtain technical environmental information about planned projects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can propose study designs, but choosing what will actually work for a specific planned project needs local knowledge.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing methods to minimize the impact of production processes on the environment
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at methods, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “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.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can suggest ways to cut a process impact, but assessing the actual plant and its surroundings needs a visit.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at sources of pollution, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Research sources of pollution to determine environmental impact or to develop methods of pollution abatement or control.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can review pollution sources and abatement literature, but pinning down a specific source needs sampling on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning or conducting studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at studies of the ecological implications of historic, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Plan or conduct studies of the ecological implications of historic or projected changes in industrial processes or development.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Studying ecological effects of industrial change is largely desk analysis, though the underlying observations come from the field.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring the environmental impact of development activities
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the environmental impact of development activities, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Monitor the environmental impact of development activities, pollution, or land degradation.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can track impact data and flag changes, though seeing what is happening on the ground still needs a visit.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Investigating the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the impact of changed land management, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Investigate the impact of changed land management or land use practices on ecosystems.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Assessing how land-use changes affect ecosystems is documented analysis, though the data behind it comes from the field.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Researching environmental effects of land and water use to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at environmental effects of land, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Research environmental effects of land and water use to determine methods of improving environmental conditions or increasing outputs, such as crop yields.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Research on land and water use effects is largely literature and data work, with field data gathered by others.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Translating the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at the theories of industrial ecology, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Translate the theories of industrial ecology into eco-industrial practices.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning industrial ecology theory into working practice depends on persuading a specific business to change how it operates.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Collecting synthesize, analyze, manage and reporting environmental data
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: synthesize, analyze, manage and reporting environmental data, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “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.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Analysis and reporting are strong for software; physically collecting soil and water samples is not.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Reviewing industrial practices
staying human
The ratings behind this row put industrial practices well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Review industrial practices, such as the methods and materials used in construction or production, to identify potential liabilities and environmental hazards.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reviewing construction and production methods for hazards is document work, but real liabilities often only show up on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Providing scientific or technical guidance
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles scientific and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Provide scientific or technical guidance, support, coordination, or oversight to governmental agencies, environmental programs, industry, or the public.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: AI can supply technical answers, though agencies and industry usually want a named expert they can question and hold responsible.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Developing and communicating recommendations for landowners to maintain or restore environmental conditions
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles recommendations and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Develop and communicate recommendations for landowners to maintain or restore environmental conditions.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 35 out of 100 (28–42 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Recommendations can be drafted quickly, but landowners act on advice from someone they know and trust.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Planning or supervising environmental studies to achieve compliance with environmental regulations in construction
staying human
The ratings behind this row put environmental studies well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Plan or supervise environmental studies to achieve compliance with environmental regulations in construction, modification, operation, acquisition, or divestiture of facilities such as power plants.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Planning compliance studies is document work, but supervising them at power plants and other facilities needs someone on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Carrying out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards
staying human
The rules require a named, qualified person to answer for environmental assessments, and that person cannot be a piece of software.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Carry out environmental assessments in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, or laws.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 32 out of 100 (25–39 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; someone qualified has to answer for it.
The rating behind it: Assessments must follow legal standards and carry an accountable professional name, and site conditions still need checking in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 2/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Communicating scientific or technical information to the public
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles scientific and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Communicate scientific or technical information to the public, organizations, or internal audiences through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, training sessions, or public hearings.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 30 out of 100 (23–37 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: AI drafts the briefings and written material well, but standing up at a public hearing or workshop still needs a person people can question.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: environmental impact studies, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Conduct environmental impact studies to examine the ecological effects of pollutants, disease, human activities, nature, and climate change.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Analysis and write-up can be drafted quickly, but the underlying evidence comes from surveys carried out in the field.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Investigating accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: accidents affecting the environment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 2 · Supplemental
Source: “Investigate accidents affecting the environment to assess ecological impact.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Investigating an environmental accident needs someone at the scene assessing damage before any analysis can start.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Developing or testing protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: protocols, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Develop or test protocols to monitor ecosystem components and ecological processes.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Designing monitoring protocols is documented, but testing them means going out and trying them in the field.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Presenting and defending proposals for climate change research projects
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles proposals and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Present and defend proposals for climate change research projects.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 24 out of 100 (20–28 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Defending a research proposal means answering hard questions live from reviewers who are judging you as well as the plan.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting applied research on environmental topics
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: applied research, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Conduct applied research on environmental topics, such as waste control or treatment or pollution abatement methods.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Applied research on treatment and abatement methods needs experiments run with real equipment and materials.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Presenting climate-related information at public interest
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: climate-related information, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Software prepares the slides and the content; standing in front of a public meeting and answering questions is a person job.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Conducting environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: environmental audits, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Conduct environmental audits or inspections or investigations of violations.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Audits and inspections mean going to the site and seeing conditions first-hand, which software cannot do for you.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Investigating and reporting on accidents affecting the environment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: accidents affecting the environment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Supplemental
Source: “Investigate and report on accidents affecting the environment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 19 out of 100 (12–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Accident investigations depend on seeing the damage and talking to people at the scene before any report can be written.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Promoting use of environmental management systems
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles use of environmental management systems and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Promote use of environmental management systems (EMS) to reduce waste or to improve environmentally sound use of natural resources.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 18 out of 100 (14–22 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Getting a business to adopt an environmental management system depends on persuading managers over time.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Investigating the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the adaptability of various animal, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 2 · Supplemental
Source: “Investigate the adaptability of various animal and plant species to changed environmental conditions.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (9–23 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Studying how species adapt to changing conditions means observing and testing real plants and animals.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: applied research, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Supplemental
Source: “Conduct applied research on the effects of industrial processes on the protection, restoration, inventory, monitoring, or reintroduction of species to the natural environment.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 16 out of 100 (12–20 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Applied research on species and habitats means fieldwork with real populations, which cannot be done at a screen.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supervising or training students, environmental technologists, technicians or other related staff
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles students, environmental technologists, technicians or other related staff and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Supervise or train students, environmental technologists, technicians, or other related staff.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training technicians and students depends on watching people work and building their confidence, which needs a person alongside them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Promoting initiatives to mitigate climate change with government or environmental groups
staying human
The value here is that a specific person handles initiatives and stands behind it. That is earned, not computed.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Promote initiatives to mitigate climate change with government or environmental groups.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 13 out of 100 (9–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Promoting initiatives with government and campaign groups works through long-term relationships and trust between named people.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Supervising and providing technical guidance
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: technical guidance, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Supervise and provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to employees working in the field to restore habitats.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 9 out of 100 (5–13 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Guiding field crews restoring habitat depends on being there with them and building their trust over time.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 3/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Planning or conducting field research on topics
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: field research, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 3 · Core
Source: “Plan or conduct field research on topics such as industrial production, industrial ecology, population ecology, and environmental production or sustainability.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Field research means being outdoors gathering data, whatever the planning that goes on beforehand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Conducting scientific protection, mitigation or restoration projects to prevent resource damage
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: scientific protection, mitigation or restoration projects, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 2 · Supplemental
Source: “Conduct scientific protection, mitigation, or restoration projects to prevent resource damage, maintain the integrity of critical habitats, and minimize the impact of human activities.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (4–12 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Restoration and mitigation projects are carried out outdoors on real habitats by people doing physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Inspecting active remediation sites to ensure compliance with environmental or safety policies
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: active remediation sites, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 4 · Core
Source: “Inspect active remediation sites to ensure compliance with environmental or safety policies, standards, or regulations.” (O*NET task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (3–11 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking an active remediation site for compliance means being there to see what the crew is actually doing.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: $82,220a year, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.bls-oews, 2025 · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
How we know this
Source: bls-oews
Reference period: May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)
Rounding: Shown as published.
People doing this job: 89,250in the US, 2025.bls-oews · May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx)

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: analytical support in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: providing analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy and developing environmental restoration project schedules and budgets. What it cannot do is be answerable: site assessments need a named person the rules will accept, and software cannot be that person. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Your week is splitting in two, and which half fills it is the whole question. Providing analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy is going; conducting site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs is not.

So, given all that: 40% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 34% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 26% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 97 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

The occupation is an average and you are not, so the first job below is finding out where your own week actually sits.

This week: one thing

Print the task ledger above and put your own hours next to each row. Roughly, in pen, in one sitting. Then look at which group your hours actually pile up in. Twenty minutes, this week.

What you end up holding: your own week, on one page, sorted into what is shifting and what is not
How long it takes: about twenty minutes

If printing it isn’t practical: Read the rows off this page and write the same list on the back of an envelope. Same twenty minutes, same page, and it works just as well said out loud to someone who knows the job. The point is your hours next to the rows, not the paper it is on.

Over the next 90 days

Volunteer toward the durable end, visibly. Over the next ninety days put your hand up for the work in the bottom group (conducting site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs) and let people see you doing it. Not a new project: the same job, with your mix deliberately tilted. The point is that when the rota or the reorganisation comes, the version of you people picture is the one doing the part that stays.

Over the next 12 months

Claim a specialism at the durable end and let the other end go. Over a year, deliberately become the person who handles conducting site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs, and deliberately stop being the first choice for the rows in the top group. That trade costs something, because the exposed work is often the comfortable work. Decide it on purpose rather than by drift. Before you pay for anything, use CareerOneStop - Find local training. It is free, it is the Labor Department's own service, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest US occupations to environmental scientists and specialists, including health (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was civil engineers: only about 4% of its durable work is work you already do. Your own job splits about 40/60: that share of the list sits in the top exposure band and the rest does not. On this evidence the honest move is inside the job rather than out of it. Become the person who owns “provide technical direction on environmental planning to energy engineers, biologists, geologists, or…”, and let the exposed end go.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 830 US occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

Civil Engineers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings, and their equivalent is to present data, maps, or other information at construction-related public hearings or meetings. Across both published task lists that is about 4% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 4% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Environmental Engineers
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already review existing environmental remediation designs, and their equivalent is to provide technical support for environmental remediation or litigation projects. Across both published task lists that is about 3% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 3% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Managers, All Other
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour on the work AI is not taking: you already inspect active remediation sites to ensure compliance with environmental or safety policies, standards…, and their equivalent is to coordinate on-site activities for environmental cleanup or remediation projects to ensure compliance with…. Across both published task lists that is about 2% of the durable work in that job.
Why I am not recommending it: Almost none of it is work you already do: about 2% of the durable side of that job. That is a different job, not a next step.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 40% of its task weight, across 97 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The whole-job doom story
Nothing on this page says this job ends. It says the mix inside it moves. Half the rows above are unchanged or changing shape, and the plan is about which half your week sits in. That is a very different problem, and a solvable one.
Panic-buying a course
Do the twenty-minute sorting exercise first. Most people who buy a course before they have done it buy the wrong one, and the free services listed below will tell you the same thing without charging for it.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United States figures

The United Kingdom splits this work across more than one official group, of which Conservation professionals is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United Kingdom page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

Environment professionals

In UK official statistics this job is counted as Conservation professionals and Environment professionals. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop - Find local training
Search what's running near you, from the Labor Department's own database, before anyone sells you a course.
Free to search; individual programs vary, and some are funded
Anywhere in the US:
American Job Center locator
An American Job Center will sit down with you for free. Find yours by ZIP code.
Free
- CareerOneStop local help hub
Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop - Licensed occupations finder
Check what your state actually requires before you pay for anything.
Free
Anywhere in the US:
CareerOneStop
Free

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for environmental scientists / specialists / including health, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 40% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for environmental scientists / specialists / including health. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for environmental scientists / specialists / including health launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for environmental scientists / specialists / including health yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for environmental scientists / specialists / including health existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for environmental scientists / specialists / including health launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 97 official task statements scored for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (United States, SOC 19-2041), 40% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 53 out of 100 (range 48–59, band: partial). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Prepare charts or graphs from data samples, providing summary information on the environmental relevance of the data” (93/100, very high); “Build and maintain databases of information about energy alternatives, pollutants, natural environments, industrial processes, and other information related…” (93/100, very high); “Plan or develop research models, using knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts” (83/100, very high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health” stay human?: About 26% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Conduct site assessments to certify a habitat or to ascertain environmental damage or restoration needs” (6/100, minimal); “Inspect active remediation sites to ensure compliance with environmental or safety policies, standards, or regulations” (7/100, minimal); “Conduct scientific protection, mitigation, or restoration projects to prevent resource damage, maintain the integrity of critical habitats, and minimize the…” (8/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 40% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 26% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health calculated?: Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 97 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
10 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: onet-dbProcessing: catalogue-bridge → onet-im-rt-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: onet-db (im-rt)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment: bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))bls-oews (May 2025 estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

How we score a job Download this release Look up another job

Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.