While tasks do vary significantly from job to job, the scope of an environmental scientist job is listed below:
Develop research methods and systems that are best fit for the chemicals and environment that are being researched
Use observations, samples, and specimens to collect data
Review current scientific literature on an ongoing basis to stay abreast of developments in the field
Record and store observations, samples and specimens in the lab and in fieldwork
Develop systems to better analyze data
Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders through a variety of media channels
Communicate with senior scientists and administrators through formal and informal reports