environmental videos

When a crisis occurs, whether an act of war or terrorism, a technological emergency such as a nuclear power plant accident or hazardous waste spill, or a natural disaster, someone has to coordinate the response. Emergency Management Specialists work for law enforcement agencies, the military, local, state or the federal government and for private industry, to imagine the worst—and plan for it. When times are good, these specialists prepare emergency plans, provide training, develop warning systems, and run drills view more

Pollution is a major problem in today’s world. But we can breathe a little easier if Environmental Engineering Technicians are on the job. Working with environmental engineers and scientists, these technicians test the air, water and soil for pollution. This involves setting up and monitoring sophisticated equipment. If findings indicate that pollution levels need to be further investigated, these technicians become environmental detectives view more

Just about everything we do has an impact on the environment. Measuring that impact is the job of environmental engineers. They apply their engineering skills to assess the effect of projected or actual human activity from the use of off-road recreational vehicles…to housing developments. They also work to manage natural resources, and control pollution. They are also involved in recycling, waste disposal and public health issues view more

There is a price any society pays for progress. Often, that price is measured in damage to our environment or the public health. Environmental Scientists and Specialists, including health specialists, try to stop the damage. These specialists investigate what’s causing the pollution or health hazard. They may perform laboratory and field tests to monitor environmental resources and determine the contaminants and sources of pollution view more

Most of us take the safety of the food we eat—and its availability--for granted. Yet many visitors to America marvel at the variety and abundance on display in our grocery stores. Making sure that the food supply is steady and safe is the work of agriculture and food scientists. They are involved in just about every aspect of America’s diet. From the farm…to the processing plant…to the packagers…to the table, scientists work to make what’s good even better view more

The first century of the Industrial Revolution left a legacy of hazardous waste that government and environmental experts are trying to clean up. Hazardous Materials and Waste Technicians are at the forefront of this effort. Some hazardous waste technicians work on-site; others, in a hazardous materials center, called a “hazmat facility.” There, they perform a variety of tasks including transportation, treatment and storage of hazardous wastes view more

Water is one of our most precious resources. Hydrologists help protect that resource. Hydro means water. Ologist means one who studies. So Hydrologists are scientists who study the water in our environment. They use sophisticated techniques and equipment to monitor changes in water cycles. They study precipitation, its movements through the earth, and its return to the ocean and the atmosphere view more

Many jobs carry an element of risk. Through the years, however, the United States has tried to make even the most dangerous places to work as safe as possible. Industrial Safety and Health Engineers are responsible for making sure workplaces meet the requirements of laws designed to protect people. They promote worksite or product safety and health by applying knowledge of industrial processes, as well as mechanical, chemical and psychological principles view more

Also called risk managers, their job is to keep workplaces as accident-free as possible. They do this by looking for safer, healthier and more efficient ways of working. Health and safety specialists analyze work environments to identify potential hazards. They use experience, historical data and other sources to identify patterns of injury or illness. These specialists may conduct inspections to make sure companies comply with laws governing worker health and safety view more

The world’s demand for oil and natural gas is unceasing. To find new supplies of these vital resources, we depend on petroleum engineers. They search the world for reservoirs containing oil or natural gas, and work with geologists and other specialists to extract it. This is not a simple matter of plunging a drill into the ground. First, the team develops a map of the underground, and devises a drilling method, designing equipment and processes for that particular target—whether it be under a mountain, under a desert, or under the ocean view more

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it -- and soil scientists do. They study the properties of soil -- all types of soil -- to help agriculture and other industries use it effectively. Soil scientists split their time between farms and agricultural research stations where they survey and collect soil samples…and laboratories where they use specialized equipment to analyze those samples view more

Water, water, everywhere: but it is safe to use? Water & Waste Treatment Plant Operators treat water so it's safe to drink, while Waste Treatment Plant Operators remove pollutants and other harmful materials from wastewater, making it safe to return to the environment. Water and Waste Treatment Plant Operators read gauges and meters and use computers to make sure that the equipment is operating properly view more