How to become an Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists measure and record features of the environment and study, assess and develop methods of controlling or minimising the harmful effects of human activity on the environment.
Personal requirements for an Environmental Scientist
- A logical approach to problem-solving
- Aptitude for technical tasks
- Good communication skills
- Able to work as a part of a team
Education & Training for an Environmental Scientist
To become an environmental scientist you usually have to complete a degree in environmental science, science or applied science with a major in environmental science, natural resource management, geography, marine science or a related field. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and environmental science are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.
Duties & Tasks of an Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists:
- Plan and conduct research into the physical and biological nature of the environment
- Undertake laboratory work
- Monitor the environmental impacts of development activities
- Conduct research and prepare proposals to minimise the impact of industrial, agricultural and urban processes on the environment
- Develop conservation plans
- Investigate and report on breaches of environmental guidelines
- Run community education programs
- Assist with environmental emergencies, such as chemical spills and accidents
- Analyse pollutants, identify their sources and assess their effects on the environment
- Monitor the effects of pollution and land degradation, and recommend ways of prevention and control
- Rehabilitate land, water and air affected by mining, logging, construction, degradation or pollution
- Research matters of immediate and long-term importance to governments and communities, such as the impact of land clearing on native animals and the impact of waste products on waterways
- Negotiate with, and provide advice to, industry, government and the public on environmental matters, such as the management, re-use or disposal of hazardous materials
- Assist with the development of environmental policies, strategies and codes of practice
- Conduct environmental audits.
Tasks
- Studies effects of factors, such as terrain, altitude, climatic and environmental change, sources of nutrition, predators and impacts of humans, on animal and plant life.
- Studies and analyses pollution, atmospheric conditions, demographic characteristics, ecology, mineral, soil and water samples.
- Develops conservation and management policies for biological resources, such as fish populations and forests, as well as establishing standards and approaches for control of pollution and rehabilitation of areas disturbed by activities such as mining, timber felling and overgrazing.
Working conditions for an Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists usually work with a range of other professional and technical staff. The amount of indoor and outdoor work they do depends on the individual job.
Employment Opportunities for an Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists may be employed by federal, state and territory government departments; statutory authorities; and local councils. They may also find employment with engineering and environmental consultants or in areas such as the minerals and energy industries or climate change research. In recent years, national landcare initiatives have led to the creation of new positions for environmental scientists within state and territory agriculture departments. There are also opportunities for self-employment as consultants, as well as in secondary and tertiary teaching. Some employers have indicated a preference for environmental scientists who have at least four years of training.
Specializations
Environmental Officer
An environmental officer ensures that businesses and organisations pursue sound management practices that support plant and animal life.
Ecologist
An ecologist studies the relationship between the environment and the organisms and actions that affect and are affected by it, including animal and plant life, weather patterns and human activity such as agriculture, urban development and pollution.
Ecologist
An ecologist studies the relationship between the environment and the organisms and actions that affect and are affected by it, including animal and plant life, weather patterns and human activity such as agriculture, urban development and pollution.
Environmental Officer
An environmental officer ensures that businesses and organisations pursue sound management practices that support plant and animal life.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists measure and record features of the environment and study, assess and develop methods of controlling or minimising the harmful effects of human activity on the environment.
Average age
40
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
49% female
Average full-time
42 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,841
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
78%
Employment Size
29,500
Employment by state
ACT: 2.6%
NSW: 31.0%
NT: 2.1%
QLD: 21.8%
SA: 7.3%
TAS: 2.7%
VIC: 16.0%
WA: 16.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.1%
20-24: 3.8%
25-34: 32.7%
35-44: 35%
45-54: 17.2%
55-59: 5.6%
60-64: 3.4%
65 and Over: 2.1%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 2.5%
Bachelor degree: 54.6%
Certificate III/IV: 1.5%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 39.3%
Year 10 and below: 0.3%
Year 11: 0.1%
Year 12: 1.8%
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